Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
Gretsch used several different serial number schemes through the years. Each of them
can be used to accurately pinpoint the age of a guitar, if you have the correct
information.
Note that when attempting to data a guitar by features that the specs may have been
altered. Bridges, tailpieces, pickguards and other pieces have often been changed over
the years.
From the beginning of guitar production until 1966, Gretsch guitars were sequentially
numbered and can be used to reliably date the guitar. However, it is important to note
several key points:
1/. Gretsch annual changes corresponded to model years, like automakers, not
necessarily calendar year. Just as a '57 Chevy may have been built in late '56 to hit the
showrooms in the fall, a '57 6120 may have been constructed in '56. Nevertheless, if it
has all the typical '57 features, it is not considered a '56 model.
2/. Gretsch guitars were built in batches, typically of 100, but sometimes 50. Guitars
typically did not change much within a batch -- with some exceptions -- but they often
changed from batch to batch. So two examples from the same year could have different
features, depending on which batch they came from. See Charting the Changes.
3/. Numbers restarted after World War II, which can lead to considerable confusion on
very old Gretsches. If it has a "light bulb" headstock, it's probably pre-war.
4/. The numbers here are generally considered the most accurate numbers publicly
available at the time. However, research has indicated that they could be substantially
off. If you have questions, ask on the forum. One of our resident Gretsch-sperts will be
able to help.
Gretsch began numbering guitars sequentially, probably in 1939 but possibly earlier.
Originally, the number was just written inside the guitar in pencil These pencilled-in
numbers often fade and become illegible, or even disappear.
After World War II, some guitars had a serial number embossed on the head, but
reliable numbers didn't really appear until the advent of the first labels, around 1949.
Hollowbody labels should be visible through the f-hole, while solidbody labels are
usually inside the control cavity.
The serial number will probably be printed in red, and the model number written in blue
or black. The label has a fairly ornate border around it, but the "Gretsch" is usually
printed in a plain font. However, some have "Gretsch" printed as the familiar logo.
The serial number will probably be printed in red, and the model number written in blue
or black. The label has a fairly ornate border around it, but the "Gretsch" is usually
printed in a plain font. However, some have "Gretsch" printed as the familiar logo.
Beginning in about 1957 a new label was introduced, which lasted until about 1965. On
this one, "The Fred Gretsch Mfg. Co." was printed in black on an orange shape that
vaguely resembles a musical note. This was superimposed on a gray over white label.
On the white part, the serial number is printed, and the model number should be
handwritten. This label should be on all guitars after number 25000.
This would be a good time to note that some models, particularly 1962 -'65 models, had
the serial number embossed on the headstock in lieu of a label.
Beginning in 1965, the model number was printed either on top or on the back of the
headstock or engraved in the metal model plate on the headstock, and no label was
fitted.
In the late '60s the labels returned on most models. For a brief period rarely found labels
were used that look like the second-generation labels, except "That Great Gretsch
Sound" is printed across the bottom.
Finally, sometime around 1972 a plain black and white label was introduced. With
"Gretsch Guitars" in a logo-type font across the top. These labels list model and serial
numbers and along the bottom reads "Made in U.S.A."