Gretsch 3155 Streamliner

MODEL NAME Streamliner with Bigsby G3155
MODEL NUMBER 250-0202-(Color#)
SERIES Historic Series
COLORS (515) Cherry Red, (G3155), (Note: more of an orange than a cherry, if you're thinking of Gibson's definition of cherry, that is)
(Polyurethane Finish)
CATEGORY Hollow Body Guitars
BODY STYLE Single Cutaway Jumbo
SCALE LENGTH 24.562"
TOP Laminated Maple
BRACING Parallel Tone-Bar
BACK AND SIDES Laminated Maple Body, 16" Wide, 2.62" Deep
NECK Maple
PICKUPS 2 DynaSonicTM Single-Coil Pickups
PICKUP SWITCHING 3-Position Toggle:
Position 1. Bridge Pickup
Position 2. Bridge and Neck Pickups
Position 3. Neck Pickup
CONTROLS Volume 1. (Neck Pickup),
Volume 2. (Bridge Pickup),
Master Tone
WIDTH AT NUT 1-11/16" (43mm)
FRETBOARD Rosewood
BRIDGE Adjusto-MaticTM Bridge
TAILPIECE Bigsby? Licensed Vibrato Tailpiece
HARDWARE Gold-Plated
FINISH Gloss Urethane
CASE Optional G3174 Gig Bag, US MSRP $100.00
NO. OF FRETS 20 Extra Broad Frets
MACHINE HEADS Deluxe Gold-Plated Die-cast Tuners
UNIQUE FEATURES Neo-Classical "Thumbnail" Inlay Position Markers,
Black Headstock Overlay,
Bound Fingerboard,
Double Bound Body,
Dark Tortoise Shell Pickguard,
Bound Teardrop Sound-Holes,
Straplocks,
Adjustable Truss Rod

I play alot of Rockabilly, Surf, Blues, Country, and punked-out versions of all of the above, and the Streamliner suits me just fine. Thus far, I've played it through my Carvin X-100B into my Avatar 212 cab(with Eminence M12 speakers), but I've also played it through a friend's Marshall JCM2000 and a Vox Valvetronix Combo. The only effects I've used are my Ibanez Tubescreamer and My Daelectro Slap Echo.

The bridge pickup is nice and twangy and bright, and is great for that Social Distortion type of rock sound, as well as some Surfier stuff (think Shadowy Men on a Shadowy Planet - or, if you'd never heard of them, think 'Kids in the Hall' theme music). The neck is somewhat on the boomy side, but not too much so - and makes for some nice jazzy tones. Right in the middle is very warm and versatile, and is usually where I play Rockabilly and Blues.

I love the Bigsby, and it loves me. Stays in tune nicely. I like having all the control knobs near the bridge as opposed to, say, a 6120 Nashville with some switches here, a volume on the horn, etc.

Straight out of the box, the setup wasn't bad at all. I did some scrutinizing, and didn't come across any flaws - on the contrary - it seemed very well put together for a Korean guitar. The action was a bit high in the upper register - which was an easy fix. The strings it came with I didn't care for either - another easy fix (subbed out some D'Addario 11's with an unwound 3rd and we were rockin' agin in no time).

i have no doubt this guitar will stand up to some gigging. which seem a little flimsy. I don't see the finish wearing off anytime soon, but I love the cherry-orange gloss - it' awesome. The only thing that seems like it won't last hardware-wise is the straplocks, but the rest of the guitar seems very well put-together. Even so, I don't care what kind of guitar it is - I never gig witht a backup.

Haven't had to deal with Gretsch/Fender yet.

I've been playing for 17 years, I also use a Fender Strat, a Fender Jaguar, and in the past have owned and played a Hamer Studio, an Epiphone 335/Dot, and a few pointy-shred-can-opener axe type guitars (the only remotely comparable one being the Dot, which can't even compare, tone-wise). If it were stolen, I'd rush out to find another one (since I hear they're being discontinued), the once I found one I'd seek out and punish the fool who dared steal my Gretsch (oh yeah...he'd pay dearly!) I love the tone, the tremolo, the neck - the whole package. Before I ever plugged it in I was blown away by the tone and playability of this guitar. I know I'll get flamed for his, but I've played it against Gretsch Setzer Hotrods and Anniversaries, and the Streamliner came out on top. Find one of these tone-monsters and snatch 'em up - QUICK!

Made in Savannah, GA, 31402, USA.

It features DynaSonic single-coil pickups, an extra-thin cutaway body for playing comfort and access to the upper frets, unique cat's eye soundholes and chrome-plated hardware. It still plays as smooth and fast as it did nearly 50 years ago.

MODEL NAME Streamliner G Special
SERIES Historic Series (Same one as Joe Perry's - Aerosmith)
COLORS Special Sparkle Silver Polyurethane Finish)
CATEGORY Hollow Body Guitars
BODY STYLE Single Cutaway Jumbo
SCALE LENGTH 24.562"
TOP Laminated Maple
BRACING Parallel Tone-Bar
BACK AND SIDES Laminated Maple Body, 16" Wide, 2.62" Deep
NECK Maple
PICKUPS 2 DynaSonicTM Single-Coil Pickups
PICKUP SWITCHING 3-Position Toggle:
Position 1. Bridge Pickup
Position 2. Bridge and Neck Pickups
Position 3. Neck Pickup
CONTROLS Volume 1. (Neck Pickup),
Volume 2. (Bridge Pickup),
Master Tone
WIDTH AT NUT 1-11/16" (43mm)
FRETBOARD Rosewood
BRIDGE Adjusto-Matic with "G" Tail-piece
HARDWARE Chrome-Plated
FINISH Gloss Urethane
CASE Optional G3174 Gig Bag,
NO. OF FRETS 20 Extra Broad Frets
MACHINE HEADS Deluxe Chrome-Plated Die-cast Tuners
UNIQUE FEATURES Neo-Classical "Thumbnail" Inlay Position Markers,
Black Headstock Overlay,
Bound Fingerboard,
Bound Body,
Black Pickguard,
Bound Teardrop Sound-Holes,
Straplocks,
Adjustable Truss Rod


When you judge a guitar for features you must understand what it was intended for. It's like comparing a mini van with a sports Car.

I play most styles suited for this guitar includig Jazz, Rock, Blues etc. The thing I love about this guitar is that the sound is Rich and Full. A unique "Gretsch" Sound that can not be replicated by a Dot 335.

I've own/owned Several Fender Strats (Inc. ones with Vintage and Lance Sensor Pick-ups), Gibson Les Paul Gold Top & Custom, Gibson 335, Music Man, Broadway to name a few.

One of the earliest of the electric guitars and still one of the best! This classic guitar was first introduced in 1951 and made throughout the '60s. Now it returns, a replica true to the vintage original in every detail.

Not sure if was set up in the factory or whether it was because I bought it from a guitar shop who set it up but It's one of the fastest set-up I have ever played in my 18 years of playing.

The finish on the one I have is very unique. It has a Silver sparket like finish that is just amazing. So many people have commented over the colour and finish. No wonder Joe Perry is using this one stage under lights!

The most solid feeling hollow body I have every played. It feels rock SOLID! But that what most good guitars are like these days. Just check out a Gibson LP.

I haven't dealt with the company as yet but looking at the growing number of pros playing this guitar over the world is a good indication of how much support you'll get.

I've been playing for over 18 years and come across many makes and models but I must admit why so many pros seek Gretsch. Unique character and risk sound that can not me mistaken for a Dot or other hollow bodies.

2000, Orange, No Tremolo, Guitar looks absolutely great - though it is heavy for a semi-hollowbody.

I was really disappointed with the sound of this guitar. The pick-ups are crap. Neck position is very muddy and the bridge is harsh. Add the two on the middle position and surprise - you get a harsh muddy combo sound. There is little warmth to the sound. There is no comparison to my Fenders. Both clean and distorted - my Tele and Strat blow this away. I'm not going to bother replacing the pick-ups or anything like that - I got a deal on the guitar so I should be able to get my money back. Until then, it's collecting dust.

Poorly built. Frets are too high, action is too high, loose controls. The guitar doesn't feel like other $1000 guitars. I've had some tuning problems with it as well.

It seems heavy and solid. I think it would withstand some abuse.

Never dealt with them

2000 Gretsch Streamliner - White - Assembled in Korea - Bigsby & all-gold hardware - DeArmond-style single coil pickups - single cutaway w/ Cat's eye sound holes - tough as nails - exactly what I was looking for in a road Gretsch.

This guitar is very well constructed, using stronger materials than most vintage Gretsches I have ever played or owned (and that's more than a few). It did have a few wiring problems although they were easily rectified.

I was unhappy with the electronics (already having a vintage Gretsch) so I put a master volume in the horn, removed the tone knob (not switch!), installed a new jack (as the stock one was junk), put the pickup switch in the top hole of the three under the Bigsby and the bottom two are now volumes. What a difference! The pots are ok - a little microphonic (right from the factory?!) and I had to use some emory cloth on the bridge to keep the saddles from cutting the strings. It likes to stay in tune, even with the Bigsby but so does my '63.

One really nice thing about this model is how the volume knobs were situated in a tight triangle as opposed to the 6120's, which have one volume knob almost right under the Bigsby. I think it looks bad and it is much less accesible. I was really happy with the fact I didn't have to fill one hole and drill another.

The sustain also is improved due to the bridge being mounted in the wood under the pickups instead of using a floating bridge. This is quite an improvement in a live situation where bridges get moved when changing strings or just playing hard. And a tuneomatice bridge - hell, I was going to put one in anyway - thanks Gretsch!

Full tone - not as twangy as my 1963 Double Anniversary but that has a 4 mm top and this has a 6 mm top. Excellent construction - maybe 2 or 3 pounds heavier than my '63 but immediately after purchasing it I took it completely apart and found a solid piece of wood running under the pickups that gives this instrument strength and sustain.

I use it with a Fender Hotrod Deluxe (I returned the Deville I purchased as it was too damn loud ;) I use this for rockabilly, psychobilly, blues and a little country strumming. As I mentioned I bought it for roadwork as I didn't want to damage my '63 and it has stood up admirable, no uncontrollable feedback, great full Gretsch tones. I played it against a Duane Eddy, a 6120, a couple of Gibsons, Epiphones and Guilds and nothing even came close. The neck is fast, wider than my '63 but easier to play, especially past the 12th fret. They did a wicked job on this guitar and the others I've played (in stores) have all lived up to my (high) expectations.

The back and neck have great finishes (a metallic olive colour) - the finish is very strong and even though I wear belt buckles on-stage there are only minor scratches on the clear-coat. The frets are great and as I mentioned the neck is beautiful - probably the best neck I have ever owned. The action is lierally divine, the pickups have beautiful tone (I have a re-issue Filtertron and a T.V. Jones pulled right out of one of Setzer's personal Hotrods and installed into my '63 in the neck position and this Streamliner stands up). Then again I really like single-coil pickups for that Duane Eddy twang.

I hated the white colour (sorry guys) so I immediately had it custom painted as a tiki god (www.bigjohnbates.com - check out the gear page to see what a beauty it is now) but I left the back and neck as they simply couldn't get better for me.

Tuff tuff tuff! It takes the abuse of playing live and touring and that is what it is for. I am recording some songs on our new album with it as the clean sound is very toneful - just gorgeous. For dirty I prefer the Filtertrons. The hardware seems fine, strap buttons are excellent - I have depended on this guitar live without a backup - I worry more about busting strings than anything else (but I bring a soldering iron just in case!)

Last time I checked Grestch didn't have any lines of communication from their website which I find extremely annoying. Maybe they're just putting the money into the instruments. Or maybe they can't be bothered. Long and McQuade (a Canadian music store chain) is usually very good about supporting the instruments they sell so I'll split the difference.

I would quickly replace this guitar if anything happened to it - every one of them seems to be a fine instrument. I think the vintage Gretsches (especially those with thinner tops) have more individual sounds and personalities then the new ones but for a completely solid sound in many different live conditions, reliability and road-worthiness, leave those irreplaceable darlings at home and take out the workhorse.

Manufactured in 2000, bought new in 2001, made in Korea. 22 medium frets. Laminated maple top. 2-volume 1-tone control with brass logo knobs and 3 way pickup selector switch. 2 - single coil Gretsch Dynasonic pickups. Rock maple neck neck with rosewood fingerboard and half moon style fret markers. Laminated maple single cutaway hollow body with high gloss transparent red finish and white binding. "Cats eye" sound holes. Bigsby trem. Mini Grover style tuners. Gretsch screw in type strap buttons. Nice fat neck with flat fingerboard, perfect for those of us with big hands. Hardshell Gretsch locking case.

I got this guitar mainly for rockabilly and country purposes and this guitar in perfect for those styles. The single coil pups have nice twang at the bridge, good rythm in the middle position and very jazzy tones at the neck. I am playing it through a Fender DeVille 410 and a '62 Princeton and it sounds great through both. When I need a little dirt I add my Crowther Hotcake overdrive or my RAT into the mix, no feedback problems at all yet. it has some pickup hum but this is to be expected from a single coil guitar. This guitar is suprisingly very versatile, it could easily be used for just about any style of music other than metal.

While looking at this guitar I also looked at many other Gretsch models, DeArmonds, Guilds, and Gibsons. This guitar was set-up perfectly and easily blew all of the of he other guitars away from a playability standpoint, even the higher end Gretsches and vintage Gibsons. Action is nice and low and she even seems to stay in tune when I use the Bigsby. The finish is beautiful and perfect. This is one area where I feel that Gretsch relly does there job. The fingerboard and fretwork are simply amazing, some of the best work that I have ever seen. My only complaints are that the gold plating on the hardware is obviously thin and will wear off quickly and the plastic nut seems pretty cheesy for a guitar with a MSRP of $1800. To really make this guitar worth that price tag I would recommend that Gretsch use a bone or simulated bone nut and if they can not get better gold plating on there hardware then just stick with chrome.

I have no reason to believe that this guitar will not be reliable for gigging purposes. Hardware seems solid and quiet although the gold plating will be gone in no time as I noted above. However the red finish and binding both seem very solid and I would expect them to wear well. The Gretsch strap buttons are very solid and in my opinion are the best on the market. I personally would never gig without a backup, that is not a knock on this guitar, it is just my understanding of Murphy's law and my personal luck.

I have not had to deal with this yet. Hopefully I will not have to.

I have been playing guitar for about 13 years now, I own several Fenders, a couple Gibsons, A Danelectro, and I have owned several Japaneese manufactured guitars over the years. I did a lot of research and comparison before buying this guitar and this is by far the best one that I looked at, even beating out high end Gretsch, Guild and Gibson models. If it were lost or stolen I would replace it with the same immediately. In my opinion this is the best sounding and playing hollowbody currently in production. If Gretsch would just use a better nut and higher quality gold plating it would be a perfect guitar right out of the box.

this is the gretsch streamliner aka 3155. this one is in cherry red, I love the white but it was not availible and I was ready so I took the cherry, no complaints this has the bigsby and the dynasonic pickups. neck is wide and fat. but not too much. finish is see though cherry to the grain. this also has the switch on the lower bout. it has a tone and two volumes. tuners are really different from any I have seen, they are like mini grovers w/ round heads sort of old fashioned in a very nice way. they work really well. it came in a case which did not cost extra. muscians friend is calling this case a gigbag but is a case. it isnt that well made but it will protect the guitar from all those minor things. it is almost as well made as a gibson case but not as well as fender hardcases for strats.

this is by far one of the best sounding hollowbodys I have heard. it really is usable in all three positions. these dynasonics really do sound good. I might want another but I doubt I will need another hollowbody as I also have the excellent yamaha.

srrings were very high and I let down the brige to a more playable hight. it seems to have ten's or eleven strings on it now. and I am wondering since I am as low as I can go if I will have to do then neck ajustment if I change gages. the strings are now down on the rear pickup as low as they can go. I wonder if the nut is the answer here?this is my only concern but it is a valid one.becasue I don't need them on the frtboard just playable. also the wires inside are visable do to the tape they use coming loose already. watch it gretsch. 1800.00 retail is an awful lot of cabbage not to do your best.

this guitar seems as well made as any I have seen but of course all that gold on it is just going to fade. its has so many pluses like the strap buttons and I just wish the action had a bity on give to it. I may get the nut worked on. however the guitar over all seems to be done really well. I did have a gold sparklejet one of the expensive ones and this one sounds much better to my ears.

no warrenty no card the case it shipped in from muscians friend was empty except for the guitar. I have a call into gretsch. we will see where it leads.

21 years I have been playing, have had more then my share of gear. i wanted to wait until someone posted on this gretsch but no one did so I read up as much as could find on it. I wanted a yamaha aes1500b. as I had just sold my aes1500. the "b" is for the tremolo. but they want 1649.00's now for those and then you have to by a case. they are impossible to find. so I started looking at what I really wanted. and figured that this would work for me. its not as versitile as the aes1500b would have been but hey who wants just one guitar?
this guitar really does sound great through my line6 and not as good through my fender. strange. but it does really sond good in all positions and that big bad gretsch is very present in this cheaper guitar.