Product: Gretsch 6187-8 Electromatic
Price Paid: US $300 used
Submitted
09/16/2003
at
10:58am
by
B Sharp
Email: clarencebsharp at choiceonemail<dot>com
Features
:
10
1954 Hollow-Body Gretsch Electromatic 6187-8. Made in Brooklyn, NYC by The Fred Gretsch Co. Has a swinging trapeze style tailpiece with wood adjustable bridge. Two big Gretsch pickups with a lightning bolt going through a "G". Beautiful archtop guitar with two "F" holes and side mounted pickguard. Has two volume and two tone knobs. Body is 3 1/2 inches deep with sunburst finish. Rosewood fretboard with big block mother of pearl fret makers. Says Gretsch at the top of the headstock, electromatic being vertical with a zig-zag.
Sound
:
9
Most of the time, I play this unplugged, acoustic style. It has a bright tone but not as full bodied as natural acoustic. Played through my 1967 Musicman 210, the Gretsch has a deep rich sound that really captures the essence of old blues/jazz feeling. With a little overdrive, it holds nice sustain but tends to be a bit muddy. The thing I love most about the sound is the way open chords resonate and flow like water.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
10
The action is the greatest thing about this guitar. Never has my hand felt so comfortable, especially on the lower frets. So smooth and quick for such a big beast. The finish is in outstanding condition with light scatches. It seems Gretsch made quality instuments in this age that are just as much pieces of art as they are musical jems.
Reliability/Durability
:
10
Given its age, 50 years!!! , this beauty is in excellent shape. All original hardware, electronics and finish. It is my main guitar for non-rock, blues style performances and always draws oohs and ahhs when people see it. I've had this guitar for over 10 years, my friend had it for 5, and the other 35 years it seems someone had it in a case in a closet. Remarkable durability, will probably out live me.
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
The Gretsch websites seem to have no information on the old electromatics. I don't believe I'll need to deal with them ever, but it would be nice to know what I have and what other people think about it. This is the primary reason I'm writing this review, hoping others have this and can comment on this wonderfull guitar. If it needs any repair, I work with a great luthier.
Overall Rating
:
10
I understand that this is almost more of an antique than a player's guitar. I am a collector and a player, yet I never plan to sell this jem. If it were ever stolen, I doubt I would ever find another one. There may be better playing and sounding hollow bodys, but the unique and rare quality of this guitar adds a certain flair and character to my music that I doubt I would had wrote with any other guitar.
