Having gone on record about my fondness for Gretsch electrics, I put together a quick clip last night that features one of their less heralded (more unheralded?) models. When most people think "Gretsch", they probably think Chet Atkins / Duane Eddy / Brian Setzer. I know I typically do. But in my search for a woody-sounding, hollowbodied electric archtop I stumbled across this model -- the 6040 MCSS Synchromatic -- and am really liking it a lot.

I corresponded with both Dale and Jim about electric archtops several times over the last 5-6 months or so. Came close to picking up a Collings CL Jazz a couple of different times and was even having visions of the Walker at Gruhn's, but both options obviously are rather pricey. The Walker in particular would be completely irrational, but that hasn't always stopped me before ...

Anyway, 2-3 weeks ago I saw this Gretsch at Dream Guitars. It's as-new, plays effortlessly, sounds better, to my ear, than any of the many vintage ES-175s I've played (one of which I own), and -- perhaps best of all -- only set me back about as much as a used Taylor.

Needless to say, my infatuation with Gretsch electrics has not suffered with the addition of this little number.

There's nothing particularly special about the following tune. I just chose it because (a) I already knew it and (b) this is one of the types of music for which this guitar seems to be well-suited. The mix is 70% direct (through Guitar Rig 3) and 30% from the camcorder's mic to pick up a little of the acoustic properties of the guitar. If you listen closely, you can hear giggles from my daughter's sleepover, which was taking place in the playroom directly above me. Good stuff.

Gretsch Tune

Peace,

You jest not about this guitar's tone -- it sounds most excellent -- and not just for its price -- but for any price . . . Good choice!

oh my that was nice Mike! Tone was killer....i'm very happy for you that you came across that monster! It is in very great hands and hope you guys travel many miles together!

fan,
dale

Yep, nice sounding guitar.

What a great find! It does have that wonderful woody tone of an archtop built for acoustic as well as electric play (nicely played tune too Mike). That the guitar is as-new and plays effortlessly, well, sounds like you're found a winner.

Yes indeed! That is a nice hat! And fine playing too.

Now about the background... Where did you get the guitar hanging track on the wall. I did an internet search recently for such a thing but couldn't find what I was looking for.

Thanks guys.

And Eric, here's the info you requested:

https://www.stringswing.com/

You can do it with aluminum or with interlinked cherry panels. The aluminum is WAAAAAAAYYY easier (I have both) but the cherry looks real nice.

That's the stuff! Thanks Mike.

Gretsch fans might like to see Steve Wariner playing an old one on Woodsongs for his Chet Atkins tribute.

http://www.woodsongs.com/showdetailspage.asp?SN=531