This Penguin from the Gretsch Custom Shop was built by none other than Master Builder Stephen Stern. With its bold Olive Drab finish, silver sparkle binding, and chrome hardware, it's a showstopper you won't soon forget. The three Filter'Tron pickups round out the sound with that signature Gretsch character that enthusiasts adore.

The Gretsch Penguin holds a special place in guitar history. Introduced in 1956 as the luxury solid-body sibling of the White Falcon, it was the most expensive solid-body model in the Gretsch lineup at the time. It's estimated that fewer than fifty original single-cut Penguins were built, making it one of the rarest Gretsch guitars ever made. According to Stephen Stern himself, the Penguin is the Custom Shop's most popular model, precisely because of its rarity and the endless possibilities for personalizing it.

This Olive Drab Penguin was built by Stephen Stern, the now-retired Senior Master Builder at the Gretsch Custom Shop. Stern led the Custom Shop for many years and has an impressive background. After training in high-end furniture construction, he worked at Charvel/Jackson from 1979 to 1984, after which he joined the Fender Custom Shop in 1993. There, he became a Master Builder in 1994 and studied under legendary archtop builders like Jimmy D'Aquisto and Bob Benedetto. His expertise in archtop construction ultimately led him to Gretsch, where he was responsible for iconic projects such as the George Harrison Tribute Duo Jet and the Malcolm Young Salute Jet.

The matte Olive Drab finish of this Penguin immediately catches the eye, giving the guitar a bold, attention-grabbing look. The silver sparkle binding creates a beautiful contrast with the green body, while the chrome hardware gives it a fitting look. The ebony fretboard features engraved hump-block mother-of-pearl inlays, and the matching headstock completes the visual picture. The three Filter'Tron pickups deliver that characteristic open, bright, and slightly raw tone Gretsch is known for, with enough twang for rockabilly but also plenty of body for blues and rock.

On the neck, a repair has been made to the fingerboard and binding on both sides at the nut. Otherwise, the guitar shows normal signs of wear on the body and the back of the neck, and is in very good condition.

Comes in the original Gretsch hardshell case, complete with Certificate of Authenticity and TFOA passport. A rare opportunity to acquire a Custom Shop masterpiece from one of the most respected guitar builders in the world!

photos of: Actual Instrument