1940 Gretsch New Yorker with Vintage Case

This 1940 Gretsch New Yorker was part of the Super Structure Series and is in very good condition for an 85 year old guitar. The tailpiece, bridge and tuners appear to be original.  The neck is a “baseball bat” with beautiful mother of pearl block inlays and plenty of life remaining on the frets.  It is difficult to read the original serial number, but someone wrote 1780 next to the illegible stamped number.

Condition:

The guitar has been meticulously maintained with only one hairline crack on the left side of the soundboard.  The body and neck bindings are in good condition.  The pickguard is a tortoise reproduction of the original.  There are small dings and scratches on the body and neck, but considering its age, this is not unusual..  When the body bindings were replaced, there appears to be lacquer over spray on the body that has been carefully blended in with the existing nitrocellulose finish. It does not appear that the guitar has had a neck reset, and it plays well with a crisp woody sound.  The sound projects well.

Dimensions:

Overall length: 41 ½”

Upper bout:  12”

Lower bout: 16”

Scale length: 24.75”

Nut: 1.68”

String spacing at the bridge: 2 ⅛”

String height at the 12th fret: Low E 4/32”, High E 3/32”

Hard Shell Case:

This guitar fits perfectly into a period correct vintage Epiphone case that comes with the guitar.  The case handle has been replaced with a new leather handle.  The original handle skeleton is in the case compartment if the buyer wants to rebuild it..  Many areas of the case have been reglued for added strength. These cases sell for significant money; however, this seller is not willing to separate the case from this guitar.