1954 Gretsch 6192 Electro II Synchromatic Hollow Body - Sunburst 

1954 Gretsch 6192 Electro II Synchromatic Hollow Body - Sunburst 

Incredible vintage Gretsch guitar. The 1954 Gretsch 6192 is a pivotal model in Gretsch history, marking the transition from the Electro II series to the legendary Country Club. This 17-inch-wide archtop was Gretsch’s high-end answer to the Gibson L-5CES, offering a "warm, woody acoustic resonance" combined with versatile electronics. It was considered the premier professional archtop electric of its era and it is said to have outsold the Gibson throughout the '50s. A rare, high-end vintage hollow body, it features a Synchromatic headstock, block inlays (starting on the third fret), laminated spruce and flame maple top and back with parallel braces. 1951-1954 archtop electric, single cut, sunburst 6192 or natural 6193. Renamed County Club in ’54

Iconic vintage Gretsch, structurally in very good overall condition for 72 years old. Various wear and blemishes as you’d expect. Hardware and electronics have been replaced/converted. Original Dynasonics have been replaces with P-90’s, replaced bridge, knobs and tailpiece. The master volume knob was converted to a 3 way switch, volume and tone knobs added for each individual pickup. The Neck P-90 is dead (not sure if it is the pickup or wiring and switch). Epiphone hardshell case, black w/grey interior. 

I am not replacing neck pickup or wiring. It is for sale as-is, for you to decide preference moving forward. A powerful instrument with great acoustic volume because of the wide and deep body. The Bridge P-90 sounds fantastic.

Key Specifications & Features

The 1954 model year is unique for its transitional appointments, often retaining "Synchromatic" era features while moving toward the modern Gretsch identity. 

• Body & Build: 17" wide, 3 3/8" deep hollow body made of 3-ply maple with a cutaway.
• Neck: 21-fret maple neck with a rosewood fretboard and distinctive block inlays starting at the 3rd fret.
• Serial number: 11234 is part of the batch produced in 1954. 1954 Serial Numbers: 9,000s, 10,000s, 11,000s, 12,000s
• Location: Built at the Brooklyn, New York factory.
• Historical Significance: 1954 was the year Gretsch introduced the "Country Club" name for this model (previously known as the Electro II). A rare transitional instrument, features including the Synchromatic headstock logo, block inlays from the third fret, all seen for the last time this model year.

Pre-Baldwin Era: 1883 - 1967. Gretsch is family owned, growing to major distribution. This was the original Golden Age for Gretsch, particularly the late '50 and early '60s, when they enjoyed the endorsement of Chet Atkins and George Harrison.

Photo of the Travelling Willburys, all with Gretsch guitars. Nelson Willbury (George Harrison) playing this same guitar, Natural Finish (6193).

Used – Good

Price

$4,250

+ $300 Shipping