Gretsch

Gretsch 160-6028 Synchromatic, Sunburst (1951)

$4,000.00

Pickup available at 165 Showroom

Usually ready in 1 hour

On Consignment
Shipping Calculated At Checkout

Product information

A wonderful mid-century example of Gretsch's 17-inch archtop, this Synchromatic 160 was owned by jazz guitar phenom George Benson.

This 1951 Gretsch Synchromatic 160 is a fantastic sounding and playing example of one of their premier 17" archtops that has an undeniably cool aesthetic. Previously owned by jazz guitarist George Benson and sold as part of a distinguished collection through Skinner Auctions in 2007, this Gretsch has quite the provenance!

The guitar has been lovingly restored to ensure decades of enjoyment, including a refinish, neck reset, and refret. The addition of the Benedetto floating pickup with pickguard-mounted volume and tone controls transforms the otherwise acoustic archtop into an excellent performing electric archtop.

The guitar has the acoustic punch and breadth of a 17" archtop but with a rounder tone that isn't as dry as an L5-style build - a bit of a smoother response that translates very well with the Benedetto pickup.

Priced with an aftermarket hardshell case and includes an official letter from Skinner to the consignor along with a Skinner auction booklet that shows the instrument.


Body
Style
17" Hollowbody Archtop
Top
Spruce
Body
Maple
Finish
Lacquer (Refinish)

Hardware
Pickup
Benedetto
Controls
Volume | Tone
Bridge
Rosewood Stairstep
Tailpiece
Gretsch Harp
Tuners
Waverly
Pickguard
Yes

Neck
Neck
Maple
Fingerboard
Ebony w/ Blocks
Radius
12"
Nut Width
1 3/4"
Profile
Medium/Full C .88"-.98"
Frets
Medium Jumbo (refret)
Scale Length
24 3/4"

Other
Serial #
339
Weight
6lbs 1oz
Case
HSC

Preserving The Past. Played Into The Future.

Whether you're chasing a tone, honoring the history, or building a collection, we seek out the finest vintage instruments and, when needed, perform tasteful restoration to ensure they’ll play beautifully for decades to come.

Pricing

We price vintage instruments using current market trends and our extensive in-house sales history, ensuring each piece is accurately valued and fairly positioned.

Tasteful Restoration

When restoration is needed, we approach it with respect and restraint - always in service of preserving the instrument’s integrity and extending its musical life for decades to come.

Accurate Listings

Every vintage guitar we list is authenticated by our seasoned team and photographed in high detail, with clear, honest descriptions that show exactly what you’re buying - no surprises.

Shipping

With decades of experience shipping high-value guitars, we know how to pack and protect vintage instruments so they arrive exactly as they should: safe, sound, and ready to play.