Vintage Gretsch Synchromatic 100
The Gretsch Synchromatic line of archtops came to market in 1939 and was positioned to go head to head with market leader Gibson Guitars. The Synchromatic 100 debuted at a $100 price point and was the most uncharacteristic model in the Synchromatic series. Unlike all of the other Synchromatics, the 100 did not feature the signature "cat's eye" soundhole. All Synchromatic models were named according to their price, i.e. the Synchormatic 100 cost $100, the Synchromatic 160 cost $160, etc.
With a sunburst finish, maple sides and back, curved spruce top, 2 "f" style soundholes, 2 stripe adhered back and crest, rosewood fingerboard with pearl inlays, and a stair-step bridge, The Synchromatic 100 was an appealing looking archtop guitar. The 100 underwent a lot of modifications over the course of its life. In '33 it debuted as the 100f. Then in '39, the company changed it's name to the Synchromatic 100. In '46, the logo was positioned on the headstock and the soundholes and pickguard were bound. In '47, the headstock was made bound. In '49, the model number changed from 100 to 6014 in order to be incorporated into the new Gretsch model numbering system. In '52, the binding was taken away from the soundholes, headstock and pickguard. In '55, the Synchromatic was given the name the Corsair and eventually production stopped altogther in 1960. As was mentioned above, the Synchromatic 100 was unlike all the other models in the Synchromatic series as it featured the traditional f soundholes rather than the signature "cat¹s eye" soundholes.
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