A banner year for progress in archtop guitar design, 1939 saw the introduction of several innovations, including Gibson’s Super 400 Premiere model and the stunning Gretsch Synchromatic 400. This was also the year that Epiphone, Gibson, and Gretsch started offering natural, or blonde, finishes as an option. While it may seem like a simple cosmetic change, the natural finish also inspired guitar manufacturers to use only the finest materials available on these instruments as flaws could no longer be hidden by the dark shading used for sunburst finishes.


The Gretsch 1939 catalogue boldly described the new Synchromatic 400 model as “a superlatively fine instrument that stands pre-eminently in the musical world.” That comment was as true as it was boastful, as numerous esteemed guitarists were increasingly spotted with the distinctive Gretsch Synchromatic 400 in their hands, including the legendary Django Reinhardt. With its 18-inch body size, the Synchromatic 400 was plenty loud enough to be heard amongst the brass and woodwind instruments of the era’s big band orchestras.


The early Synchromatic 400 is an impressive example of Art Deco design, featuring unique “cat’s eye” soundholes that made f-holes look staid and old-fashioned. The stairstep design of its harp-shaped tailpiece echoed the stairstep-shaped buttons of its Grover Imperial tuners. Feminine curves seen in the distinctive “lightbulb” peghead shape and the “slashed humptop” fretboard inlays provided contrast to the masculine, angular lines of the metal hardware.


Gretsch produced its flagship Synchromatic 400 in very limited numbers. While the exact amount is unknown, it is likely well under 100 examples as the $400 retail price kept the model out of reach of all but the most successful professional guitarists of the era. Blonde finish examples like this one are the rarest of them all.

Serial number: 4852
Model number: 6041

Top: Spruce, natural finish
Back and sides: Maple
Neck: Maple
Fretboard: Ebony
Frets: 20
Bridge/tailpiece: Rosewood, gold-plated “harp” trapeze
Tuners: Gold-plated Grover Imperial with stairstep buttons