The Gretsch Pages: Discussions: Vintage Gretsch Guitars: just bought a 1957 streamliner

just bought a 1957 streamliner

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- Rated: 3 ↑
Aug 29, 2008 9:57 a.m. nopedals:

Did I overpay?

ebay description

There was just one other bidder.

I got an in hand description from the woman handling the consignment (see her other auctions; she normally does china nicknacks), and everything seemed tight, clean, and original (is the case original? sure looks clean). No binding issues, cracks, or heel separation, neck is dead straight (according to the woman handling the consignment).

I checked with my luthier, and he concurred that the headstock cracks were an easy repair. I would guess way less than $200 (she got her estimate from a violin repairman).

I'll report back when I get it. Hope to get more information about the owner, who is a woman jazz player who bought it new.
- Rated: 30 ↑
Aug 29, 2008 10:14 a.m. JazzBoxJunky:

You may have done better than you thought. This is from the same batch as my 57 Streamliner, and these are the very first Gretsch's to be trestle braced. If it's anything like mine, you will be absolutely amazed. Let me know if you ever want to sell it, I could use a backup!
- Rated: 5 ↑
Aug 29, 2008 10:16 a.m. mugsy:

Looks like a pretty good deal to me. Re-gluing headstock wings is no big deal. You might ask her to relax the string tension prior to shipment.

IIRC, it should have the "snowflake" case.
- Rated: 30 ↑
Aug 29, 2008 10:22 a.m. JazzBoxJunky:

Mine has the snowflake case, but this case is period correct as well(just lower priced). Mine has had the headstock wings fixed as well, no big deal. Looks like the fingerboard inlays are shrunk a bit, just like mine. I'm so glad someone from the GDP snagged that, it is such a unique and rare find, I would have hated seeing some dork get it. Nice find!
- Rated: 52 ↑
Aug 29, 2008 10:25 a.m. bigalthethird:

If that bridge is an original Melita, it's worth $250-$500.

No, you did not overpay!
- Rated: 52 ↑
Aug 29, 2008 10:34 a.m. Bear:

You did quite well from what I can see, congratulations.
- Rated: 26 ↑
Aug 29, 2008 11:51 a.m. KCeddieB:

Congrats Nopedals!

Welcome to the Streamliner fraternity! Wow, first Setzer, now you... fun to see guys discovering this under-appreciated model! I think you did fine on the price... if I didn't already own a few too many Streamliners I would have bid on her too.

The headstock fix should be fine. ENJOY!!!
- Rated: 66 ↑
Aug 29, 2008 12:19 p.m. Walter Broes:

Nice guitar, congratulations! This, and the two-tone finished versions of this are my favorite Gretsches to look at - so much nicer than all that orange!
- Rated: 30 ↑
Aug 29, 2008 12:39 p.m. JazzBoxJunky:

Here's mine, and a nice old thread....Eddie, you still have these 3?

Streamliner
- Rated: 3 ↑
Aug 29, 2008 1:02 p.m. nopedals:

Thanks for the feedback. Since the seller is not really experienced, I send her a link to the packing instructions on archtop.com, which are really good.

I just hope it plays as nice as my other gretsch:

1957 Gretsch Fleetwood

Funny thing; the Fleetwood has a lower serial number (23XXX) but thumb inlays; my current theory is that they went to the thumb inlays earlier on the long scale necks, but other theories come to mind, too.
- Rated: 5 ↑
Aug 29, 2008 1:21 p.m. mugsy:

Speaking of Streamliners... does anyone remember this oddball from eBay '03? Man, I wish I would have bid more :)
- Rated: 13 ↑
Aug 29, 2008 4:49 p.m. nielDa:

Yeah - congratulations. Report back when you get it.
- Rated: 41 ↑
Aug 29, 2008 5:20 p.m. bwallace1:

man! you got a great deal. way to go ! yep, that is the right era case. I wish the one for my '59 Annie looked that well.brent
- Rated: 26 ↑
Aug 29, 2008 8:43 p.m. KCeddieB:

JBJ... I have 2 Bamboo/Copper examples, a Jag Tan (see avatar), Deitzels Burgundy one, another which is probably a 6190 sunburst, but someone attempted a conversion of sorts to it... and also a 6190-1 (pre-Streamliner). I know... I have a problem, and therapy isn't helping!

Mugsy... I can't make out that 2-tone example from '03 label. Is it #19235? Luv the dual pickups, but question their originality. And what's with the western block inlays???
- Rated: 97 ↑
Aug 29, 2008 9:13 p.m. Setzer:

Nice nopeds! I think your going to love it. I like playing my ratty Honky Tonk '56(no internal bracing).
- Rated: 26 ↑
Aug 29, 2008 10:47 p.m. KCeddieB:

Nice Paul! That's lookin' sharp... have you decided what finish your going to do yet?
- Rated: 4 ↑
Aug 30, 2008 2:45 a.m. Paddywagon:

Why do some models have 2 pickups and some only 1? I've always been interested in these 57 models, but the single neck pickup always sways me away...same with late 50's Annie's, I guess...
- Rated: 12 ↑
Aug 30, 2008 3:45 a.m. Drew Morrison:

Mugsy,

Yes I remember that guitar and I also remember that I was seriously thinking of bidding on it.

nopedals, that Streamliner looks a really nice guitar, let us know how it plays and sounds when you eventually get your hands on it.

Yours

Drew
- Rated: 26 ↑
Aug 30, 2008 8:53 a.m. KCeddieB:

Paddy...

There are rumors about 2 pickup examples of Streamliners being made at the factory, and you'll see vintage examples out there that in fact have two. But it's my opinion that the large majority of those are aftermarket changes. IMHO the Streamliner is one of the great Gretsch models, they have very cool color options and the physical spec's match those of the 6120. So by dropping in a second pickup (and maybe adding a Bigsby), you get a pretty high end guitar. In fact the original 6120 prototype they gave to Chet was a factory modified Streamliner (2 pu version).

The Annie's however were offered in both formats (single v dual pickups) from the factory.
- Rated: 4 ↑
Aug 30, 2008 9:44 a.m. Paddywagon:

Thanks for the info KC...I think I would be lost without the bridge pickup...maybe that's why they were frequently modded. I'm all about the cool color combo's, too...I think that's what attracts me to this model, and other Gretsch color combos as well. I'm a sucker for Ivory/Grey, Jaguar Tan/Copper Mist, and the like.
- Rated: 37 ↑
Aug 30, 2008 10:14 a.m. Rocketman:

Looks GREAT
- Rated: 5 ↑
Aug 30, 2008 11:38 a.m. mugsy:

KCeddieB said: Mugsy... I can't make out that 2-tone example from '03 label. Is it #19235? Luv the dual pickups, but question their originality. And what's with the western block inlays???

Yep, that's the serial number. It was a 6189 "Spec" according to the paperwork. It had the amp and bill of sale, too. If you're interested, send me a PM and I'll forward the original auction page and additional photos.
- Rated: 5 ↑
Aug 30, 2008 5:57 p.m. mugsy:

KC: PM received, email sent
- Rated: 26 ↑
Aug 30, 2008 11:48 p.m. KCeddieB:

Thanks Mugsy... + 1 for ya!
- Rated: 10 ↑
Aug 31, 2008 3:31 p.m. Just Dropped In :

Looks like a good deal!