6185 Electromatic Spanish

The first Gretsch branded electric archtop, the Electromatic Spanish was introduced in 1939, around the same time as the Synchromatic line.

The earliest examples were manufactured by the Kay Company and are easily spotted by their odd knobs on both upper bouts.

Five examples are in the Gretsch-GEAR database.

Specs

Wood: Maple

6185 Electromatic Spanish
Believed to be Kay-made, probably right around World War II, or directly preceding.
1949 6185 Electromatic Spanish
09148
1949 6185 Electromatic Spanish
4174
1950 6185 Electromatic Spanish
50XX
1951 6185 Electromatic Spanish

1949

6185 Electromatic Spanish

details

09148

I bought this guitar, 6185-6 in 1949-1950 (can't remember) with my paper route money $150. It shows to be made in Brooklyn, NY. It is birdseye maple back excellent condition elsewhere. I asked a Gretch rep here in my town about 20 or so years ago (before Gretch sold out) and he called a Shot Jackson in Nashville and Shot told him there were only eleven of these made. I am curious about the present day price of this guitar. Any help?

1949

6185 Electromatic Spanish

details

4174

I found this old guitar in a music store in Missouri. They were asking $500 for it which I thought was reasonable. I traded a Heritage brand Les Paul style solid body electric even up for the Gretsch. Normally, this would seem like I got taken, but I bought the Heritage off of eBay for $450 so i felt like I got a great trade. I never played the Heritage and I play the Gretsch all the time.

1950

6185 Electromatic Spanish

details

50XX

I bought it in US and brought to my hometwon in Italy (Napoli). according to the retailer, the guitar had only one owner before who was the dad of the guy who sold the guitar to the shop.

1951

6185 Electromatic Spanish

details

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Milestones

1939: 6185 Electromatic Spanish introduced

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6185 Electromatic Spanish

Specs

6185 Electromatic Spanish

1949 6185 Electromatic Spanish

1949 6185 Electromatic Spanish

1950 6185 Electromatic Spanish

1951 6185 Electromatic Spanish

1949

6185 Electromatic Spanish

1949

6185 Electromatic Spanish

1950

6185 Electromatic Spanish

1951

6185 Electromatic Spanish

Milestones

Comments

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Early Electromatics

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