This model is nicknamed the "English Gentleman". Originally issued in 2004, by exclusive agreement from Gretsch, there were only 20 made and 16 of them did not have the mutes. These were made in 2004 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of The Beatles first appearance on the Ed Sullivan show in 1964. In 2009 Gretsch made another small batch of these models, all with the correct mutes and my guitar is from that batch. I bought it used from someone privately, but in mint condition. These are pretty scarce guitars, only a few dealers carried them. Looks beautiful in jet black against the gold hardware, and sounds amazing. Classy and elegant!