Purchased this Gretsch G3150 Streamliner, brand new, in Summer of 2003. It is a re-issue of the old Synchromatic and Streamliner series from the 1950's....what they now call their 'Historic Series'. Made in Korea, according to the labels.

Playability right out of the box was great; already in tune and set up nicely. Small Grover-style tuners take some getting used too (having previously played Fender and Ibanez). Finish gets an A- from me. The construction is good for the most part. The DeArmond pickups were a little offset from the string alignment, and the interior bracing was bored poorly for the pickup wiring to pass through it. Could have been a better job on the q.c. there. Tail piece and bridge are nice with a good chrome polish.

Other than that, body and neck are excellent. Great Cherry gloss finish, with Maple construction and Rosewood fretboard. Frets are even, but unpolished. Strings will suffice....although feel a little too thin for me (similar to the reviewers observation of the 0.09 string on the Gretsch jazz guitar). I suggest at least going to 0.11, 0.14, 0.18 for high E, B, and G string replacement on this model. There is one Master Volume knob, and two Tone knobs; one for each pickup. And there is one toggle switch for front, both, and rear. All of these are heavy construction and should hold up well.

I previously bought an Ibanez AF75 hollowbody for a cheaper price, which I still like. But the Gretsch has better tone and reverb. Action on the fretboard is perfect; what one would come to expect from Gretsch. The neck is just a hair wider compared to some other brands, but that is nothing new for them. The weight and size on this guitar are just a little bigger than some hollowbodies, but not quite as big as a jazz box. Sound will suffice for jazz, blues, light country & rockabilly....without a doubt!

Recommended: Yes