Question on vintage Gretsch guitars

[ElDirtySanchez]

I might be making a trade today for a 1960 Gretsch double anniversary model in the smoke green. The guitar looks clean with some natural wear on the finish .
What should I look for before making the trade? I’ll check the action to make sure the neck is straight . The owner said it is and room left in the truss Rod for adjustments .
The binding is all there and clean , I read that a lot of times the binding would deteriorate due to a reaction with the case. Everything is original and looks to be in good condition.

[Guitarbilly]

I always test the truss rod when buying an used guitar. Other than that, a visual inspection and sound test should be sufficient.
Get some hi res pictures of one that is known to be completely stock and download them to your phone for comparison. With vintage guitars, even inconsequential changes like screws and strap buttons will affect the value so go through it with a fine tooth comb and make sure everything is stock.

[bonano]

Ooo wee! A vintage Gretsch!

[broslinger]

A few things:
1. Badass. very cool. if everything checks out, and the trade is right, GET IT. They seem to be in the $2k range, more or less. That said, they ALL have "price drops" on them on Reverb, meaning most people would take $1800 cash for one.
2. Check the model number inside the f hole to make sure it wasn't a single anniversary converted at some point. This would affect the value in a big way. The double should be model # 6118. a single would say #6124 or 6125.
3. Check the truss rod like everyone said. (Not sure how to do this since it would probably snap if I messed with it)
4. Play the thing. If it sounds like crap or feeds back beyond reason, the bracing could be screwy.
5. If it has a Bigsby, try to confirm whether it's stock or not. If not, make sure it's straight. This shouldn't affect the value if it was done later the right way.
6. The bridge may or may not be pinned in place. This shouldn't affect value if it's done well.

I can't wait to see it.

[ElDirtySanchez]

Definitely no bigsby , has the original hilotron pickups . The guy could be a flake or having second thoughts. We were set to meet today after work and he said he had to cancel because an emergency came up, so we’ll see if he hits me up again .

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