Gretsch Synchromatic Nashville 50s OS
The Gretsch Synchromatic Nashville 50s OS pairs a laminated maple hollow body with Filter'Tron humbuckers, a Bigsby tremolo, and included case. The available customer feedback raises concerns about finish consistency and Bigsby fit, so inspect the individual instrument carefully.
★★★☆☆ 3/5 · 1 buyer reviews · 6 min read · updated 2026-10-07 · Tested by Cal Whitaker
Gretsch Synchromatic Nashville 50s OS review
The Gretsch Synchromatic Nashville 50s OS is a full hollowbody electric guitar with a laminated maple body and top, an ebony fingerboard, two Hi-Fidelity Filter'Tron humbuckers, and a Bigsby tremolo. Its 50s Orange Stain finish, gold hardware, and gold sparkle binding give it a distinctly dressed-up look. The listed price is 1,035, and the model has been available since October 2025.
On paper, the specification is aimed at players who want a traditional Gretsch-style hollowbody layout with a shorter 625 mm scale and a pair of Filter'Tron pickups. The available information describes the design and controls, but does not include measurements of weight, acoustic volume, or pickup output. Those details are best assessed in person rather than inferred from the model name or appearance.
Body, neck, and feel
The laminated maple body and top form a fully hollow construction, not a semi-hollow design. The set maple neck meets an ebony fingerboard carrying 22 medium jumbo frets and pearloid Neo-Classic thumbnail inlays. A soft "C" neck profile gives the neck its specified shape, while the 305 mm (12-inch) fingerboard radius and 42.9 mm (1.69-inch) nut width provide useful reference points for players checking whether the dimensions suit their hands.
The 625 mm (24.6-inch) scale is shorter than a typical long-scale electric guitar. Scale length influences string feel, but it does not by itself determine whether the guitar will feel comfortable: setup, string gauge, action, and personal preference matter too. This model ships with nickel-plated steel strings in.011,.049 gauge, a relatively substantial set compared with lighter electric-guitar strings.
Visually, the gold sparkle binding is paired with black, white, and black purfling. The gold Plexiglas pickguard carries a gold Gretsch logo and Falcon graphic. These details give the instrument much of its period-inspired character, while the orange stain keeps the maple construction visible as part of the overall presentation.
Pickups and controls
The guitar has two Hi-Fidelity Filter'Tron humbuckers, two individual volume controls, a master volume, a master tone, and a three-way toggle switch. That arrangement gives the player individual control over each pickup's volume alongside overall level and tone controls. The supplied specifications do not state pickup resistance, magnet type, or switching options beyond the three-way selector, so claims about exact output or wiring would go beyond the available information.
For a practical evaluation, check each pickup position at the amplifier you normally use. Listen for the difference between the neck, bridge, and combined settings, then turn the individual volume controls to see how smoothly they respond. The published details identify the pickup type and control layout, but they do not establish how the guitar sounds through particular amplifiers or effects.
Bigsby and hardware
A Bigsby tremolo is included, along with Grover Super Rotomatic tuning machines and gold-finished hardware. The tremolo is a key part of the instrument's visual identity and its intended range of pitch movement. However, one owner's report raises a specific concern about the example they received: they described substantial play in the Bigsby's bushings and questioned the fit of the string-retaining pin. They felt the tremolo assembly moved more than it should.
That account is a single owner's experience, not evidence that every unit has the same issue. Still, it is worth checking the arm, bushings, and string-retaining hardware on the individual guitar before buying. Move the arm gently and note any looseness, listen for unwanted mechanical noise, and confirm that the hardware feels secure. A careful inspection is particularly relevant for a guitar whose tremolo is part of both its design and its operation.
Build quality and buying advice
The same owner was disappointed by the finish of the ebony fingerboard, reporting visible white streaks rather than an evenly dark appearance. They also compared the finish and hardware unfavorably with Gretsch Electromatic guitars they had owned. That is useful firsthand feedback, but it should be treated as a report about one instrument, not a verified production-wide quality issue. Ebony can show natural variation, although the appearance should still meet the buyer's expectations at this price.
Before purchase, inspect the fingerboard under good light, look over the binding and finish, and test the tuning machines and Bigsby. If buying online, ask the retailer about the return policy and whether the exact instrument can be photographed or checked before shipment. The guitar includes a case, while no gig bag is listed.
Verdict
The Gretsch Synchromatic Nashville 50s OS presents a clear package: a laminated maple hollowbody, ebony fingerboard, two Filter'Tron humbuckers, and Bigsby tremolo, finished with prominent gold details. Its dimensions and controls are well specified, making it possible to assess fit before trying one. The owner feedback introduces sensible inspection points, particularly for the fingerboard's appearance and the tremolo's mechanical feel. Try the specific guitar you plan to buy, and judge its finish and hardware firsthand.
Shipping and duties
The retailer ships from its warehouse in Germany. Prices are shown in US dollars and do not include import duties. Orders under roughly $800 usually clear US customs without duty; above that, a duty of a few percent may be collected on delivery. 30-day money-back and a 3-year warranty apply.
Scores by area
Where it shines, where it stumbles
What convinced me
- Laminated maple hollow body with an ebony fingerboard and 22 medium jumbo frets.
- Two Hi-Fidelity Filter'Tron humbuckers, a three-way switch, and separate volume and tone controls.
- Includes a Bigsby tremolo, Grover Super Rotomatic tuners, and a case.
What bugged me
- The sole supplied customer review reports uneven fingerboard coloration and loose play in the Bigsby bushings.
- The reviewer felt its finish quality was below that of their Gretsch Electromatic guitars.
Is it the right one for you?
Good pick if
A fit for players seeking a Gretsch hollow-body design with Filter'Tron humbuckers and a Bigsby tremolo. Also worth considering if an ebony fingerboard, included case, and gold hardware appeal to you.Look elsewhere if
Not ideal for buyers who need consistently uniform cosmetic finishing or hardware fit without inspecting the instrument. The available customer feedback is limited to one negative review, so buyers who rely on a strong record of customer satisfaction may want more evidence.Suggested level: Intermediate
Specifications
- Hollowbody guitar
- Yes
- Semi hollowbody guitar
- No
- Color
- Orange
- Body
- Maple, Laminated
- Top
- Maple, Laminated
- Neck
- Maple
- Fretboard
- Ebony
- Frets
- 22
- Scale
- 625 mm
- Pickups
- HH
- Tremolo
- Yes
- Including case
- Yes
- Incl. bag
- No
What other players say
The single supplied customer review is disappointed with the finish compared with the reviewer's Electromatic guitars. It points to pale streaks in the ebony fingerboard and noticeable looseness in the Bigsby bushings, and questions the fit of the string-retaining pin.
The fingerboard had white streaks and was not as uniformly black as expected.
The Bigsby has a lot of play in the bushings.
The Electromatics are better made!
Up close
Watch and listen
Before you decide
Questions players ask
Is this a hollow-body or semi-hollow guitar?
It is listed as a hollow-body guitar, not a semi-hollow model.
What pickups and controls does it have?
It has two Hi-Fidelity Filter'Tron humbuckers, two pickup volume controls, a master volume, a master tone, and a three-way toggle switch.
Does it include a case?
Yes. A case is included; a separate gig bag is not.
What does the customer feedback say about build quality?
The one supplied review reports white streaks in the ebony fingerboard and loose play in the Bigsby bushings. The reviewer also says their Electromatic guitars were better finished.
What should I check before buying?
Inspect the fingerboard coloration and check for excessive movement around the Bigsby bushings. If ordering remotely, review the seller's return terms.
The last word from the bench
On paper, this model offers a distinctive hollow-body specification, an ebony fingerboard, and a useful range of controls. The single customer review provided is strongly negative, citing pale streaks in the fingerboard and excessive movement in the Bigsby bushings. That limited feedback cannot establish how consistent every example is, but it is a reason to check the instrument before buying. Consider it if its features and styling suit your needs, ideally with a clear return policy.
Hanging next to it
Gretsch Synchromatic Nashville 50s OS
Today's price and delivery time are shown at the retailer.
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