Rare 1956 Gretsch Rancher-All Original...Unbelievable Price!
Vintage 1956 Gretsch Rancher Guitar
This is an extremely unique guitar. She comes from the family of that famous Gretsch sound out of the 50's, when they were hitting on all cylinders. The most desirable is the 1955 (first year), but this 1956 is next in line. She has maple back and sides. The top is a faded classic Gretsch red/orange stained spruce with the one-of-a-kind "G" branded into the face on the bass bout (only two production years had this marking on the bass side). She has a unique triangular sound hole which separates her from all the rest of that era and a height adjusting triangular, rosewood bridge. There's a single bound rosewood fretboard with beautiful block inlays as well as the classic horseshoe inlay on the pegboard. Condition is good ++. There is a small well mended face crack and some scuffing and a couple of dings. All pretty normal for a guitar that is 63 years old. Very limited amount of finish crazing for her age. The binding and accent pieces show the desirable yellowing of over 60 years. There has been a headstock repair that we had our luthier check out and it is strong and well done. The headstock repair is fairly common with this early model. She has that Jumbo sound and has had our usual complete inspection. The original case didn't offer the level of protection she deserved due to age and wear so she comes with a new fitted case. We included a couple of fun photos here illustrating the places this model of Gretsch has been.The Rancher has even made a resurgence in popularity with various collectors and rockabilly players-featured recently in a prominent Guitar Magazine. Because of limited production you may not see another for years. There were only about 500 Rancher's made in the 1950's (50 +/- per year for only a few years) and we are not sure how many even still exist. She's not perfect so we are letting her go at an unbelievable price (check out the photos-compare with others if you can find them). We saw her and just wanted to get her into a good home. You could do a complete restoration down the road if you choose to, but we did a full set up, left her fun to play and very original with well earned age and road wear. We've seen these same era Rancher's listed for over $10,000 in top condition and $6000 or more for models not nearly as clean as this one. If you are looking for a truly unique piece of history, at a price you likely will not see again, you need to add this one to your collection. Serial #26451.
We accept VISA, MasterCard, American Express as well as payment through PayPal.
We ship as soon as payment is verified. Usually within 24 hrs. Our current shipping fee is $100 for each individual domestic item shipped. This includes our white glove packing and insurance. The shipping fee will be added to all purchases. We pack and ship all items ourselves to ensure that they receive the care that they have earned. We do our best to protect these gems. We insure all shipments for their value so that, in the unlikely event one is damaged, the value of the instrument will be covered. We ship via our preferred carrier and provide you with all tracking information so that you can plan for receipt of your new instrument. We also highly recommend that all shipments be shipped with a receipt signature required. If you would like to make special shipping arrangements, please contact us and we will do our best to accommodate.
We make every effort to provide you honest information about the instrument you purchase. However, every flaw, scratch or ding may not be photographed or noticed on every instrument. By the nature of what we are collecting and selling, virtually all vintage instruments will have dings, scratches, and various other imperfections that come with age and use. We call it character. That's why we love them. Please carefully look at photographs and contact us if you require additional information. Please note that every instrument has been inspected and set up by our luthier for playability and appearance. But, your instrument may still require additional set up by you to make it exactly what is most comfortable and acceptable to you. In the unlikely event that your instrument arrives in a condition with damage or other issues not previously anticipated, please contact us immediately and we will assist. Should a return be required due to damage incurred in route, we must be notified within 48 hours. Please note that all other returns are at the recipients expense. Contact us to authorize and assist you in either case so that we can minimize cost and ensure the safe return of the instrument. All returns must arrive in the same condition in which they left our store and be insured for the full value of the instrument.