A rare guitar from the Gretsch catalog, the Synchromatic 300 model (otherwise known as the 6036) is a 17" acoustic archtop originally introduced in 1939 and discontinued in 1955. This particular example is likely during wartime era, with a serial stamp located at the top of its peg head, with no internal markings otherwise.
The body is constructed with a thick spruce top and maple back & sides, it clearly was to compete with Gibson, and was offered in natural finish as well as the burst like this example. Cat eye, bound f holes, and the stairstep rosewood bridge add to the aestheticism of this guitar, with an art deco harp style hanger bridge, decoratively etched with "Gretsch" at its base - something that would change in later post war years. Multi ply cream and black binding are present on the top and back, having been replaced on this example - as many people know Gretsch was well known for their original binding generally flaking off. The original translucent tortiose shell guard is in tract.
A big guitar with a 17" body, the scale is also high measuring 26" in length (13" from the nut to the twelfth fret). The neck is made of nicely flamed maple, two primary pieces with a center strip of ply'd maple and rosewood. The ebony fingerboard is bound and adorned with humptop split block mother of pearl inlay. The neck is not particularly 30's feeling, given that it has a narrower 1 5/8" nut width, with a strong radius. The binding has likely been replaced at the fingerboard, with some evidence of the fret end nibs having been rolled due to a past refret. The frets are low like a fretless wonder 70's Gibson, so its likely that initial job was done many decades ago. The finish on the back of the profile has worn through exposing the maple nicely. A bone nut is present and possibly original. The peghead sports newer gold Grover tuners, the veneer featuring the "Synchromatic" logo above the A & B strings further signifying the age range of this instrument (likely built during wartime). The tip of the peghead has the serial number stamped 1796.
Overall this guitar has a nice sound that is what one would expect for a build of this caliber. It's not super powerful, but it has a sweet woody tone. The neck is nice and straight, and currently setup with light gauge half wounds it is quite punchy. One could certainly explore putting medium gauge strings on this without much trouble in the neck, but without a truss rod we figured we would keep it on the lighter side until there is a new owner. Cosmetically, this guitar is in good shape for its age, albeit with the necessary repairs its had during its past. The finish is clean with light surface wear, and no structural issues. The neck angle is good, and the saddle has plenty of room for adjustment if it were needed. The neck is straight with a slight hump at the 12th fret on the treble side, but without much consequence less a hair of buzz in that register - again a heavier setup might mend this. The action is easy and low measuring about 4/64" in height.
Includes original cream colored hardshell case with maroon interior.