Gretsch Corvette 1965-1968

The Gretsch Corvette, introduced in the early 1960s, was Gretsch’s answer to the lightweight, double-cutaway solid-body guitars of the era. Originally conceived as an affordable yet high-quality alternative to Gibson’s Melody Maker and Fender’s Mustang, the Corvette became a favorite among players looking for a stripped-down, no-frills rock ‘n’ roll machine.

Its lightweight mahogany body and distinctive asymmetrical shape made it a standout in Gretsch’s lineup. While not as widely used by major artists as the Gretsch Jet series, the Corvette found a home with garage rock and blues players, with figures like Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy later championing the model.

The Ultimate Converted Corvette

This particular Gretsch Corvette is an absolute one-of-a-kind instrument. What’s original on it? The mahogany body, set neck, and front headstock veneer with the original Gretsch logo.

Literally everything else has been upgraded or modified:

• The guitar features a full nitrocellulose refinish in Cadillac Green, one of the most iconic Gretsch colors, rarely seen on a Corvette, and lightly aged
• It has been refretted with modern frets, so it plays better than it did when new
• The original HiLo’Tron pickup has been replaced with a Seymour Duncan Psyclone Filter’Tron-style pickup, delivering the classic Gretsch sparkle with added power and clarity.
• All electronics replaced
• The tuners have been replaced with open-geared vintage style tuners
• The original Burns bridge has been replaced with a tune-o-matic bridge with supercool Gretsch trapeze

At just 2900g, this Corvette is incredibly light, highly resonant, and a joy to both look at and play. Whether you’re looking for a unique stage guitar or a hot-rodded vintage classic, this Corvette is the ultimate lean, mean, Cadillac Green rock ‘n’ roll machine.

SPECIFICATIONS

Body: Solid mahogany, asymmetrical double-cutaway design
Neck: Set mahogany neck with a slim profile
Fingerboard: Rosewood with dot inlays
Scale Length: 24.5 inches (622mm)
Nut Width: 1 11/16 inches (43mm)
Frets: 21
Headstock: Original Gretsch logo on black finish veneer
Pickup: Seymour Duncan Psyclone Filter’Tron-style
Bridge: Tune-o-matic bridge with supercool Gretsch trapeze
Tuners: Replacement open-geared vintage style tuners
Controls: One volume, one tone
Finish: Cadillac Green nitrocellulose lacquer, lightly aged
Weight: 2900g (lightweight and resonant)
Hardware: Gold-plated