1958 Gretsch Clipper 6186 Vintage Archtop Electric Guitar Sunburst w/ DeArmond Dynasonic, Case

Up for sale, a 1958 Gretsch Clipper model 6186 in excellent original condition and in perfect working order. A rare first year example of the Clipper model, this 6186 has a number of upscale features only seen in this model year, some of which are unique to this specific batch, as Gretsch was notoriously inconsistent with their model specs in this era. Premium features include an ebony fingerboard, inlaid headstock logo, back-painted gold plexi pickguard, G cutout tailpiece, and the DeArmond Dynasonic pickup at the heart of the instrument. This combination of upscale kit makes this particular Clipper more akin to its Streamliner predecessor (and Single Anniversary successor). Boasting an all maple 16" wide and 2 13/16" deep body with parallel tone bar bracing, this Clipper is a simple, straightforward, and surprisingly versatile vintage Gretsch. Boasting a proper Tone knob instead of the three-way Tone switch like later Anniversary models, this Clipper makes it easy to dial in every shade from dynamic sparkling treble glass to thicker, smoother textures. The instrument has a full and lively natural acoustic tone, with more breadth and richness than one usually expects, and through the pickup there's a distinct twang to the top end and sweetness to the lows. The guitar is featherweight at 5lbs 12oz, professionally setup here at Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar with 11-49 strings and comfortable action. The two-piece maple neck has a slender, fast-feeling C profile carve with just enough roundness in the shoulders and lightly rolled fretboard edges, measuring .815" deep at the 1st fret and .890" at the 9th. The thick slab ebony board features pearloid dot inlay, and the dots are actually mostly recessed slightly beneath the height of the board, not affecting playability in the slightest. The slender frets show just a hint of wear beneath the plain strings on frets 1-3, playing cleanly up the 24.6" scale. The carved bone nut measures a full 1 11/16" in width, and the headstock features an inlaid Gretsch logo and original Waverly tuning machines with white buttons. The ID information of a previous owner is lightly carved into the back of the headstock. The simple electronics work well, and the ostensibly original DeArmond Dynasonic single coil is unique for being a gold-plated variant, very unusual for the Clipper model. The gold plating shows patina down to the bare nickel on the majority of the pickup surround, and the harness included Master Volume and Tone controls with chrome G pointer knobs. The original carved ebony bridge with compensated saddle and Gretsch G tailpiece round out the hardware, and the stock back-painted gold plexi pickguard is present. The original label is visible through the oversized F hole. The warm three-tone Sunburst gloss finish is 100% original with no touchup or overspray, and the top is notably clean with light finish checking and sparingly little additional wear. There is light buckle rash central to the lower bout on the back and some additional minor marks mostly relegated to the back and body parameter. The forward strap button position has been shifted on the neck heel, leaving an additional mounting hole, and the neck profile shows one small area of palm wear on the treble side shoulder in the 1st position and just a few tiny additional marks in the smooth gloss on the profile length. A vintage '60s Gretsch hardshell case is included.