Gretsch Vintage 63 SilverJet Solid Body Guitar with Case.

The original Gretsch Jet guitars are all virtually identical single cutaways, other than color.The DuoJet and SilverJet were first released in 1954.The early Jets had two DeArmond pickups and block markers. The DuoJet was black with some finished in Cadillac Green, but they’re pretty rare. Even more rare - the Bigsby B-3 tremolo that was an extra-cost option. , the FireBird was a deep red, and the SilverJet was, of course, capped in silver sparkle plastic drum material.
Since those early days, the Jet family has come to encompass a dizzying array of guitars, yet all are still instantly identifiable as Gretsch’s premier “solidbody” guitars. Even though they’re typically nearly hollow.

Jets differ significantly from their competition in that their mahogany bodies are extensively routed, making them, in effect, semi-solids. It also makes them considerably lighter than similar guitars and adds a special resonance to the line.

A big change came in 1961, when the Jets became double cutaways. The first double cutaways are roughly equivalent to the earlier Jets, but shortly after the changeover Gretsch began to change the Jets.

Vibrato tailpieces became standard in ‘62, but they weren’t Bigsbys. Instead, a Burns-sourced whammy was used. Other changes to ‘62 included gold hardware replacing chrome and other sparkle finishes, including gold, champagne, burgundy and tangerine being offered. Gretsch made few Jets with the special sparkle finishes, and they’re quite rare today. A standby switch was also added in ‘62.

The body is 13 1/4 inches wide, maple top, two pickups. Gretsch used drum casing material for the sparkle, gluing it to the maple top.

This is a modified 63 SilverJet. The serial number is verified with Gretch's serial list so it's a real, not reissued or wanta be, vintage guitar. While it's a vintage guitar it's made to be played, not hung on the wall. You could hang it on the wall but you'd miss the sound and playability of this great guitar.

You can see in the picture there's no pickguard but there are holes for where it went. The hardware is still Chrome and there's a Bigsby 7 vibrato tailpiece with a roller bridge added. The addition of the Bigsby may or may not have been done at the factory since it was at times an option when Gretsch made a built to order guitar. The same may be true of the chrome hardware. The exact history has been lost of this guitar thru the different owners.

The original bridge and  Burns tailpiece never worked well so many guitars were modified after being made by their owners. The roller bridge is a late addition making the Bigsby work much better and the guitar now stays in tune. Just what a player would want!

The back and of the guitar looks like it may have been refinished. This is because the neck may have been sanded down some to make it play faster for a previous owner. In any case the guitar has a great fast neck!

The front of this SilverJest is in almost perfect condition. There's a couple of "cracks" on the lower front thar are noticeable when the light is just right but can't be seen otherwise. The ebony neck is in great shape and appears to be original with little fret or fretboard wear. There's a couple of small scratches and dents on the back and sides but are hardly noticeable. given it's age it's in great shape for a players guitar.

The case is believed to be original and in great condition considering it's age. There's more pictures available if you'd like to see more views of the guitar, just click on sales to send us email.