Gretsch Streamliner modification project

[Sarah93003]

Okay, very good points, indeed. I think the luthier will be able to tell me if it is vintage. If it is, then of course I would restore it rather than to the major modifications that I have in mind. We should be able to tell by how many plys the top has. If memory serves me correctly, one of the reasons the Historic Series reissues were discontinued is becuase they did not make them the same as the original models. I should be able to tell by how many plys are in the top and perhaps other clues.

Thank you for the warning! I will tread carefully.

I don't know yet. I won't receive the body until the weekend. There are no serial numbers or labels
inside the body. When I separate the neck I may get a clue. But at this point, it's anyone's guess.

Sarah, Be Careful......

Before you start ripping that 'little Gal' apart, you just might want to wait, and check, and
confirm if it might be an '03 or later (Japanese R.I.) or whether that little 'Gal' is the Real Deal.'

From HARMONY CENTRAL:

Gretsch 3155 Streamliner

"One of the earliest of the electric guitars and still one of the best! This classic guitar was first introduced in
1951 and made it throughout the '60s. Now it returns, a replica true to the vintage original in every detail."

A word to the Wise......Anyone that may of purchased a Used Instrument to possibly Customize, Mod Out, etc,
just may want to think twice and double check the instrument they ACTUALLY bought......

With all of the Re-Issues, Closet Classics, Relics, etc, etc, ANYONE that purchased an instrument from a
Private Party, off of E-Bay, or Craigslist,....well.....YOU JUST MIGHT WANT to "Get a Second Opinion" if
you are not sure, before you tear apart, a possible 'Vintage Instrument'.........

[Sarah93003]

I've consulted with a bunch of folks at the Gretsch forum and several have assured me that this model is not vintage but one of the "Historic Series" remakes that was discontinued when they discovered they actually were not accurate reproductions of the original Synchromatics. So, I will take my luthiers opinion as well but it looks like this one is a perfect platform for a mod.

[Sarah93003]

Update:

I took my project body and neck to the luthier today to get his opinion of what I want to accomplish. We came up with a good plan. He was impressed with the condition of the body and loves the whole concept. The two additional cat eye sound holes are no problem and will be bound to match.

The fingerboard will be replaced with ebony (Gaboon?) and bound to match the body. I'm going to go with inlay and put my name "SARAH" on the fingerboard as well. It's hard to describe, put I'm going to also add a lazy "S" inlay on the headstock. You'll see, it'll be cool!

We're going to go with three pickups. There will be Dearmond 2000's at the neck and bridge. These will share a tone control knob. There will be a Mosrite P90 in the center with it's own tone control knob. The other two knobs will be a master volume and a five way rotary push/pull switch. At the bottom of the guitar body is one additional hole and that will be a master kill switch so I can basically put the guitar on standby with that switch.

We're going to add some bracing inside the body cavity to accommodate the Hallmark Tremelo. I'll go with locking tuners of some sort. I haven't decided the brand yet.

We won't be able to start until the end of August but this project won't take as long as I had anticipated so, I'm guessing by the end of the year it will be done. He has a ton of work he does for Martin (inlay work on their extremely expensive stuff $75,000+). And he said something about some stuff for Stephen Stills. It's good because it will give me some time to get all of the parts together.

So, yay! We have a plan.

Oh, if anyone has a Mosrite P90 that they can part with, please let me know!
Thanks, Sarah