7 Surprising Facts About The Grade 83 Revealed

When most people think of playing the electric guitar, they envision iconic musicians with a Fender Stratocaster or Gibson Les Paul, but not many consider the less celebrated gems in guitar history. One such unsung hero is the Gretsch Grade 83. In this post, we'll delve into seven surprising facts about the Gretsch Grade 83 that will not only enlighten guitar enthusiasts but might also give you a newfound appreciation for this unique instrument.

Fact 1: The Birth of the Gretsch Grade 83

The Gretsch Grade 83, often known simply as the Gretsch 83, was introduced in the early 1950s. Here are some key points:

• Era: Introduced during a time when solid-body electric guitars were gaining popularity.
• Design: The Grade 83 featured a unique hollow body construction, setting it apart from its contemporaries.

- **Body**: Double-cutaway hollow body with F-holes.
- **Pickups**: Initially equipped with DeArmond Dynasonic single-coil pickups.
- **Finish**: Came in a variety of finishes, including Sunburst and Orange.

This design and the quality of construction made the Grade 83 a choice for musicians looking for something with character and tone not easily found in the standard market.

<p class="pro-note">💡 Pro Tip: When considering a vintage guitar like the Grade 83, always check for original parts, as replacements can significantly affect its value and authenticity.</p>

Fact 2: The "FilterTron" Pickup Upgrade

In 1954, Gretsch replaced the DeArmond pickups with the now-iconic FilterTron pickups:

• Tone: FilterTron pickups were designed to cut through the mix, offering a balance between single-coil clarity and humbucker power.
• Development: Initially used for the 6120 and then adopted in the Grade 83 line.

Here are some guitarists known for using FilterTron pickups:

<p class="pro-note">🎵 Pro Tip: If you're looking to capture that '50s rock'n'roll sound, upgrading to vintage FilterTron pickups can make a world of difference.</p>

Fact 3: The Influence on Gretsch's Lineage

The Grade 83 played a pivotal role in defining the Gretsch brand:

• Design Influence: Its body shape and aesthetic were influential in the design of future models like the Gretsch 6120.
• Legacy: It contributed to Gretsch's reputation for producing guitars with distinctive tone and style.

Fact 4: Production Variations

The Grade 83 wasn't just one model; it saw several variations:

1. 1955: Introduction of the "western" style bridge.
2. 1957: Added the Bigsby vibrato tailpiece as an option.
3. 1959: Introduced the bound rosewood fingerboard with "thumbprint" inlays.

<table> <tr> <th>Year</th> <th>Variation</th> </tr> <tr> <td>1955</td> <td>Western-style bridge added</td> </tr> <tr> <td>1957</td> <td>Bigsby vibrato tailpiece option</td> </tr> <tr> <td>1959</td> <td>Bound rosewood fingerboard with "thumbprint" inlays</td> </tr> </table>

Fact 5: Celebrity Ownership

Despite its relative rarity, the Gretsch Grade 83 has found its way into the hands of some notable musicians:

• Eddy Cochran: Famed for using the Gretsch 6120, but also played a Grade 83.
• Lloyd Green: Used a modified Grade 83 for his pedal steel work, making it one of the few electric guitars converted for this use.

<p class="pro-note">✨ Pro Tip: Vintage guitars like the Grade 83 often come with unique quirks. Understand your guitar's quirks and embrace them as part of its charm.</p>

Fact 6: The Grade 83 Today

The market for vintage guitars, including the Gretsch Grade 83, has grown:

• Value: Original models in good condition can fetch high prices, especially if they feature original parts.
• Availability: They are less commonly seen in modern production lines, making them a collector's item.

Fact 7: A Collector's Dream

Here's why the Grade 83 is a dream for collectors:

• Rarity: Not many were produced, increasing its desirability.
• Aesthetic: The unique hollow body design, alongside its historical significance, makes it a visually and audibly compelling piece of guitar history.
• Investment: The Grade 83 has proven to be a sound investment in the vintage guitar market.

As we've explored, the Gretsch Grade 83 holds a fascinating place in guitar history. From its distinctive tone and design to its impact on the Gretsch brand, this guitar continues to captivate and inspire. If you're passionate about vintage instruments, exploring more tutorials on vintage guitar maintenance or diving into the stories behind other iconic models could further enrich your understanding and enjoyment of the guitar world.

<p class="pro-note">🪕 Pro Tip: Always verify the authenticity and provenance of a Grade 83 before purchase. It's not just about the sound; it's about owning a piece of history.</p>

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What makes the Gretsch Grade 83 different from other Gretsch models?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>The Grade 83 is known for its hollow body construction with distinctive F-holes, and its initial use of DeArmond pickups before transitioning to FilterTron pickups, giving it a unique tone and aesthetic.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How do FilterTron pickups change the sound of a Grade 83?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>FilterTron pickups provide a bright, clear tone with less hum than single-coil pickups, allowing the Grade 83 to cut through mixes better than many of its contemporaries.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Why should one consider buying a Grade 83 as a collector?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>The Grade 83 is rare, has a unique design, and offers excellent investment potential due to its historical significance and increasing demand among collectors.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can the Grade 83 still be played, or is it more of a collector's item?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>While it's primarily a collector's item, with proper care, a Grade 83 can still be played, offering a unique playing experience that pays homage to its legacy.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What should you look for when buying a vintage Gretsch Grade 83?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Focus on the guitar's original parts, condition, serial number for authenticity, and documentation like original case or receipts, which can significantly add to its value and desirability.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>