Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $999

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$400

$1001+

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Description

Step into a realm where vintage charm meets modern flair with the Gretsch BST-1000 "The Beast" Electric Guitar. A rare gem from the late '70s, "The Beast" is a testament to Gretsch's innovative spirit during a time of musical exploration. Distinguished by its symmetrical double cutaway body and the choice between one or two humbuckers, this guitar offers a blend of classic aesthetics and versatile sound that resonates with both collectors and contemporary players. Despite its brief production run, the BST-1000 remains a sought-after piece for those in the know, standing out in a sea of conventional guitars with its unique character and robust tones.

Key Features:

  • Symmetrical double cutaway body design for a balanced look and feel
  • Choice of one or two humbuckers, catering to a variety of tonal preferences
  • Rare and collectible, part of Gretsch's short-lived Beast series
  • Vintage appeal with modern versatility, ideal for both collectors and active musicians

Product specs

Brand Gretsch
Model 8215 BST-1000 Beast HH, 8216 BST-1000 Beast HH
Finish Mahogany, Red Mahogany
Year 1979 - 1981
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type String-Through
Color Family Brown, Red
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Gretsch Beast
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What kind of tones can I expect from the Gretsch BST-1000 "The Beast" pickups?

The Gretsch BST-1000 features dual humbucker pickups, which provide a powerful and versatile tone suitable for rock, blues, and jazz. The pickups deliver a warm, full sound with a strong midrange presence, making it ideal for both clean and overdriven settings.

Is the Gretsch BST-1000 "The Beast" suitable for beginners?

While the Gretsch BST-1000 offers professional-quality sound and construction, its bolt-on neck and straightforward controls make it accessible for beginners. However, its features are more appreciated by intermediate to advanced players looking for a robust, versatile guitar.

What is the neck profile of the Gretsch BST-1000 "The Beast"?

The Gretsch BST-1000 features a bolt-on maple neck with a slim profile, providing a comfortable grip and easy playability. This design is beneficial for fast playing styles and allows for smooth transitions across the 24 frets.

Does the Gretsch BST-1000 "The Beast" have a string-through body design?

Yes, the Gretsch BST-1000 features a string-through body design, which enhances sustain and resonance. This construction method allows the strings to vibrate more freely, contributing to the guitar's rich tonal qualities.

What materials are used in the construction of the Gretsch BST-1000 "The Beast"?

The Gretsch BST-1000 is constructed with a solid mahogany body and a maple neck, topped with a rosewood fretboard. This combination of materials provides a warm, resonant tone with excellent sustain and clarity.

Reviews

PROS

  • Distinctive Mightymite pickups offer a unique, swampy tone

  • String-through-body design provides exceptional sustain

  • Slightly shorter neck scale enhances playability

  • Flat fretboard allows for fast and quick fingering

  • Vintage aesthetic and vibe loved by many

  • Balanced weight and feel make it comfortable to play

  • Known for its distinct and recognizable sound

  • Appeals to indie musicians with its unique character

CONS

  • Flatter fretboard may not suit everyone

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gretsch BST-1000 "The Beast" Electric Guitar.

Build quality

  • The Gretsch BST-1000 "The Beast" features a unique natural wood finish, which some users liken to furniture materials like tables or laminate floors.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners note the BST-1000's tonal and build qualities differ significantly from classic Gretsch models, with some describing it as more akin to American-made guitars.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • The BST series is recommended for those who typically dislike Gretsch necks, as the BST-1000 is praised for having a faster neck feel compared to traditional models.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The BST-1000 is seen as a high-value option among American-made guitars, with potential resale values being strong due to its distinct design and limited availability.

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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1 star
yoda_man_now_dog_

A hidden gem!

It's almost a crime that these guitars aren't better known. It gives off the kind of indie vibe that you'd think guys like Isaac Brock would fall over for, and the pickups (especially the neck) have this kind of swampy, John Fogerty-esq quality to them that is incredibly distinct without being overbearing. If I hear this guitar being played, I know that it is this guitar! My favorite part of the guitar is the flat tone selector switch that, while it doesn't contribute to the sound at all, perfectly sums up the vibe this guitar puts out. It is vintage in every sense of the word, and I love it!

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jon Foreman uses Gretsch BST-1000 "The Beast" Electric Guitar

Jon Foreman

Singer, Guitarist

Switchfoot

...
Verified via YouTube

Jon has a Gretsch BST-1000 that he used to use during live performances of "This Is Your Life." He utilizes the guitar in an interesting way at the end of the song, he sings into the pickups and modulates his voice by changing the time on his delay pedal creating a scrubbing effect. (This can be seen at 4:46 in the video)

See how Ben McLeod uses Gretsch BST-1000 "The Beast" Electric Guitar

Ben McLeod

Guitarist, Audio Engineer

All Them Witches

...
Verified via Premierguitar

"The second guitar McLeod will carry onstage is his 1979 Gretsch “Beast” BST-1000. He bought it at a guitar store in his hometown of St. Augustine, Florida at Grandpa’s Music for $350. He prefers to bring this out on songs like “Call Me a Star” or “Talisman” where it gets tuned to D-A-C-G-A-E and he’ll mix between finger picking and using a slide. This guitar has had the exact same set of DR Pure Blues strings since the beginning of the U.S. tour in October 2015. Alterations to the Beast include a bone nut, a new bridge, the neck has been repaired several times from breaks or splits, and he’s even used Gorilla Glue on one of the tuners".

See how Kim Shattuck uses Gretsch BST-1000 "The Beast" Electric Guitar

Kim Shattuck

Guitarist

Pixies

...
Verified via Innocent Words

"I’ve been playing the same guitar since at least 1991, 1992 ... My guitar is a solid body Gretsch from the 70s called Gretsch Beast (BST) ..."

“I got it at a pawn shop type place for 150 bucks. I was originally attracted to it because it looks like a guitar from the ’60s. I changed the pickups and had it worked on a bunch. It’s a great workhorse guitar.”

"I've been very faithful to the Beast! ... I saw that and I liked it but I didn't like the pickups so I changed them to the Seymour Duncan Antiquities."

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Gretsch BST-1000 "The Beast" Electric Guitar, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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