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Average Price: $420

Standard/Professional

$200

$1001+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The Gretsch New Yorker is a tribute to a bygone era, gracefully combining classic design with modern craftsmanship. Originally a standout in the 1950s, this acoustic-electric archtop guitar radiates vintage charm while delivering the rich, resonant tones that made its predecessor a legend. The arched solid spruce top paired with laminated maple sides and back ensure every note is infused with warmth and clarity. Its V-profile mahogany neck and padauk fingerboard make for a comfortable playing experience, inviting you to explore its tonal range effortlessly.

The New Yorker isn't just about its looks—though with its timeless aesthetic, it's certainly a head-turner. This guitar is equipped with a vintage-style single-coil pickup, allowing you to seamlessly transition from acoustic to amplified sound, perfect for both intimate settings and stage performances. With its meticulously crafted ebony bridge and trapeze tailpiece, every element is designed to enhance both sound and style. Whether you're strumming in a cozy corner of a café or performing on stage, the Gretsch New Yorker is your passport to a world of musical expression and a slice of American musical heritage.

Key Features:

  • Grand auditorium body with an arched solid spruce top and laminated maple sides
  • 25" scale length for a balanced feel
  • V-profile mahogany neck with a padauk fingerboard featuring 19 frets
  • 1.75" synthetic bone nut for precise string spacing
  • Ebony bridge and trapeze tailpiece for vintage style and stability
  • Vintage-style single-coil pickup with master volume control
  • Grover Sta-Tite geared tuning machines for reliable tuning stability
  • Strung with D'Addario EHR350 "Jazz Light" Half Rounds, gauges: .012 to .052

Product specs

Brand Gretsch
Model G9555 New Yorker Archtop Guitar with Padauk Fretboard, Pickup, G9555 New Yorker Archtop Guitar with Rosewood Fretboard, Pickup
Finish Antique Burst
Year 2015 - 2025
Made In China
Categories Archtop Electric Guitars, Hollow Body Guitars
Body Material Maple
Body Shape Non Cutaway
Body Type Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Brown
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Satin
Fretboard Material Padauk, Rosewood
Model Family Gretsch New Yorker
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 19
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration S
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What type of music is the Gretsch New Yorker best suited for?

The Gretsch New Yorker is ideal for jazz and blues, thanks to its hollow body design and warm, resonant tones. Its archtop construction enhances its suitability for these genres, providing a classic, rich sound.

Does the Gretsch New Yorker have a built-in pickup for amplification?

Yes, the Gretsch New Yorker comes with a built-in pickup, allowing you to easily amplify its acoustic sound for live performances or recording sessions.

What kind of wood is used for the Gretsch New Yorker's body and neck?

The Gretsch New Yorker features a maple body and a mahogany neck, combining to offer a balanced tone with excellent sustain and resonance.

How many frets does the Gretsch New Yorker have?

The Gretsch New Yorker is equipped with 19 frets, providing a comfortable range for both rhythm and lead playing.

What is the finish style of the Gretsch New Yorker?

The Gretsch New Yorker features a satin finish in an antique burst color, giving it a vintage aesthetic with a smooth feel.

Lander's Music

Lander's Music

Gretsch New Yorker Archtop Guitar

Video thumbnail for Gretsch New Yorker Archtop Guitar by Lander's Music

Gretsch New Yorker Archtop Guitar

Lander's Music

Lander's Music

Video thumbnail for Gretsch New Yorker by Paul Mcilwaine

Gretsch New Yorker

Paul Mcilwaine

Paul Mcilwaine

Video thumbnail for The GRETSCH New Yorker by Rhodimer

The GRETSCH New Yorker

Rhodimer

Rhodimer

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional sound quality, both acoustic and electric

  • DeArmond pickup offers rich, versatile tones

  • Comfortable and easy playability after setup

  • Solid spruce top enhances tonal quality

  • V-shaped neck allows thumb wrap-around for some players

  • Excellent action with no buzzing issues

  • Tight and smooth tuners keep guitar well-tuned

  • Abalone/Pearl lettering adds a touch of elegance

  • Matte finish gradually becomes more appealing

  • Great value for the price

CONS

  • Pickup holder may be drilled incorrectly

  • Some players experience pickup buzz

  • E strings may slip off the bridge during play

  • Not a true original Gretsch design, similar to The Loar LH350

  • Matte finish might give a perception of thinner wood quality

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gretsch New Yorker.

Comparisons

  • Some users suggest considering the Godin 5th Avenue series for its neck specifications that closely match Cole Clark acoustics, offering a comfortable alternative to thin-necked Artcores.

    Source
  • The Gretsch New Yorker is compared with Ibanez models, with the latter being recommended for versatility and value, especially if feedback is a concern.

    Source
  • The D'Angelico brand is mentioned as a classic alternative, with positive feedback from its users, though no specific model details are given in the discussion.

    Source

User experience

  • Users express difficulty finding and testing the Gretsch New Yorker in certain regions, suggesting that availability may be limited outside major markets.

    Source
  • Owners highlight the pristine condition of vintage models, indicating that well-preserved Gretsch New Yorkers can maintain excellent aesthetic quality over decades.

    Source

Build quality

  • The neck profile is notably thick, described as resembling a "baseball bat," suggesting a robust build unlikely to be prone to snapping.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A vintage 1955 Gretsch New Yorker in excellent condition was acquired for $500, considered a significant bargain by enthusiasts.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Review: Gretsch G9550 New Yorker is ‘Big Apple’ to the Core | Acoustic Guitar

acousticguitar.com

The Gretsch G9550 New Yorker is a charming nod to vintage archtops, offering a clear, punchy tone across a range of styles from jazz to roots music. With an appealing retro design and comfortable playability, it stands out as a great entry point for archtop enthusiasts at a budget-friendly price. While it doesn't fully match the sonic depth of pricier vintage models, its solid craftsmanship and fun factor make it a commendable choice for both seasoned players and beginners. However, the satin finish may slightly detract from its vintage appeal.

positive

Gretsch G9555 New Yorker Archtop with Pickup review

guitar.com

The Gretsch G9555 New Yorker Archtop with Pickup is a charming throwback to the vintage era, blending classic aesthetics with a modern twist. Its solid spruce top and maple laminate body evoke nostalgia, while the DeArmond Rhythm Chief pickup delivers a rich, warm tone that suits both unplugged strumming and amplified jazz sessions. The guitar excels in its rootsy sound, though its hollowbody design can lead to feedback at high volumes. The construction is solid for its price, despite minor issues like a loose volume pot. Comfortable for seated playing, it may require an additional strap button for standing gigs. Overall, it's a delightful choice for those seeking retro flair at a reasonable price, with versatility that spans from 1940s swing to contemporary rock vibes.

positive

4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
joe_wright4920

looks good but docent sound the best

the e strings keep pushing of the bridge when i play it because it mass produced

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Tom Waits uses Gretsch New Yorker

Tom Waits

Singer, Guitarist

Roy Orbison And Friends

...
Verified via Tomwaitslibrary

Mentioned in this interview from the October 1987 issue of Musician Magazine, as documented in this page from the website Tom Waits Library.

MR (1987): "Not too surprisingly. Waits prefers "mostly tube stuff' to digital equipment. Microphones of choice include a Ribbon ("Dave Garroway") and RCA high-impedance mikes; Waits usually sings through a Shure Green Bullet (used mostly by harmonica players). Also an Altec 21D vocal mike- "because Sinatra used it." On guitar, Waits likes his Gretsch New Yorker "with old strings" played through an old Fender tweed basement amp. When recording, he says he uses a lot of heavy compression with room sound; to do that he'll sometimes push the track into the room through Auratone speakers, and then mike that. It's not his only technique, "but I don't want to give away all my secrets." (Source: "Tom Waits is flying upside down (on purpose)" Sidebar. Musician: Mark Rowland. October, 1987)

See how Pete Yorn uses Gretsch New Yorker

Pete Yorn

Singer, Guitarist

The Olms

...
Verified via Photo

Alongside Scarlett Johansson, Pete is holding a Gretsch New Yorker Acoustic Electric hollowbody

See how Steve Hunter uses Gretsch New Yorker

Steve Hunter

Guitarist, Music Producer

Hollywood Vampires

...
Verified via Steve Hunter

Hunter pictured playing the guitar at www.stevehunter.com.

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 New Yorker, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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