Pricing and availability
Average Price: $420
Standard/Professional
$200
$1001+
Price Tier
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
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What type of music is the Gretsch New Yorker best suited for?
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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.
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Does the Gretsch New Yorker have a built-in pickup for amplification?
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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.
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What kind of wood is used for the Gretsch New Yorker's body and neck?
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The Gretsch New Yorker features a maple body and a mahogany neck, combining to offer a balanced tone with excellent sustain and resonance.
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How many frets does the Gretsch New Yorker have?
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The Gretsch New Yorker is equipped with 19 frets, providing a comfortable range for both rhythm and lead playing.
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What is the finish style of the Gretsch New Yorker?
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The Gretsch New Yorker features a satin finish in an antique burst color, giving it a vintage aesthetic with a smooth feel.
Videos
Lander's Music
Gretsch New Yorker Archtop Guitar
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional sound quality, both acoustic and electric
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DeArmond pickup offers rich, versatile tones
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Comfortable and easy playability after setup
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Solid spruce top enhances tonal quality
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V-shaped neck allows thumb wrap-around for some players
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Excellent action with no buzzing issues
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Tight and smooth tuners keep guitar well-tuned
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Abalone/Pearl lettering adds a touch of elegance
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Matte finish gradually becomes more appealing
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Great value for the price
CONS
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Pickup holder may be drilled incorrectly
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Some players experience pickup buzz
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E strings may slip off the bridge during play
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Not a true original Gretsch design, similar to The Loar LH350
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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
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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.
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The Gretsch New Yorker is compared with Ibanez models, with the latter being recommended for versatility and value, especially if feedback is a concern.
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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.
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User experience
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Users express difficulty finding and testing the Gretsch New Yorker in certain regions, suggesting that availability may be limited outside major markets.
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Owners highlight the pristine condition of vintage models, indicating that well-preserved Gretsch New Yorkers can maintain excellent aesthetic quality over decades.
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Build quality
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The neck profile is notably thick, described as resembling a "baseball bat," suggesting a robust build unlikely to be prone to snapping.
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Critic Reviews
4.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings
204
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
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)
Alongside Scarlett Johansson, Pete is holding a Gretsch New Yorker Acoustic Electric hollowbody
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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