When Gretsch introduced the Artist Model 150, added to their lineup at the very top of their offerings, it was meant as a direct competitor to the block inlay L5’s coming out of Kalamazoo, coming in at 40 or so dollars cheaper than the Gibson equivalent. With an elaborately engraved pearl peghead and hand-engraved pickguard, it was among the most ornate American archtop guitars ever produced. With production ceasing in 1938, its high price and unfortunate timing during the Depression resulted in extremely limited production. Today, according to arhctop.com, it's believed that somewhere around only 10 examples survive, making it one of the rarest archtop guitars ever built.

With a full-depth 16-inch body and all-carved construction, the Model 150 shares many design elements with the early L-5, including delicate f-holes (two were bound, this one was not), a pointed fretboard end, ivoroid binding, and a steel-reinforced, large V neck topped with a solid ebony fingerboard. The hand carved top features graduated tone bars as well, paired with bookmatched flamed maple back and sides for a tone that’s nice and jangly, unfortunately inhibited some by a 30 or so year old refinish, which looks nice, but may be a bit thick.

The gorgeous headstock inlay, along with the pearl blocks in the fretboard are all original, as is all the hardware, though this guitar was also most likely refretted at some point. But, it plays amazingly well, especially given that most examples of these guitars are in varying states of disarray.

Comes with a non-original hardshell case.