The Synchromatic line was intended to be a direct competitor with Gibson's Super series. As such, the Synchromatic 400 went up against Gibson's super 400 - and held its own. The great thing about the Synchromatic 400 is that not only did it look like a fine instrument, he also played and sounded like one.

First available in 1940, the Synchromatic 400 came in sunburst and natural finishes. A maple body with spruce top was accompanied by a laminated maple neck and ebony fretboard. The original 13 layers of bound body was 18" wide with no cutaways. A harp tailpiece, cat eye sound holes, and over-sized pickguard kept the eyes busy on the lower end, while gold plated hardware and humped block inlays completed the visual experience all the way to the top.

The Synchromatic 400 remained virtually unchanged until the 1950s, with the exception of a minor modification of the headstock in 1948. In 1951 however, the cat eyes were replaced with F-holes, the harp tailpiece gave way to the Gretsch "G", and the body was reduced to 17". In 1955 the Synchromatic 400 was finally retired and replaced by the Eldorado.

Although the Synchromatic line is no longer produced it is a legend among Gretsch acoustic guitars. From the basic, no-frills 100 model all the way up to the classic 400, the Synchromatic series proved that Gretsch could compete with Gibson in the acoustic market. And you thought Gretsch only made great electrics...