The most notable feature of the Americana series was the graphic theme finish pertinent to each model. So the Showdown, for example, featured two gun fighters in the moonlight preparing to draw their six shooters. While some Gretsch fans loved the graphics, others believe they were the biggest factor in the lackluster sales of these guitars. For many people the graphics made them look cheap. Indeed, they were inexpensive, but they had all the quality of anything else Gretsch put out.

The G4510 was a steel string acoustic guitar with a rosewood flat top bridge, rosewood fretboard with dot inlays, a synthetic bone, and generic Gretsch tuners. It's slightly smaller size and scale made it a great starter guitar or travel box. In fact, Gretsch attempted to sell the Americana series using images of a folksy family sitting around the campfire singing songs. Despite the Gretsch name and the quality that goes along with it, the Americana series never really sold that well.

Today you can find these guitars at flea markets and garage sales for under $50. For that kind of money the G4510 is an excellent flat top acoustic. It has great action and sound, easy playability, and a retro kind of look. You might have to change the tuners though, because the standard set is known for slipping after a while.