Gretsch’s 1955 catalog had the company’s calling card right on the cover, with it’s high-end hollowbody electrics shown in yellow, green, and white finishes in addition to a traditional sunburst. In the solidbody line, the Gretsch Silver Jet took finish colors to the next level with a gleaming silver sparkle finish that was a step beyond the capabilities of it’s competitors.

In the middle years of the 20th century, Gretsch was as successful a drum maker as it was a guitar company. So when it came to creating an eye-catching guitar finish, rather than spraying lacquer with metallic particles – as Gibson did did on it’s “goldtop” Les Paul Model – Gretsch simply “finished” it’s guitars with silver-sparkle drum coverings, giving them a more dramatic sparkle effect than any metallic paint.

As a company, Gretch was even older than Gibson, but while Gibson fought it’s image as a stodgy traditional company, the Silver Jet had a flair that permeated the entire Gretsch line and underscored Gretsch’s claim on it’s 1955 catalog – Guitars for Moderns.