I had been considering purchasing a baritone guitar for several years... I watched a video comparison between this Gretsch and the Squire Paranormal baritone guitar. The reviewer, who was an awesome player, picked the Gretsch hands down. I had to get one after that. And I am glad I did. This guitar sounds and plays absolutely amazingly. The fit and finish is spot on. And, which is not always the case, this guitar was setup nicely from the factory. The action is set where it needs to be for playability. The fret ends are rounded and feel smooth (no jagged or unfinished edges). And so far, I have found, this guitar stays in tune even after playing heavily. I don't know where zZounds got their information or if it is a misprint, but the Gretsch website tells us this guitar is fitted with "Nickel Plated Steel Gauges .014-.018-.024-.044-.056-.072, Tuned B to B" strings. zZounds tells us it is fitted with D'Addario EXL157 Nickel Plated Steel (.014-.068 Gauges, Tuned B to B). Is this a big deal? Absolutely not. I will be changing strings over time. I just have no clue right now which gauge strings came with the guitar. So I purchased replacement sets in both gauges. A beautiful instrument that plays incredibly well and also looks the part. You cannot go wrong with this guitar. It is that good. The only thing I do not like is the "Crafted in China" painted tag on the back of the headstock. I would pay extra to have this guitar made in Korea, Japan or the USA. I do everything I can to… read more avoid purchasing anything made in China. But at this guitar's price point, Gretsch is looking for the cheapest labor. I own 3 other Gretsch guitars all made in Japan. I have to say this China crafted guitar is equal in quality to the ones made in Japan. Without the China tag, you would have no clue where this guitar is made. With or without the China tag, this is a fantastic guitar. Especially with a price tag under $700.

Sound
The sound is absolutely amazing... absolutely no complaints. You can make it dark, chimey or right in the middle.

Features
Everything is fitted well and the craftsmanship is spot on...

Ease of Use
Great tones with the two humbuckers and 3-way switch...

Quality
The craftsmanship is superb... period.

Value
At a price tag under $700 you cannot go wrong...

Manufacturer Support
I have never had to reach out to Gretsch even though I own 3 other Gretsch guitars...

The Wow Factor
A beautifully designed/crafted guitar.

Musical Background:
I have been playing for 50+ years as a novice... no band. Just a hobby.

Musical Style:
Country and rock... read less