Gretsch Custom Shop Malcolm Young Tribute - USA 2017

Hand built by Gretsch senior Masterbuilder Stephen Stern - this Gretsch Custom Shop Malcolm Young Tribute, serial 59840-104, is a 2017 build that pays faithful tribute to one of the most important rhythm guitarists in rock history. With its natural finish, this model captures the stripped-back, no-nonsense aesthetic of the Gretsch Jet that Malcolm Young relied on throughout AC/DC’s career, an instrument as direct, powerful and uncompromising as the man himself.

Malcolm’s role in AC/DC cannot be overstated. While Angus delivered the lightning, Malcolm was the engine room. His right hand, sense of time and tone defined the band’s sound, and his heavily modified Gretsch became one of the most recognisable guitars in rock music. This Custom Shop tribute reflects that philosophy perfectly, focusing on feel, stability and punch rather than excess.

Built by the Gretsch Custom Shop, this guitar is all about authority and control. The Jet-style body delivers a tight, focused low end with plenty of midrange punch, making it ideal for driving rhythms that lock in with the drums and bass. Notes hit hard and stop cleanly, with no flab or unnecessary bloom. It’s a guitar that rewards precision and feels incredibly solid under the right hand.

Playability is excellent, with a neck that feels reassuringly substantial without being cumbersome. Everything about the guitar encourages confidence, from the balance on a strap to the immediacy of its response. It feels purpose-built for rhythm work, but still has plenty of clarity and definition for single-note lines when needed.

Presented in excellent condition, this example comes complete with its original hard shell case and Gretsch Custom Shop certificate of authenticity. It’s not a flashy guitar, and that’s entirely the point. Like Malcolm himself, it’s about strength, restraint and absolute commitment to the song.

A superb tribute to one of rock’s true greats, and a rare opportunity to own a Custom Shop Gretsch that embodies the very foundation of AC/DC’s sound.

Features:

Action at 1st Fret: 0.5mm

Action at 12th Fret: 1.75mm

Neck Depth at 1st Fret: 19.52mm

Neck Depth at 12th Fret: 24.06mm

Nut Width: 40.79mm

Width at 12th Fret: 51.2mm

Weight: 3.06kg

Model: Gretsch Custom Shop Malcolm Young Tribute

Year: 2017

Country of Manufacture: USA

Finish: Natural

Body: Jet-style, chambered

Top: Maple

Neck: Mahogany

Fingerboard: Ebony

Inlays: Neo-classic thumbnail

Pickups: Custom Shop–spec Gretsch Filtertron pickup

Controls: Volume, tone, master volume, selector

Hardware: Nickel

Bridge: Fixed

Case: Original hard shell case

Certificate: Gretsch Custom Shop COA signed by Stephen Stern

Condition: Excellent