Gretsch TK-300 7627 1977 - Natural

Stamped 8 December 1977, this Gretsch Model 7627 TK-300 Bass is an early production example from Gretsch’s late ’70s Baldwin era a period marked by bold experimentation and forward-thinking design. With its angular offset body, stripped-back controls, and sleek natural maple finish, the TK-300 was light years away from Gretsch’s classic hollowbodies and that’s exactly what made it special.

Specifications:

• Model: Gretsch 7627 TK-300 Bass
• Serial Number: 28019
• Date Stamped: 8 December 1977
• Body: Solid maple with natural finish
• Neck: Bolt-on maple with rosewood fingerboard
• Scale Length: 34"
• Pickup: Original HiLo’Tron-style single coil
• Controls: Master Volume, Master Tone
• Bridge: Original 4-saddle bridge
• Tuners: Original Schaller “S” tuners (Made in West Germany)
• Pickguard: Original cream guard with vintage patina
• Finish: Factory natural lacquer with light wear and lacquer checking consistent with age

Condition:

This bass presents in excellent vintage condition, with minor surface marks and natural finish aging that enhance its vintage character. The neck is straight and smooth, the frets are clean, and all electronics operate perfectly.

Tone & Playability:

The TK-300’s single pickup delivers a tight, mid-forward growl with great punch and sustain. Its simplicity gives it an honest, expressive tone that cuts through the mix — a sound made famous by Walter Becker of Steely Dan, who frequently played a TK-300 during the band’s Aja and Gaucho era sessions.

Collectibility:

Produced only from 1977 to 1981, the TK-300 series is now a cult classic among Gretsch fans for its distinctive design and rarity — especially the bass version. This early-dated December ’77 example, complete with its original Schaller tuners and all factory hardware, represents a striking chapter in Gretsch’s evolution and a direct link to one of the most sophisticated tones of the late 1970s.