One of the nicest archtop guitars I have come across was the 1940 Gretsch Synchromatic super 400. Top of the line of the synchromatic series ,that Grestch built to compete with another well known super 400. Featuring 13 layers of binding in black/white and gold sparkle, a somewhat narrow neck on the fully carved maple and spruce body. Cat's eye shaped soundholes placed strategically alow for a quick tonal response. Stairstep bridge and tailpiece
I think this is a great example of a felicituous meeting of design and acoustical know-how.
Not many of the 18 inch giants were built.There is a picture of Django Reinhardt playing the guitar of Harry Volpe when he visited the USA. rarely seen these days..one comes across some of it's lesser appointed brothers the models 300,200 and 100...