Some of the old Gretsch made some top shelf stuff in the day. But they also made some entry level stuff without Gretsch badging for 3rd party sellers. Even the entry level stuff was good though, "entry" level doesn't always mean crappy. They have been around since the early 1900s, maybe earlier. I have the coolest Gretsch Banjo from the 1930s. It was a novice type banjo, not really entry level, but not really the top shelf stuff either, and it is a really cool piece, and I am proud to own it. Brass hardware, etc.. Worth serious consideration for a vintage Gretsch.