Lovely, clean example of easily one of the more popular 1960s Gretsch Models, thanks in part to one George Harrison’s notable use the model in the opening sequence of the film Help! We’ve always had a soft spot for the Tennessean but this example is easily one of the best playing and sounding example we’ve had in for a long while.
Initially released in 1958 the Model 6119 Tennessean would complete the Chet Atkins Model lineup alongside the 6120, 6121 and 6122. In essence a single pickup version of the Model 6120. It was a full depth 2 5/8”, 16” wide, single cutaway guitar with similar construction to the 6120 but with paired back appointments. The Tennessean Model would transition trough a few spec changes and a brief Model number change before settling on the spec we have here with this 1963 example: Fully hollow, laminated Maple body; 2” wide with two simulated F-holes. A two piece, medium profile Maple neck with single bound rosewood fretboard with 22 frets “thumbnail” inlays and. Twin HiLo-Tron pickups with a master volume, independent pickup volumes, tone switch, pickup selector and a standby switch. Gretsch V-cut Bigsby and bar bridge, Grover StaTite tuners and a silver-grey lucite pickguard proudly displaying Chet’s signature.
The guitar is in excellent cosmetic condition; the finish has lost a little of it dark brown colour and has faded to a very pleasant red mahogany hue. The binding is clean and in great shape throughout with none of the issues normally associated with Gretsch binding. Featuring its original hardware and electrics, all in equally good condition. The original frets have lost some height but the guitar still plays well. The neck has a medium slim depth measuring 20.93mm at the first fret with the rear of the neck showing some light play through to the original lacquer. Weighing 7lbs the guitar has a loud and lively acoustic voice, plugged in the HiLo-Trons really sing. They have a unmistakeable Gretsch sparkle, jangle and presence but with an added sweetness that can sometimes be missing from a FilterTron.
A great example of one of our favourite vintage Gretsch models at a price not too dissimilar to a new Japanese made Gretsch Professional model. A whole lot of vintage guitar for the money! The guitar comes with the pictured non-original Gretsch case.
Initially released in 1958 the Model 6119 Tennessean would complete the Chet Atkins Model lineup alongside the 6120, 6121 and 6122. In essence a single pickup version of the Model 6120. It was a full depth 2 5/8”, 16” wide, single cutaway guitar with similar construction to the 6120 but with paired back appointments. The Tennessean Model would transition trough a few spec changes and a brief Model number change before settling on the spec we have here with this 1963 example: Fully hollow, laminated Maple body; 2” wide with two simulated F-holes. A two piece, medium profile Maple neck with single bound rosewood fretboard with 22 frets “thumbnail” inlays and. Twin HiLo-Tron pickups with a master volume, independent pickup volumes, tone switch, pickup selector and a standby switch. Gretsch V-cut Bigsby and bar bridge, Grover StaTite tuners and a silver-grey lucite pickguard proudly displaying Chet’s signature.
The guitar is in excellent cosmetic condition; the finish has lost a little of it dark brown colour and has faded to a very pleasant red mahogany hue. The binding is clean and in great shape throughout with none of the issues normally associated with Gretsch binding. Featuring its original hardware and electrics, all in equally good condition. The original frets have lost some height but the guitar still plays well. The neck has a medium slim depth measuring 20.93mm at the first fret with the rear of the neck showing some light play through to the original lacquer. Weighing 7lbs the guitar has a loud and lively acoustic voice, plugged in the HiLo-Trons really sing. They have a unmistakeable Gretsch sparkle, jangle and presence but with an added sweetness that can sometimes be missing from a FilterTron.
A great example of one of our favourite vintage Gretsch models at a price not too dissimilar to a new Japanese made Gretsch Professional model. A whole lot of vintage guitar for the money! The guitar comes with the pictured non-original Gretsch case.