This page about Gretsch 6119 Tennessean 12-String is a stub. You can help improve it:

Pricing and availability

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The Gretsch 6119 Tennessean 12-String is a hallmark of craftsmanship, ideal for musicians seeking to expand their sonic palette with the lush, full-bodied sound of a 12-string guitar. This versatile electric guitar merges classic design with modern playability, making it a cherished choice for both studio recording and live performances. Built with a laminated maple body, it offers a rich resonance that enhances the natural chime and jangle of a 12-string setup. The dual HiLo'Tron™ pickups provide a wide tonal range, allowing players to seamlessly transition from bright, shimmering highs to warm, mellow lows. Its traditional "C" shaped neck is crafted for comfort, ensuring smooth playability during extended sessions.

The guitar's intuitive control layout includes master volume and tone knobs, along with a 3-position toggle switch for easy sound adjustments. Gretsch's renowned craftsmanship is evident in the attention to detail, from the bound rosewood fingerboard to the distinctive hump-block inlays. Whether you're crafting intricate fingerstyle arrangements or driving your band with rhythmic strumming, the Gretsch 6119 Tennessean 12-String offers a unique voice that stands out in any musical context.

Key Features:

  • Laminated maple body for enhanced resonance
  • Dual HiLo'Tron™ pickups for a wide tonal range
  • Traditional "C" shaped neck for comfortable playability
  • Bound rosewood fingerboard with hump-block inlays
  • Master volume and tone controls with 3-position toggle switch
  • 12-string configuration for a rich, full-bodied sound

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gretsch 6119 Tennessean 12-String.

Setup and maintenance

  • Pickup housings on the Tennessean are .6 inches tall, while Corvette Hilo housings are only .5 inches, affecting fit and sound.

    Source
  • A poorly cut nylon bridge and a broken Bigsby hinge mount can cause the high E-string to fall off the fretboard.

    Source
  • The binding on 1960s Gretsch models deteriorates, becoming brittle and requiring a full replacement, which is a meticulous and costly process.

    Source
  • For restoration, prioritize re-binding and neck reset over refinishing, as a refinish can significantly reduce the guitar's value.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Vintage Hilotrons from a 1964 Corvette can be used to upgrade the sound, but require adjustment for proper fit.

    Source
  • A new steel AdjustoMatic bridge improved the guitar's setup; however, Tru-Arc bridges are also recommended by some owners for better performance.

    Source

User experience

  • After a 9-month restoration, the guitar sounds notably better, described as "ringing like a bell."

    Source
  • Owners of the G5422T highlight its exceptional feel and sound, noting a desire for deeper cuts on the second octave for better access.

    Source
  • A user with a G6120W-1955 describes it as a "whole different world" compared to the G6120 Setzer Hot Rod Deluxe, indicating significant tonal and quality differences.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Gretsch Electromatic series, like the G5222, is praised for its quality, often compared favorably against the Proline series in terms of value and mod potential.

    Source
  • While not as valuable as a 6120 flametop or White Falcon, the Tennessean offers a similar Gretsch experience at a lower price point, making it attractive for modifications.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Higher-end Gretschs often feature U or V-shaped necks, contrasting the C-shaped necks found in less expensive models, affecting playability and comfort.

    Source
  • Electromatic models are solid and reliable, with Proline offering enhanced hardware and electronics, appealing to those seeking upgrades or vintage specifications.

    Source
  • These mid-60s models feature Hilo-Tron pickups, which are considered lower tier compared to Filtertrons, yet still offer classic Gretsch tones.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • In mint condition, a Gretsch Tennessean from this era may fetch around $3,000, but restored examples are valued nearer to $2,500.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Gretsch 6119 Tennessean | Vintage Guitar® magazine

vintageguitar.com

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Michael Nesmith uses Gretsch 6119 Tennessean 12-String

Michael Nesmith

Singer, Guitarist

The Monkees

...
Verified via Photo

Nesmith scene here playing the instrument during the filming of the original pilot

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

More Gretsch Extended Range Guitars

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    nickk_b_
    nickk_b_

    Gear IQ 470