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Average Price: $189

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$601+

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Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Gretsch G9520 Jim Dandy Flat Top Acoustic". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Step back in time with the Gretsch G9520 Jim Dandy Flat Top Acoustic, a modern tribute to the parlor guitars that serenaded the '30s and '40s. Crafted with a 12-fret design and a compact body, this guitar is perfect for cozy strumming sessions on the porch or couch. The magic lies in its agathis wood construction, a sustainable choice that offers the resonant warmth akin to vintage pinewood, yet with superior durability. Whether you're a fingerpicker or a strummer, the Jim Dandy delivers a surprisingly full-bodied sound with rich overtones and pronounced bass, all packed into its diminutive frame.

Designed for both novice and experienced players, the Jim Dandy’s nato neck features a comfortable C-shaped profile, providing smooth playability and easy access to higher notes. Its rosewood fingerboard, adorned with vintage-style frets and pearloid dot inlays, adds to its classic appeal. The guitar's vintage-inspired aesthetics, complete with a slotted headstock and open-gear tuners, pay homage to Gretsch’s storied history in American music.

Join the ranks of musicians who treasure both style and substance. The Jim Dandy is not just an acoustic guitar; it's a piece of musical heritage that fits perfectly into the hands of today's players.

Key Features:

  • Parlor-sized body with a 12-fret neck for comfortable playability
  • Agathis back, sides, and top for warm, resonant tones
  • Nato neck with a C-shaped profile and rosewood fingerboard
  • Vintage aesthetics with a slotted headstock and open-gear tuners
  • Part of Gretsch's esteemed Roots Collection, inspired by classic Rex guitars

Product specs

Brand Gretsch
Model G9520 Jim Dandy Flat Top Acoustic
Year 2010s
Categories Parlor Guitars
Active Preamp No
Back Material Basswood
Body Shape Parlor
Color Family Brown
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Fretboard Material Walnut
Number of Frets 18
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup None
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Sides Material Basswood
String Type Steel
Top Material Basswood

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the Gretsch G9520 Jim Dandy Flat Top Acoustic?

The Gretsch G9520 Jim Dandy features a C-shaped neck profile, which offers a comfortable grip for both beginners and experienced players, making it easy to navigate across the fretboard.

Is the Gretsch G9520 Jim Dandy suitable for fingerstyle playing?

Yes, the parlor body shape and shorter 24" scale length of the Gretsch G9520 Jim Dandy make it well-suited for fingerstyle playing, providing a balanced tone and comfortable playability.

What materials are used for the top, back, and sides of the Gretsch G9520 Jim Dandy?

The Gretsch G9520 Jim Dandy is constructed with Agathis wood for the top, back, and sides, contributing to its warm, resonant sound and vintage aesthetic.

Does the Gretsch G9520 Jim Dandy come with a built-in pickup or preamp?

No, the Gretsch G9520 Jim Dandy does not include a built-in pickup or preamp, making it a purely acoustic guitar designed for traditional playing without electronic amplification.

How many frets does the Gretsch G9520 Jim Dandy have, and what is the scale length?

The Gretsch G9520 Jim Dandy features 18 frets and a 24" scale length, which offers a compact size and comfortable playability, especially for players with smaller hands or those who prefer a vintage parlor guitar feel.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gretsch G9520 Jim Dandy Flat Top Acoustic.

User experience

  • The Gretsch Jim Dandy is praised for its manageable scale length and body size, making it ideal for young players who may struggle with larger guitars.

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  • Owners describe the Jim Dandy as capturing the essence of 1920s-30s mail-order guitars, yet it remains playable and well-built compared to original vintage models.

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  • After switching to Elixir 80/20 bronze extra light .010-.047 strings, users report improved tuning stability, with the guitar staying in tune better than pricier models.

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Build quality

  • Some owners appreciate the character and sound quality of the Jim Dandy, noting it as remarkable for its price range despite potential concern about agathis wood used in its construction.

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Comparisons

  • The Jim Dandy is favored over other small acoustics like the Baby Taylor due to its affordability and distinct vintage aesthetic, which appeals to both children and adult players.

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  • The Gretsch Jim Dandy is compared to Recording King parlors, with some preferring the latter for its look and feel, though the Gretsch has slightly better fret work.

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  • Despite being a smaller guitar, the Jim Dandy's neck is thicker than a Yamaha FG, with only a 1mm narrower string spacing, making it comfortable for switching between different guitars.

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Features and functionality

  • The guitar's smaller body size and shorter scale length are specifically highlighted as beneficial for young students, providing ease of playability without compromising sound.

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  • The guitar's polyweb coating on strings reduces squeak, contributing to a smoother playing experience without compromising on tone or comfort.

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Use cases and applications

  • It's considered a great "12 fret beater" for casual playing, especially in informal settings like camping or road trips, offering a unique, vintage sound.

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  • The Jim Dandy is praised for portability; one owner traveled across 16 states with it strapped to a bicycle, highlighting its suitability for travel and casual gigs.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Owners have added soundhole pickups with volume/tone knobs for easy amplification and recording, enhancing the guitar's versatility without needing a microphone.

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Setup and maintenance

  • It's recommended to avoid very light strings due to potential string buzz and lack of tension on the shorter scale length; medium gauge strings work well.

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