Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .

Guitar Center
4.0 (3)
$199.99
Amazon
4.0 (1)
$199.99
Reverb
3.0 (1)
$189.99 New
$179.12 Used
Thomann
$214.00 $193.00 $21.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£189.00

Average Price: $214

Standard/Professional

$200

$601+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Gretsch Jim Dandy Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* 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 Jim Dandy Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar is a modern tribute to the classic "Rex" series, embodying the spirit and sound of Gretsch's iconic mail-order guitars. This 6-string acoustic guitar is your ticket to timeless tones and effortless playability, whether you're strumming on the porch or jamming around a campfire. With its vintage-inspired design, the Jim Dandy offers a distinctively warm sound, enhanced by its laminate tonewoods. These materials not only contribute to the guitar's charming, nostalgic look but also provide a robust sound that punches well above its weight.

The Jim Dandy's construction is as thoughtful as its sound. Featuring a sturdy X-bracing pattern, it ensures stability and resilience, making it a reliable companion for both beginner and seasoned players. The nato neck, with its smooth C-shaped profile and semi-gloss finish, promises comfortable navigation across the walnut fingerboard, which is adorned with vintage-style frets and white dot inlays for precise fretting.

Further enhancing its classic appeal, the Jim Dandy boasts genuine walnut bridge with a compensated saddle and a synthetic bone nut, ensuring reliable string positioning and authentic vibration transfer. The nickel hardware and open-gear die-cast tuning machines add to the guitar's retro aesthetic, delivering solid intonation and a touch of nostalgia to your playing experience.

Key Features:

  • 6-string acoustic guitar inspired by the iconic “Rex” mail-order instrument series
  • Lightweight laminate tonewoods for strong projection and clarity
  • X-style bracing pattern for enhanced vibration and resonance
  • Smooth C-shape nato neck with a dovetail joint
  • 12-inch radius walnut fingerboard with 20 vintage-style frets
  • Walnut bridge with compensated saddle and synthetic bone nut
  • Nickel hardware and open-gear die-cast tuning machines

Product specs

String Type Steel
Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Shape JIm Dandy Dreadnought
Back & Sides Wood Nato
Top Wood Nato
Top Finish Semi-gloss
Body Bracing X Brace
Binding Painted Ages White
Neck Wood Nato
Neck Shape C
Radius 12"
Fingerboard Material Walnut
Fingerboard Inlay Aged White Dots
Number of Frets 20
Scale Length 24.75"
Nut/Saddle Material Synthetic Bone/Compensated
Bridge Material Walnut
Tuning Machines Open-gear Die-cast
Strings D'Addario EJ16, .012-.053

FAQs

What is the body shape of the Gretsch Jim Dandy Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar?

The Gretsch Jim Dandy features a dreadnought body shape, which provides a full and balanced tone suitable for various playing styles.

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

The Gretsch Jim Dandy uses nato wood for the top, back, and sides, contributing to its warm and balanced tonal characteristics.

Is the Gretsch Jim Dandy suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Gretsch Jim Dandy is well-suited for beginners due to its comfortable playability, compact size, and vintage-inspired design.

How many frets does the Gretsch Jim Dandy have?

The Gretsch Jim Dandy has 20 frets, allowing for an extended range of notes and versatility in playing.

What type of strings come with the Gretsch Jim Dandy?

The Gretsch Jim Dandy comes equipped with D'Addario EJ16 phosphor bronze light gauge strings, known for their balanced tone and playability.

Does the Gretsch Jim Dandy have a truss rod for neck adjustments?

Yes, the Gretsch Jim Dandy features a single-action truss rod, allowing for precise neck adjustments to suit player preferences.

Souman Music

Souman Music

Gretsch Jim Dandy Dreadnought Sunburst DEMO | Souman Music

Video thumbnail for Gretsch Jim Dandy Dreadnought Sunburst DEMO | Souman Music by Souman Music

Gretsch Jim Dandy Dreadnought Sunburst DEMO | Souman Music

Souman Music

Souman Music

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Comparisons

  • An A/B test against the Yamaha FG800 indicates the Jim Dandy Dread has a dry, bluesy tone, while the FG800 offers a brighter, more modern sound due to its solid top.

    Source
  • Some players find the Recording King parlors offer a preferable look and feel, though they acknowledge the similar sound and build quality to the Jim Dandy.

    Source

Build quality

  • The Gretsch Jim Dandy Dread is noted for its above-average fit and finish, with particularly good fretwork, suggesting a high level of craftsmanship for its price point.

    Source
  • The semi-gloss finish is designed to show wear, making it ideal for those who appreciate a vintage, banged-up look without significant cosmetic worries.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners describe the guitar as very light with a hollow sound, projecting an antique parlor vibe when played softly, yet capable of handling strumming well.

    Source
  • Praised for its compact size and ease of use, many keep it as a go-to living room guitar for casual practice and impromptu playing sessions.

    Source
  • Users describe the guitar's tone as reminiscent of vintage mail-order guitars from the early 20th century, yet notably more playable and better built.

    Source
  • One owner highlights the guitar's appeal as a "12 fret beater," indicating its durability and suitability for casual play.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • One user purchased the guitar for $190 and expressed satisfaction with its fun playability, highlighting its affordability and value for money.

    Source
  • A user praises the Jim Dandy as a fun and affordable option, echoing a sentiment of satisfaction despite not opting for higher-end models.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Jim Dandy Dread does not come with a pickup, but there are other models in the lineup that include this feature, offering versatility in options.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Known for its delta blues tone, this guitar excels in old-school boxy parlour sounds, making it ideal for folk and blues styles.

    Source
  • Owners enjoy using the Jim Dandy as a travel or camping guitar due to its portability and resilience, despite not considering it suitable for recording or performing.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • A user added a gold foil pickup, enhancing its plugged-in sound with a gritty and thick tone, suitable for those wanting a richer amplified experience.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Users recommend lighter strings, such as 9 or 10 gauge, to ease playability, especially beneficial for those with hand or wrist issues.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Gretsch Jim Dandy Dread review – the best cheap acoustic guitar right now?

guitar.com

Gretsch’s Jim Dandy Dreadnought is an absolute charmer for beginners, offering vintage 1930s aesthetics and a surprisingly appealing sound at a wallet-friendly price. While it might not deliver the depth and projection of pricier dreadnoughts, its balanced tone and comfortable playability make it an excellent entry-level choice. The laminated basswood construction keeps costs low, which in turn limits its tonal warmth compared to more expensive models. However, it shines with its easy playability, attractive design, and a neck that feels exceptional for its price bracket. Overall, if you're hunting for a budget-friendly acoustic with a cool retro vibe, the Jim Dandy Dread should be high on your list.

positive

Review: Gretsch Jim Dandy Dreadnought

mixdownmag.com.au

The Gretsch Jim Dandy Dreadnought hits all the right notes for budget-conscious musicians, offering a vintage-inspired design with modern playability. Its standout features include a resonant Basswood body, comfortable 'Modern C' neck shape, and a striking ‘Rex Burst’ finish. The guitar’s warm, bass-heavy tone and excellent projection make it a versatile choice for solo and ensemble settings, suitable for genres like bluegrass, country, and blues. While it doesn't boast high-end materials, the build quality and sound are impressive for its price point. Ideal for beginners and seasoned players looking for an affordable and reliable instrument, the Jim Dandy Dreadnought strikes a fine balance between style, sound, and playability.

positive

4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
gdgabe

Great

Is a great guitar. Good for beginners, sound pretty decent and has great looks.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how DJ Adams uses Gretsch Jim Dandy Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar

DJ Adams

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In the gear rundown video titled "The gear! | DJ Adams’ gear rundown" by tallysmall on YouTube, DJ Adams mentions that he owns a Gretsch Jim Dandy Rosewood Acoustic, although he states, "I'm not going to play the guitar."

Genre Usage

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

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Gretsch Jim Dandy Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Glarry P Bass
Glarry P Bass Electric Basses
1
Fender Frontman 10G
Fender Frontman 10G Combo Guitar Amplifiers
1
Fender American Professional Telecaster
Fender American Professional Telecaster Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Boss DS-1 Distortion
Boss DS-1 Distortion Distortion Effects Pedals
1

More Gretsch Steel-string Acoustic Guitars

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides