Pricing and availability

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

Sweetwater
5.0 (1)
$249.99
Guitar Center
4.5 (11)
$249.99
Amazon
4.9 (16)
$249.99
Reverb
5.0 (71)
$249.99 New
$278.85 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (12)
$249.99
zZounds
5.0 (16)
$249.99
Thomann
5.0 (3)
$214.00 $193.00 $21.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£189.00

Average Price: $246

Standard/Professional

$200

$601+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Gretsch Jim Dandy Parlor 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

Step back in time with the Gretsch Jim Dandy Parlor Acoustic Guitar, an instrument that captures the essence of vintage charm wrapped up in modern reliability. Perfectly sized for portability and comfort, this parlor guitar is your ideal companion for impromptu porch sessions, intimate coffee shop gigs, or simply creating your next masterpiece in the comfort of home. The Jim Dandy brings the nostalgic warmth of bygone eras to the forefront, featuring a C-shaped neck that offers effortless playability and a comfortable 24" scale.

The body is crafted from agathis wood, known for its balanced tonal qualities, producing a crisp, articulate sound that is both warm and inviting. The guitar's compact design does not sacrifice sound projection, ensuring your strums and fingerpicking patterns are heard loud and clear. Equipped with a double-action truss rod, the Jim Dandy offers stability and easy adjustments, catering to players who demand both reliability and a touch of vintage flair.

Whether you're a seasoned player or a beginner seeking a guitar that invites exploration and creativity, the Gretsch Jim Dandy stands out with its unique blend of retro aesthetics and modern functionality.

Key Features:

  • Comfortable C-shaped neck
  • 24" scale length for easy playability
  • Body crafted from agathis wood for balanced tones
  • Double-action truss rod for stability and easy adjustments
  • Compact parlor size, perfect for travel and intimate settings

Product specs

String Type Steel
Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Shape JIm Dandy Parlor
Back & Sides Wood Laminate
Top Wood Sapele
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 18
Scale Length 24"
Nut Width 1.6875"
Nut/Saddle Material Synthetic Bone/Compensated
Bridge Material Walnut
Tuning Machines Open-gear Die-cast
Strings D'Addario EJ16, .012-.053

FAQs

Is the Gretsch Jim Dandy Parlor Acoustic Guitar suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Gretsch Jim Dandy Parlor Acoustic Guitar is ideal for beginners due to its comfortable parlor-sized body and shorter 24" scale length, which makes it easier to play, especially for those with smaller hands.

What type of wood is used in the Gretsch Jim Dandy Parlor Acoustic Guitar?

The Gretsch Jim Dandy features a sapele top with laminate back and sides, offering a balanced tone with a warm midrange and clear highs, while the walnut fingerboard and bridge provide a natural feel.

How does the Gretsch Jim Dandy Parlor Acoustic Guitar sound?

The Gretsch Jim Dandy delivers a warm, balanced tone with a tight and focused sound, thanks to its parlor-sized body and phosphor bronze light gauge strings, making it suitable for a variety of music styles.

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

Yes, the Gretsch Jim Dandy comes with a single-action truss rod, allowing for precise neck adjustments to maintain optimal playability and action.

What kind of tuning machines does the Gretsch Jim Dandy Parlor Acoustic Guitar use?

The Gretsch Jim Dandy is equipped with open-gear die-cast tuning machines, which provide accurate and stable tuning for consistent performance.

Jeff Starr's Not Bad Films

Jeff Starr's Not Bad Films

5 Reasons I Love the Gretsch Jim Dandy Guitar

Video thumbnail for 5 Reasons I Love the Gretsch Jim Dandy Guitar by Jeff Starr's Not Bad Films

5 Reasons I Love the Gretsch Jim Dandy Guitar

Jeff Starr's Not Bad Films

Jeff Starr's Not Bad Films

Video thumbnail for GRETSCH G9500 Jim Dandy Parlor Guitar • Unboxing / Demo by Stamatis Stabos

GRETSCH G9500 Jim Dandy Parlor Guitar • Unboxing / Demo

Stamatis Stabos

Stamatis Stabos

Video thumbnail for The Coolest Acoustic Guitar Under $200? Gretsch Jim Dandy Parlor Acoustic by Alamo Music Center

The Coolest Acoustic Guitar Under $200? Gretsch Jim Dandy Parlor Acoustic

Alamo Music Center

Alamo Music Center

Reviews

PROS

  • Affordable price, ideal for budget-conscious buyers

  • Compact and portable, perfect for travel

  • Fun and easy to play, especially for beginners

  • Offers a unique, bluesy tone with character

  • Suitable for players with small hands

  • Well-made for the price point, with smooth tuners

  • Variety of colors available for personalization

  • Great for fingerstyle blues and casual playing

  • Lightweight, making it easy to handle and play frequently

CONS

  • Sound can be boxy and lacks volume

  • High action may require setup adjustments

  • Playability may be challenging for some users

  • Not suitable for those seeking a traditional acoustic guitar sound

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

  • The neck is shorter and skinnier than typical guitars, which might require adjustment for those used to standard sizes.

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Mods and upgrades

  • One user added a gold foil pickup to enhance the guitar's sound for plugged-in performance.

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  • Installing a bone nut and saddle enhances the guitar's sound quality, making it more cost-effective.

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Use cases and applications

  • Owners find the guitar ideal for delta blues due to its old-school boxy parlor tone.

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  • Owners find the Jim Dandy ideal as a travel guitar for camping and road trips due to its size and robustness.

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  • The guitar is favored by old-time style bands for its authentic bluesy and earthy tone.

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Value and pricing

  • Parents consider it an excellent first guitar for children due to its size and price, with some recommending lighter strings for easier playability.

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  • For its price, the guitar is considered surprisingly consistent in quality and playability, making it a strong contender among budget parlor guitars.

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User experience

  • Users with wrist issues report less pain when playing the Jim Dandy, attributing this to its small body and short scale.

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  • Some users describe the guitar as a great "12 fret beater," highlighting its durability and ease of use for casual playing.

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  • Owners use the Jim Dandy as a lightweight "disposable" option for camping and couch playing, appreciating its robust voice despite the small size.

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Comparisons

  • The Gretsch Jim Dandy is often compared to the Recording King parlor guitars, with the Gretsch having slightly better fret work in some cases.

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  • Owners compare the Jim Dandy to the Recording King Dirty 30s, preferring the latter for its tonal qualities in the same price range.

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Features and functionality

  • The sound of the Jim Dandy closely emulates vintage mail order guitars from the 1920s-1930s, offering an authentic retro vibe.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Switching to Ernie Ball 80/20 silk and steel extra soft strings reduces tinniness while maintaining a bluesy sound.

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Genre Usage

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

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