Pricing and availability

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

Sweetwater
5.0 (1)
$249.99
Amazon
4.9 (15)
$249.99
Reverb
$229.61 8 available New
zZounds
5.0 (16)
$249.99
Thomann
5.0 (3)
$214.00 $193.00 $21.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£189.00

Average Price: $239

Standard/Professional

$200

$601+

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Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Gretsch Jim Dandy Parlor ST Solid Top". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Step back in time with the Gretsch Jim Dandy Parlor ST Solid Top, a guitar that captures the spirit of the iconic "Rex" models from the '30s, '40s, and '50s. This charming parlor-sized acoustic guitar is a perfect companion for porch pickin' and travel jams, offering a nostalgic nod to vintage aesthetics and sound. Crafted with laminated sapele top, back, and sides, it delivers a warm, resonant tone that's both articulate and full-bodied, thanks to its carefully designed X-bracing.

The Jim Dandy doesn't just sound like a classic; it looks the part too, with its vintage-style appointments. The smooth nato neck features a C-shaped profile and dovetail joint, providing comfortable playability and ease of movement across the walnut fingerboard. The guitar's open-gear die-cast tuning machines and nickel hardware ensure reliable tuning stability, while a compensated walnut bridge and synthetic bone nut offer precise string positioning and tone transfer.

Whether you're a seasoned player or a beginner looking to dive into the world of acoustic guitars, the Jim Dandy Parlor ST Solid Top is a delightful throwback to a simpler era of music-making, wrapped in a timeless package.

Key Features:

  • Parlor body shape with a vintage aesthetic
  • Laminated sapele top, back, and sides for strong projection
  • X-bracing pattern for enhanced resonance
  • Nato neck with C-shaped profile for comfortable playability
  • Walnut fingerboard with vintage-style white dot inlays
  • Nickel hardware and open-gear tuning machines for reliable intonation
  • Walnut bridge with compensated saddle and synthetic bone nut

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

What kind of sound can I expect from the Gretsch Jim Dandy Parlor Acoustic Guitar?

The Gretsch Jim Dandy Parlor Acoustic Guitar offers a warm, vintage tone with a focus on midrange frequencies, making it ideal for blues and folk styles. Its compact body size contributes to a boxy, yet charming sound that is perfect for fingerpicking and light strumming.

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

Yes, the Gretsch Jim Dandy is well-suited for beginners due to its comfortable parlor size, shorter 24" scale length, and easy playability. The C-shape neck and smooth walnut fingerboard make it an excellent choice for those new to acoustic guitar.

What materials are used in the construction of the Gretsch Jim Dandy Parlor Acoustic Guitar?

This guitar features a sapele top with laminated back and sides, a nato neck, and a walnut fingerboard and bridge. These materials contribute to its vintage-inspired tone and aesthetic, while the synthetic bone nut and compensated saddle enhance tuning stability.

How does the Gretsch Jim Dandy Parlor Acoustic Guitar compare to full-size acoustic guitars in terms of portability?

The Gretsch Jim Dandy's parlor size makes it more compact and portable than full-size acoustic guitars, making it an excellent choice for travel and casual playing. Its smaller body is easier to handle, especially for younger players or those with smaller hands.

Does the Gretsch Jim Dandy Parlor Acoustic Guitar come with a case or gig bag?

The Gretsch Jim Dandy Parlor Acoustic Guitar does not typically come with a case or gig bag. It is advisable to purchase a parlor-sized case or gig bag separately to ensure proper protection during transport and storage.

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Fine 'n Dandy: The Gretsch Jim Dandy Solid Top Acoustics

Video thumbnail for Fine 'n Dandy: The Gretsch Jim Dandy Solid Top Acoustics by astringsuk

Fine 'n Dandy: The Gretsch Jim Dandy Solid Top Acoustics

astringsuk

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Reviews

PROS

  • Excellent tone for blues, highly praised for bluesy sound

  • Great playability right out of the box, easy to play

  • Stays in tune exceptionally well, even with frequent use

  • Spot on intonation, no fret buzz

  • Versatile with different string types, like phosphor bronze and silk and steel

  • Affordable price, offers great value for money

  • Fantastic travel or casual playing guitar, ideal for couch jams

  • Solid machine heads, providing reliable tuning stability

  • Unique, charming vintage look reminiscent of old catalog guitars

CONS

  • Finish quality could be better, looks like a $150 guitar

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

  • The semi-gloss finish is designed to show wear, giving it a vintage look over time.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • An owner installed a K&K Pure Mini pickup, enhancing its capability for open mic performances.

    Source
  • Using Ernie Ball 80/20 silk and steel extra soft strings can reduce tinniness while maintaining a bluesy tone.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Ideal for delta blues, the Jim Dandy offers a nostalgic, boxy tone reminiscent of early 20th-century acoustics.

    Source
  • The Jim Dandy's limited sustain might hinder legato playing, making it less suitable for jazz-style chords and single-note runs compared to the FS800.

    Source
  • Suitable for old-time style bands and can be effectively used plugged in, offering a powerful performance for live shows.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Users suggest switching to lighter strings, like 9s or 10s, for easier playability, especially for beginners or those with hand issues.

    Source
  • Some owners recommend installing a bone nut and saddle for improved tone and playability.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Compared favorably against vintage mail-order guitars of the 1930s-1950s, the Jim Dandy offers modern reliability without structural issues.

    Source
  • The Yamaha FS800 is noted for offering better sustain and a fuller sound compared to the Jim Dandy, which suits jazz styles more due to its extended frequency range.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The concert size of the Jim Dandy offers better upper fret access, which may be preferable for those who play styles requiring frequent high fret access.

    Source
  • Despite its compact size, the guitar offers a surprisingly robust, boxy voice, ideal for blues and vintage sounds.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users find the nut width feels generous despite being 1.69 inches, making it comfortable for those preferring wider spacing.

    Source

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