Pricing and availability

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

Sweetwater
$2,799.99
Guitar Center
$2,799.99
Amazon
$2,799.99
Reverb
$1,900.00 2 available Used
Musician's Friend
$2,799.99
zZounds
$2,799.99
Thomann
5.0 (2)
$2,333.00
Gear4Music
£2,199.00

Average Price: $2,605

High-end/Boutique

$500

$1201+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Gretsch Tennessean Electric Guitar". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Gretsch Tennessean Electric Guitar brings the heart of music history to your fingertips, a model that was introduced in 1958 as a Chet Atkins endorsed guitar. A touch less ornate than its sibling, the 6120 Country Gentleman, the Tennessean initially featured just one Filter 'Tron pickup at the bridge. The design evolved over time, notably gaining a second pickup in 1961. This semi-hollowbody guitar, with its archtop design and mahogany body, is a testament to the golden era of guitar craftsmanship. Its simulated F-holes and Bigsby tremolo tailpiece add to its vintage charm while providing a rich, resonant sound that has enchanted generations of musicians.

Key Features:

  • Body Style: Archtop hollowbody, single cutaway
  • Wood Composition: Mahogany body, Maple top, Rosewood fingerboard
  • Design Elements: Simulated F-holes, Bigsby tremolo tailpiece, metal bar bridge, Bigsby tremolo, pearl thumbprint inlay, two Filter'Tron pickups
  • Notable Gretsch Players: Brian Setzer, Eddie Cochran, Duane Eddy, George Harrison
  • Years of Production: 1958 - 1980

Product specs

Collection Professional Collection
Shape Standard U
Upper Bout 11.563" (294 mm)
Lower Bout 16" (406 mm)
Waist 9.5" (241 mm)
Wood Laminated maple
Top Arched laminated maple
Bracing Arc-Tone bracing
Material Rosewood
Construction Set-neck
Nut Material Graph Tech TUSQ XL
Nut Width 1.6875" (42.86 mm)
Fret Size Medium jumbo
Number of Frets 22
Position Inlays Pearloid Neo-Classic thumbnail
Side Dots Luminlay
Scale Length 24.6" (625 mm)
Tuning Machines Gotoh locking
Bridge Adjusto-Matic
Tailpiece Bigsby B6CP String-Thru
Pickguard Gold Plexi with gold Gretsch logo
Hardware Finish Nickel
Pickup Configuration Filter'Tron / Filter'Tron
Bridge Pickup PRO-FT Filter'Tron
Neck Pickup PRO-FT Filter'Tron
Controls Volume 1. (neck pickup), Volume 2. (middle pickup), master volume, master tone
Control Knobs G-Arrow
Switching 3-position toggle
Case Deluxe hardshell case
Orientation Right handed
Strings 6

FAQs

What kind of neck profile does the Gretsch Tennessean Electric Guitar have?

The Gretsch Tennessean Electric Guitar features a Standard U-shaped neck profile, which provides a comfortable grip suitable for both rhythm and lead playing.

What type of pickups are equipped on the Gretsch Tennessean Electric Guitar?

The guitar is equipped with PRO-FT Filter'Tron pickups, known for their clarity and articulation, making them ideal for a range of genres from rockabilly to jazz.

Is the Gretsch Tennessean Electric Guitar suitable for professional use?

Yes, the Gretsch Tennessean is part of the Professional Collection, offering high-quality construction and components suitable for professional musicians.

Does the Gretsch Tennessean come with a case?

Yes, the Gretsch Tennessean Electric Guitar comes with a deluxe hardshell case for protection and easy transport.

How does the Bigsby B6CP String-Thru tailpiece affect the guitar's performance?

The Bigsby B6CP String-Thru tailpiece allows for smooth vibrato effects and stable tuning, enhancing the guitar's versatility for various playing styles.

Nick Martellaro

Nick Martellaro

5 THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT GEORGE HARRISON'S GRETSCH TENNESSEAN + Tone Demo [4K]

Video thumbnail for 5 THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT GEORGE HARRISON'S GRETSCH TENNESSEAN + Tone Demo [4K] by Nick Martellaro

5 THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT GEORGE HARRISON'S GRETSCH TENNESSEAN + Tone Demo [4K]

Nick Martellaro

Nick Martellaro

Video thumbnail for Gretsch Tennessean from 1967 | wurst.guitars review by wurst.guitars

Gretsch Tennessean from 1967 | wurst.guitars review

wurst.guitars

wurst.guitars

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gretsch Tennessean Electric Guitar.

Build quality

  • Older Gretsch models often suffer from binding rot and neck separation, issues to check for in vintage purchases.

    Source
  • The pickguard on many 1965 models is prone to warping over time, affecting aesthetics and potentially interfering with playability.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The 1966 Tennessean should have Hilo'tron pickups, not the surface-mounted DeArmond Dynasonics found on some modified models.

    Source
  • Broad'tron pickups in the G5622T are similar in output to PAFs but offer more clarity and less muddiness.

    Source
  • The zero fret on the 1965 Tennessean helps maintain consistent action across all strings, enhancing playability and intonation.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • If Dynasonic pickups are present, they were installed post-factory and may even be improperly positioned, like a backward neck pickup.

    Source
  • TV Jones' TV Classics and Ray Butts Ful-Fidelity Filtertrons are recommended for a sound closer to vintage filtertrons, offering a 1:1 tonal match.

    Source
  • Swapping out the original bridge for a Tru-Arc Serpentune is a popular modification to enhance sustain and tuning stability.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners express a preference for in-person inspection of vintage guitars due to potential modifications and wear that are not always obvious online.

    Source
  • Several players note that despite its age, the 1965 Tennessean's neck remains one of the most comfortable for extended playing sessions, praised for its slim profile.

    Source

Comparisons

  • While the G5622T resembles George Harrison’s Tennessean visually, the G5420 or an actual 6119T-62 are closer in design.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • For those prioritizing aesthetics over authenticity, the G5622T in dark cherry metallic is a visually similar alternative.

    Source
  • The guitar excels in rockabilly and classic rock genres, offering a twangy, resonant sound ideal for vintage tones.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners report that the truss rod can be difficult to adjust due to tight access, often requiring a specific slim profile wrench.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Gretsch 6119 Tennessean | Vintage Guitar® magazine

vintageguitar.com

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Hilton Valentine uses Gretsch Tennessean Electric Guitar

Hilton Valentine

Guitarist

The Animals

...
Verified via Photo

This photo from Hilton Valentine's personal website shows him using a Gretsch Tennessean electric guitar.

His website explains: "I purchased this guitar at a guitar shop in Newcastle in early 1962 when I was still with The Wildcats. Yet another choice that George Harrison and I shared. I continued using this guitar with The Animals - including House of The Rising Sun - until I started getting all the freebies from Rickenbacker and VOX."

See how Stian Westerhus uses Gretsch Tennessean Electric Guitar

Stian Westerhus

Guitarist

Ulver

...
Verified via Epatsialos

You can see it in the pic number 6 of the blog.

See how Dave Wakeling uses Gretsch Tennessean Electric Guitar

Dave Wakeling

Singer, Guitarist

General Public

...
Verified via Muzines

"It was the most expensive rehearsal I've ever been to," sighs Wakeling, who alternates between a new Fender Telecaster and his old Gretsch Tennessean, both strung with Fender 10 gauge strings and put through a Roland JC-160 Combo amp. Wakeling uses Ernie Ball picks and his only effect is a Boss DD-2 delay pedal.

See how David Bryson uses Gretsch Tennessean Electric Guitar

David Bryson

Guitarist

Counting Crows

...
Verified via YouTube

At 13:15 David's guitar tech mentions that he uses a Gretsch Tennessean.

See how Gerry Marsden uses Gretsch Tennessean Electric Guitar

Gerry Marsden

Singer, Guitarist

Gerry & the Pacemakers

...
Verified via YouTube

In this fantastic live performance at The T.A.M.I. Show in 1964, Gerry Marsden can be seen playing his Gretsch Tennessean in high quality. A good view is at 8:50 right before playing "Don't Let the Sun Catch You Crying".

See how Doug Fieger uses Gretsch Tennessean Electric Guitar

Doug Fieger

Guitarist

The Knack

...
Verified via Vintage Guitar® magazine

"A ’65, in mint condition. The thing you realize when you play a Tennessean after playing a Country Gentleman is how cheap the Tennessean is; it’s like a student guitar with single-coil pickups, and is cheaply put together. It makes you wonder why George Harrison chose a Tennessean as his go-to guitar, because he had the Country Gent before that. I use my Tennessean only when I need a particular sound; it has flatwound strings."

See how Ian McNabb uses Gretsch Tennessean Electric Guitar

Ian McNabb

Singer, Guitarist

The Wild Swans

...
Verified via Muzines

Ian McNabb uses a ten year old Fender Telecaster live, as he swears by its unshakeable tuning.

IAN: "It's got a good clean sound, with a lot of bite to it, and it's got a lot of grit as well. I really am a Fender man these days, as I've got a Fender Strat as well. But on the LP nearly all the good guitar bits are done on my Gretsch Tenessean; I was using Broudie's which I think is a Chet Atkins – I wouldn't put the Gretsch in a live situation as they go out of tune so easily, and there's too many combinations of knobs and pickups. When you're singing, you just want a guitar that you can click on, and away you go."

See how Yusuke Chiba uses Gretsch Tennessean Electric Guitar

Yusuke Chiba

Singer, Guitarist

Thee Michelle Gun Elephant

...
Verified via Photo

In this image, Yusuke Chiba is seen using a Gretsch Tennessean Electric Guitar.

J

Julien Bitoun

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, Bitoun can be seen playing his '60s Gretsch Tennessean.

See how Julián Hernández uses Gretsch Tennessean Electric Guitar

Julián Hernández

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo
Color/Finish: Walnut Stain Year: 1980s

The first appearance of that guitar is in the 1986 music video for "Dios salve al conselleiro"; Soto plays it, but it belongs to Julián. He probably bought it when he started making money with the band, back in the 80s. But he didn't use it until the 90s, when he was already playing guitar in ST. The guitar can be seen in the recording of "A poco más (de metro escaso)" from Sesión Vermú on AreaMaster.

See how Freddy Weller uses Gretsch Tennessean Electric Guitar

Freddy Weller

Singer, Guitarist

Paul Revere and The Raiders

...
Verified via YouTube

In some performances, especially the mimed performances of both Mr. Sun Mr. Moon and Out on that Road, Freddy can be seen using a Gretsch Tennessean. The Tennessean that Freddy is playing is in an Orange finish and it seems that this guitar might just be a backup guitar, as Freddy most likely only played the guitar in this mimed performance. It is unknown whether or not Freddy kept the guitar and used it in future recordings.

See how Travis Good uses Gretsch Tennessean Electric Guitar

Travis Good

Guitarist

The Sadies

...
Verified via Exclaim

In an article by Exclaim, it's noted that Travis Good uses a brown Gretsch Tennessean electric guitar, which still has its pickguard, distinguishing it from his other guitar, a Tennessee Rose.

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 Tennessean Electric Guitar, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1
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