Gretsch 6119 Chet Atkins Tennessean from 1960 in Cherry Red, USED

The Gretsch 6119 Chet Atkins Tennessean from 1960 in Cherry Red is a vintage masterpiece that embodies the style and innovation of early rock 'n' roll and country music. This model, designed in collaboration with legendary guitarist Chet Atkins, delivers a warm, resonant tone that is distinctively Gretsch. The Tennessean features a hollow body construction with a laminated maple top, back, and sides, which gives it a lightweight feel while also producing a rich, airy sound that’s perfect for country twang, rockabilly rhythms, and smooth jazz lines.

The 6119 from 1960 includes a single HiLo'Tron pickup in the bridge position, which delivers a unique sound characterised by its bright clarity and slightly lower output compared to modern humbuckers. This makes the Tennessean well-suited for clean, articulate tones that can cut through without excessive saturation, providing the perfect tonal blend for fingerstyle playing, smooth jazz chords, or early rock 'n' roll riffs. The single-pickup setup emphasizes simplicity and makes this guitar an ideal tool for players who love the purity and warmth of an unadulterated electric tone.

The neck of the 6119 is constructed from mahogany and features a bound rosewood fingerboard, offering a comfortable and smooth playing experience. The shorter 24.5-inch scale length is typical of Gretsch guitars from this era, which contributes to its playability, making chord transitions easy and allowing for expressive bending with minimal effort. The neck's slim profile and the slightly arched fingerboard give it a responsive feel, well-suited for intricate picking and strumming alike.

Completing the vintage vibe of the 6119 Tennessean are the Bigsby B6 vibrato tailpiece and the classic open f-holes, which provide not only aesthetic appeal but also enhance the guitar’s tonal resonance. The Bigsby allows for subtle vibrato effects, perfect for adding that characteristic warble to country leads and rockabilly licks. Finished in a striking Cherry Red, the 1960 Tennessean is a visually stunning instrument that captures the spirit of a bygone era while remaining highly playable and musically relevant today. Its classic look, superb craftsmanship, and distinctive tone make it a highly sought-after piece for collectors and players alike.