What to look for: 1969 tennesean

[alfonso3]

A local store has a 1969 6119 Tennesean. Price: $2400. I know nothing about this type of guitar, having played
solid bodies for the last 20 years. It sounds pretty good, but if you were thinking of buying a guitar like this,
what would YOU be looking at specifically, and what questions would you be asking? And do you think $2400 is a fair
price? I've victimized myself before in buying guitars, and I''d like to make an intelligent decision on this one.
Your feed back will be appreciated.

Jerry G

[albertgen]

I have a 66 Tennessean. I got it new. I guess you would have to check the neck to make sure it isn't twisted which some gretsches had during that period. Another thing is binding rot. Mine is getting worse every time I look at it.. Is it worth 2400.00? No, in my opinion. My 59 Nashville Classic is a much better guitar, and so is my Gibson CG. Al

[thenorm]

I agree with Al.

Wait a bit and pick up a 6122-59

THAT is a guitar...

[RonBloor]

I had a Tennessee Rose which is a different animal, but still a 6119 Gretsch and it was a fine guitar. I think the price is indicative of the "vintage" status. If you are not a collector or into paying rather than playing.. then probably $2400 is ok, but I certainly wouldn't pay that amount. I agree with Al and Norm.. Wait for a used 6122 CG/Nashville Classic 1959. They come up on EBay fairly often. If you want to pay that amount of money for a guitar then you might also think about one of the new 6120 CGP guitars. Both of these models (6122 and 6120) are better buys than that used Tennesseean. IMHO

[BillB]

I agree with the others who have responded, and I wouldn't pay that much for a Tennessean. Maybe for a Country Gentleman in really good shape. Still, my personal preference would be to buy a newer Country Gentleman or CGP. I have a 2006 Nashville Classic (Country Gentleman), and it is an outstanding guitar. No way would I trade it for a '69 Tennessean or CG.

Bill B.