Gretsch Pricing?

[rickenmetal]

The Tennessean was actually one of the lower end models in the '60s. I wish they would do an Electromatic version now.

It is quite unfair that they re-released the Chet models without his personal permission, especially since he seemed to like Gibsons more and Gretsch would add funny things to his guitars and not built them completely to his suggestions.

[jingle_jangle]

The Tennessean was actually one of the lower end models in the '60s. I wish they would do an Electromatic version now.

It is quite unfair that they re-released the Chet models without his personal permission, especially since he seemed to like Gibsons more and Gretsch would add funny things to his guitars and not built them completely to his suggestions.

I would call the Tenny a mid-range model, just below the Falcons and Country Clubs. Impossible for Chet to give personal permission, since he passed away in 2001, on June 30th.

Chet was quite fond of Gretsch guitars, and Gretsch did everything they could to make him happy, including producing the Super Chet in the mid-to-late '70s and a couple of more with the electronic mods he so favored, to an unreceptive public. I think Gretsch became mired in bad management and unresponsive to Chet's ideas, so he took the opportunity and cash and jumped to Gibson. IMO the Gibson models don't have the sound, although the SST was a groundbreaking design.

As for Electromatic versions, what would make an Electromatic a "Chet" Electromatic? The signpost on the pickguard? The color? Pickups? (Chet didn't like the single-coils of the day--said the magnets were too strong.)

Gretsch does offer two lines of hollowbody Electromatics at two different price points. I'm not too fond of the cheaper ones; they are well worth the money in terms of construction, but feature harsh-sounding "Dumbucker" pickups. The next line up have single-coil pickups; I've owned one and it was great value with a nice, Gretschy sound. The cheaper line have an orange one and a burst; the more expensive ones come in black, red, blue and silver sparkle, I believe.

I've got a 6122-59, designed by Chet's rhythm player, Paul Yandell, and TV Jones, supposedly to Chet's preferences and to replicate the sound and feel (if not the look) of his favorite Gretsches of the late '50s. It is unique in sound and feel, to the entire Gretsch line. Whether it replicates Chet's actual guitars I don't know. I love mine. It's a quality act all the way; Falcons don't feel as good, although Country Clubs come close.

[paologregorio]

My first Gretsch ever was a `63 or `65 dark Walnut(twin to the one George Harrison had, though that's not why I bought it) finished, Hilotron-equipped Tenneseean. I still have it. I knew it wasn't as fancy as a country Gentleman, but I loved the sound, liked the single cutaway, et cetera. The guitar has always played beautifully and sounded wonderful. It has a shallower depth body In relation to my 6120, so it's a little easier to play. I was really happy when Gretsch started to produce a faithful reissue of the original. dones anyone know why they call it the "Tennessee Rose" now? Does Gibson own the "Tennessean" name now?

[jingle_jangle]

Although Gretsch once again has the rights to the Atkins name (and are using it generously through the line), the Tennessean name is still owned by Gibson.

[rickenmetal]

Of course I know he passed away, that is exactly what I was implying: I think it kind of immoral how a lot of companies cash in after an artist dies. I guess we can expect super expensive Jimi Hendrix Supro tube amps made in China or something and Jimi Hendrix 8-string Hagstrom basses. Not the same, I guess Gretsch did have that series, but whatever.

I didn't mean an Electromatic with Chet on the pickguard, more like a thinner body model, perhaps with no f-holes.

Epiphone did make a lower-end Country Gentleman with his approval (not the current one), I think in the early '90s.

[jch]

From what i've heard Chet ,before he got real sick ,was talking about going back to Gretsch
As a ,sort of thank you to Fred for what the company did for him back in the 50's.

He was very loyal to old Mr Gretsch.