1967 Gretsch Chet Atkins Tennessean 6119 SOLD

The Gretsch Chet Atkins Tennessean 6119 was introduced in 1958 as another, lower priced, Chet Atkins endorsed model. Featuring a hollow body, and originally a single Filter 'Tron pickup, the Tennessean became popular and in 1962 underwent a significant design change. The new Electrotone body slimmed down to 1 7/8 inches with a closed top, painted F-holes, and two new single coil Hi-Lo 'Tron pickups. The wiring was also enhanced - it now had the pickup selector and tone switch, master and individual volume controls, and a standby switch near the treble volume control.

In this form, the Gretsch Chet Atkins Tennessean 6119 became very popular, and was even used by George Harrison on a number of Beatles recordings and performances.

This example of Gretsch New York production dates to February, 1967, at a high point of Gretsch's popularity and a few months before the company was sold to Baldwin. It's had practical service - a neck reset, during which the binding was replaced, and likely a refret - and the pickups have been shimmed with rosewood pads to get them closer to the strings. The original rocking bar bridge has been replaced with a tune-o-matic style unit. The screw-on tip for the standby switch is missing but these are available and easily replaced. The back and sides, and the neck have been oversprayed with clear lacquer and are in good shape. The original Van Ghent tuners are in place and work smoothly.

The original Gretsch hardshell case and a newer black hardshell case are included.