A Little Guitar with a Lot of Character
There's something about a parlor guitar that just invites you to pick it up. Maybe it's the compact, easy-to-hold body, or maybe it's the way the short scale makes every chord feel effortless. Gretsch's Jim Dandy Parlor taps into that same spirit that made their old "Rex" mail-order catalog guitars so beloved back in the '30s, '40s, and '50s — a guitar that's approachable, fun, and full of vintage personality. This one comes in a rich Deep Cherry Burst finish and has clearly been played and appreciated.
This vintage Gretsch Jim Dandy Parlor Mahogany is in Very Good used condition — we noted a small dent on back, fine play wear on top; no gig bag or hard case included
Parlor Size, Short Scale — Easy to Love
The Jim Dandy's parlor-shaped body pairs with a 24" scale length to give you a guitar that's genuinely comfortable to play for extended sessions. The shorter scale means slightly less string tension, which translates to an easier fretting feel — especially helpful for fingerpicking styles. The tone leans toward a focused midrange with clear note definition, which is exactly what you'd expect from a parlor body.
The laminate mahogany body — top, back, and sides — is braced with an X-brace pattern, giving the guitar a balance of durability and warm acoustic resonance. Laminate construction also means this guitar handles changes in humidity and temperature better than an all-solid instrument, making it a reliable travel or couch companion.
Vintage-Inspired Details Done Right
Gretsch packed the Jim Dandy with period-correct hardware that gives it an unmistakably retro look. The walnut fingerboard has 18 vintage-sized frets and oversized dot inlays, while the painted pinstripe purfling and "G"-graphic black pickguard nod to the original catalog guitars. The vintage-style pinned walnut bridge with compensated saddle rounds out the classic aesthetic.
Tuning duties are handled by 3-on-a-plate open-gear die-cast machines — functional, vintage-looking, and in keeping with the guitar's throwback vibe. The "C"-shaped nato neck has a semi-gloss finish and a 12" fingerboard radius, with a 1.69" nut width that most players find comfortable for both strumming and fingerpicking. It's a straightforward, good-feeling neck.
Product Features:
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Body Shape: Parlor — compact, lightweight, and easy to handle
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Top, Back & Sides: Laminate mahogany with X-bracing
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Scale Length: 24" — shorter scale for comfortable, low-tension playability
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Neck: Nato, "C" shape, semi-gloss finish, 1.69" nut width
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Fingerboard: Walnut, 12" radius, 18 vintage-sized frets
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Hardware: 3-on-a-plate open-gear die-cast tuning machines, all-nickel
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Bridge: Vintage-style pinned walnut with compensated saddle
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Finish: Deep Cherry Burst, semi-gloss body
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Pickguard: 1-ply black with gold "G" graphic
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Condition: Very Good used — small dent on back, fine play wear on top; no gig bag or hard case included
Brand: Gretsch
Model: Jim Dandy Parlor Mahogany
SKU: U-2711000530|IWA2515508
Condition: Used
Since 1872, C.A. House Music has been helping musicians across the Ohio Valley find the right gear -- with real advice from a team that actually plays. We're your authorized dealer of all the big names in guitars, keyboards, band instruments, drums, pro audio, and more. With four family-owned and operated locations in Ohio and West Virginia (plus a full online store), you don't have to go far for instruments, lessons, rentals, and repairs. No matter your musical needs, our team of musicians wants to help you Play Music for Life.
