A Piece of Gretsch History You Can Actually Take Anywhere
There's something genuinely charming about a parlor guitar that looks like it belongs on a front porch in 1947 — and the Gretsch Jim Dandy Parlor in Rex Burst absolutely nails that vibe. Inspired by the iconic "Rex" line of mail-order instruments Gretsch offered from the 1930s through the '50s, the Jim Dandy captures that same small-bodied spirit while adding modern playability that makes it comfortable to pick up and play for hours. The warm Rex Burst semi-gloss finish, the "G"-graphic white pickguard, the painted pinstripe purfling — it all adds up to a guitar that just looks like it's been somewhere.
The compact parlor body produces that focused, throaty midrange tone parlor guitars have always been known for. It's punchy without being boomy, and the short 24" scale length keeps string tension light and comfortable — a genuine plus whether you're a seasoned player after a couch companion or someone just getting started who wants an instrument that doesn't fight back.
Whether you're working through old blues chord shapes, noodling through a fingerpicking pattern, or just keeping it handy for whenever inspiration strikes, the Jim Dandy Parlor is the kind of guitar that earns its permanent spot out of the case.
Compact Body, Focused Tone
The Jim Dandy Parlor uses a laminated basswood body throughout — top, back, and sides — for a consistent, warm, and durable acoustic voice. Laminate construction is what makes this guitar hold up to humidity swings, travel, and everyday knocking-around that a more delicate solid-top instrument might not appreciate. The X-braced body adds structure and keeps vibrations resonant and even across the frequency range.
At 9.31" across the upper bout and 12.6" at the lower bout, this is a genuinely compact instrument. The parlor proportions concentrate the midrange, giving the Jim Dandy its characteristic focused character — notes bloom quickly and decay with a satisfying woodiness that's all vintage parlor DNA.
Short Scale, Slim Neck — Easy to Love
The 24" scale length is noticeably shorter than a standard acoustic, which means string tension is lighter and chord shapes feel more accessible across the board. The nato neck is set with a comfortable "C" profile, and the 12" fingerboard radius keeps things feeling open and uncrowded whether you're strumming cowboy chords or picking single notes. Nut width is 1.69" (43mm) — right in the comfortable, familiar range.
The walnut fingerboard features white pearloid dot inlays in oversized vintage style, and the 18 frets (joining the body at the 12th) stay true to the parlor format. The walnut bridge with a compensated saddle and synthetic bone nut ensure accurate intonation and reliable tuning stability from string to string.
Period-Correct Details Done Right
Gretsch didn't cut corners on the hardware and cosmetic details that make the Jim Dandy feel authentic. The 1950s-style 3-on-a-plate open-gear die-cast tuning machines are nickel-finished and functional, providing solid tuning stability with a look that's entirely at home on this guitar. The aged white body binding, white/black ring rosette, and painted pinstripe purfling all reinforce the vintage personality without feeling like a costume.
The single-ply white pickguard with its "G" graphic is a nice period-correct touch, and the semi-gloss finish on both the body and neck keeps the guitar feeling comfortable in the hand — never sticky, never plasticky. The guitar ships strung with D'Addario EJ16 Phosphor Bronze Light strings (.012–.053), a solid everyday set right out of the box.
Product Features:
-
Body: Laminated basswood top, back, and sides with X-bracing
-
Body Shape: Parlor, 12-fret design — 9.31" upper bout, 12.6" lower bout
-
Scale Length: 24" (610 mm) short scale for comfortable playability
-
Neck: Nato, "C" shape, semi-gloss finish, set construction
-
Fingerboard: Walnut, 12" radius, 18 frets (12 to body), white pearloid dot inlays
-
Nut: Synthetic bone, 1.69" (43 mm) width
-
Bridge: Walnut with compensated saddle and aged white bridge pins
-
Tuners: 1950s-style 3-on-a-plate open-gear die-cast, nickel finish
-
Pickguard: 1-ply white with "G" graphic
-
Finish: Rex Burst, semi-gloss
-
Strings: D'Addario EJ16 Phosphor Bronze Light (.012–.053)
Brand: Gretsch
Model: Jim Dandy Parlor
SKU: 2711000535
Condition: New
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.
