A Vintage Gretsch Waiting for Its Next Chapter
Some guitars are collector pieces. Some are player pieces. And then there are guitars like this 1960s Gretsch 6119 Chet Atkins Tennessean; instruments that wear every year of their history proudly and offer the opportunity for the right owner to bring them back to life.
Introduced in the late 1950s and made famous through its association with Chet Atkins and later players such as George Harrison, the Tennessean occupies a unique place in Gretsch history. By 1965, the model had evolved into the familiar Walnut Brown finish, featuring Gretsch's thin hollow-body construction, dual HiLo'Tron pickups, and unmistakable vintage styling. These guitars helped define the sound of countless recordings during one of the most influential periods in popular music.
This particular example is very much a project guitar. It remains functional, the electronics are working properly, and it retains the character that makes vintage Gretsch instruments so desirable. However, it exhibits significant cosmetic and structural wear consistent with its age and will require repair work to reach its full potential. For the right buyer, this represents an opportunity to acquire an original mid-1960s Gretsch at a fraction of the cost of a cleaner example.
Pictures are of the actual guitar you will receive.
Body & Construction: A Genuine Mid-'60s Hollowbody
The 6119 Tennessean features Gretsch's fully hollow laminated maple body finished in the classic Walnut Brown finish that became synonymous with the model during this era. The body remains structurally intact and retains the unmistakable look and feel that vintage Gretsch enthusiasts seek out.
As expected from an instrument that has seen more than six decades of use, there are numerous cosmetic imperfections throughout. The guitar shows noticeable wear and aging, and there is slight separation present at the neck-to-body joint area. While the instrument remains functional, prospective buyers should expect to address this issue as part of a restoration or repair project.
Despite its condition, the guitar still displays the charm and visual appeal that only an authentic 1960s Gretsch can offer.
Neck & Playability: A Candidate for Restoration
The neck on this Tennessean is straight, which is encouraging for a guitar of this age. However, the instrument currently exhibits high action, measuring approximately .100" on the bass side and .140" on the treble side. The bridge is already adjusted to its lowest setting, limiting the ability to further reduce string height through normal setup adjustments.
The elevated action, combined with the slight neck-to-body separation, suggests that additional repair work may be necessary to achieve optimal playability. As it sits today, the guitar is playable but would benefit from evaluation by a qualified repair technician.
For buyers experienced with vintage guitar restoration, these are common issues that may be addressed through professional repair work. For collectors and hobbyists looking for a rewarding project, this Tennessean offers an authentic vintage platform with considerable upside.
Pickups & Electronics: Original Gretsch Character Still Alive
One of the most encouraging aspects of this guitar is that the electronics are functioning properly. The controls operate as intended, and the pickups deliver the unmistakable vintage Gretsch voice that helped make these instruments famous.
The dual HiLo'Tron pickups are known for their clarity, articulation, and bright response, offering a distinctly different character from traditional humbuckers. Clean tones remain detailed and expressive, while overdriven sounds retain excellent note separation.
While cosmetic wear is present throughout the guitar, the electronics remain operational, providing a solid foundation for anyone considering restoration.
Condition Notes
This 1965 Gretsch 6119 Chet Atkins Tennessean is being offered as a vintage project guitar and should be purchased with the expectation that repair work will likely be required.
Known issues include:
- Cracked pickguard
- Cracked binding near the headstock
- Cracked pickup ring
- Slight neck-to-body separation
- High action (approximately .100" bass side / .140" treble side)
- Bridge adjusted to its lowest position
- General cosmetic wear consistent with age and use
The neck appears straight, and the electronics are functioning properly.
Product Features:
- Body: Fully hollow laminated maple construction
- Finish: Walnut Brown
- Neck: Set neck construction
- Fingerboard: Rosewood fingerboard with thumbnail inlays
- Pickups: Dual Gretsch HiLo'Tron pickups
- Controls: Master volume, individual pickup controls, tone switch
- Bridge: Adjustable floating bridge
- Tailpiece: Gretsch-style tailpiece
- Hardware: Chrome
- Year: 1965
- Built: USA
- Condition: Poor / Project Guitar
- Electronics: Functioning properly
- Weight: 6lbs 11oz
Vintage Project Guitar Disclaimer
This is a vintage used guitar from our inventory. Pictures are of the actual instrument you will receive.
This instrument is being sold as a project guitar and exhibits significant cosmetic and structural wear consistent with its age. Known issues include a cracked pickguard, cracked binding near the headstock, cracked pickup ring, high action, and slight separation at the neck-to-body joint. Additional issues not specifically mentioned may be present due to the age of the instrument.
The guitar remains functional, and the electronics are currently operating as intended; however, it will likely require repair and restoration work to achieve optimal playability and condition.
Please review all photos carefully, as they are considered part of the description. Feel free to contact us with any questions prior to purchase.
Brand: Gretsch
Model: 6119 Chet Atkins Tennessean
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