1966 Gretsch 6119 Chet Atkins Tennessean Model
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This is a beautiful sounding 1966 Gretsch 6119 “Chet Atkins Tennessean”. One of the last ones built in the original Brooklyn factory before the move to the Baldwin plant.
Bindings still in very good shape, no cracking or ''burning''. The tuners are replaced. Comes in a no name case.
- Model: Gretsch 6119 “Chet Atkins Tennessean”
- Year: 1966
- Body Type: Fully hollow, single cutaway
- Body Material: Laminated maple top, back, and sides
- Body Depth: Approximately 2 inches (about 5 cm)
- Finish: Walnut or dark cherry lacquer (often referred to as “Walnut Stain”)
- Country of Manufacture: USA (Brooklyn, New York)
Neck
- Neck Material: Two-piece maple, often with a walnut center strip
- Fingerboard: Rosewood with “thumbnail” pearloid inlays
- Scale Length: 24½ inches (622 mm)
- Nut Width: About 1 11/16 inches (43 mm)
- Frets: 22
- Neck Joint: Set neck
- Headstock: Bound, with “Gretsch” logo and open-back tuners
Hardware and Electronics
- Pickups: Two Gretsch HiLo’Tron single-coil pickups
- Controls:
- Master volume
- Individual pickup volume controls
- Tone switch
- Three-way pickup selector switch
- Bridge: Rocking bar bridge (or sometimes an adjustable bridge)
- Tailpiece: Bigsby vibrato (standard on most 6119s from this era)
- Tuners: Grover Sta-Tite or open-back tuners
- Pickguard: Silver or gold “Chet Atkins” signed pickguard
Design Features
- F-Holes: Painted-on (simulated) F-holes — not open sound holes
- Binding: Multiple-ply body binding, single-ply neck binding
- Hardware Finish: Nickel or chrome-plated metal parts
- Truss Rod Cover: Engraved “Chet Atkins” logo
- Logo: Headstock features classic Gretsch logo in white or pearloid
Sound and Character
The 1966 Tennessean offers a bright, jangly, and articulate tone typical of Gretsch hollow bodies, with the HiLo’Tron pickups providing a clean and airy sound compared to the thicker, punchier Filter’Trons used in higher-end Gretsch models.
It’s known for its clarity, warmth, and dynamic response — ideal for rockabilly, early rock ’n’ roll, country, and Beatles-style tones.
| Listed | a month ago |
|---|---|
| Condition | Very Good (Used) Very Good items may show a few slight marks or scratches but are fully functional and in overall great shape.Learn more |
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