Gretsch Professional Series Hollow Body Tennessean: A Modern Take on a Classic Design

Gretsch Professional Series Hollow Body Tennessean: A Detailed Review
Debuting in 1958, the Gretsch 6119 Tennessean was the most understated of the four Chet Atkins signature models. Unlike its flamboyant siblings—the Western-inspired 6120 favored by Eddie Cochran, the sophisticated 6122 Country Gentleman preferred by Atkins himself, and the compact 6121 Round-Up—the Tennessean opted for simplicity. Equipped with a single Filter’Tron humbucker at the bridge, it carved out its own niche, later becoming an iconic choice for George Harrison during his Beatles era, albeit in its dual-pickup form.
The Tennessean, a single-cutaway hollowbody with a 406mm (16-inch) width, went through several evolutionary changes in its early years, notably in body depth, which finally standardized at 64mm (2.5 inches). Its original deep cherry stain or walnut finish further distinguished it from the orange hues of other Chet Atkins models.
A Modern Revival
Fast forward six decades, and Gretsch has reintroduced the Tennessean, blending vintage aesthetics with modern refinements. The new model mirrors its mid-century Brooklyn-built predecessor, featuring:
- An arched laminated maple body, bound in white.
- A two-piece maple neck with a dark center stripe and a bound rosewood fingerboard.
- Traditional bound f-holes and dual Filter’Tron pickups.
However, this Japanese-made revival takes significant strides toward contemporary functionality. Updates such as the B6CP Bigsby vibrato now feature a streamlined string-feed system, allowing easier string changes compared to the old peg-and-hole design.
Structural Innovations
One of the Tennessean’s standout updates is its new Arc-Tone bracing system, which replaces the traditional trestle bracing. This innovation incorporates torrefied maple tone bars supported by arc-shaped spruce braces beneath the bridge. According to Gretsch, this bracing system improves sustain, enhances note attack, and provides excellent feedback control, making the Tennessean more adept at handling high-gain tones while retaining the charm of a hollowbody.
Modern Features for Today’s Players
The 2024 Tennessean is equipped with practical enhancements:
- Gotoh locking tuners for improved tuning stability.
- Grover strap locks for secure on-stage performance.
- An Adjusto-Matic bridge mounted on a pinned rosewood base for reliable intonation.
The U-shaped neck, with its comfortable 305mm (12-inch) radius, features rolled fingerboard edges and medium jumbo frets. The 625mm (24.6-inch) scale length accommodates various playing styles, offering a balance of playability and tonal richness. Finished in flawless Deep Cherry gloss with nickel hardware, the guitar exudes understated elegance.
Playability and Sound
The Tennessean’s neck feels more like a familiar C profile, measuring 20mm at the first fret and tapering to 23mm by the 10th. Its playability is exceptional, with rolled fingerboard edges and expertly finished frets inviting effortless navigation across the fretboard. Paired with 11-gauge strings, it’s perfect for nuanced bends, vibrant vibrato, and intricate chord work.
The electronics are streamlined yet versatile:
- A master volume on the cutaway horn.
- Individual volume controls for each pickup.
- A master tone control and a three-way pickup selector.
Through a test setup of a Mark I Reissue Boogie combo amp and effects like the Hudson Broadcast, Hermida Zendrive, and Echoplex delay, the Tennessean delivered a spectrum of tones.
- Bridge Pickup: Crisp and articulate, with a bright, chiming quality ideal for rock ’n’ roll riffs and fingerpicked passages.
- Neck Pickup: Warm and full, exuding clarity and depth, well-suited for rockabilly and jazz tones.
- Combined Pickup Mode: A balanced, slightly thinner tone with a funky, vocal-like character.
Overdriven tones reveal the Filter’Tron’s unique charm—articulate, focused, and harmonically rich, offering something distinct from the darker humbucker tones of a Gibson.
Verdict
The reimagined Tennessean is a triumph of Gretsch’s craftsmanship and design evolution. While its original version appealed to players who sought a no-nonsense guitar free of the brand’s Western aesthetic flourishes, the 2024 model extends its appeal with modern enhancements.
Final Thoughts:
The new Tennessean is beautifully constructed, plays with the ease of a contemporary instrument, and delivers a broad palette of tones ranging from sparkling cleans to snarling overdrive. Whether you’re a vintage guitar aficionado or a modern player seeking versatility, this Tennessean strikes a harmonious balance between classic style and present-day functionality.
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