The 1962 Gretsch 6119 Tennessean is a classic hollow-body electric guitar that showcases the distinctive features Gretsch was known for during the early 1960s. It has a single-cutaway body design made from laminated maple, giving it a resonant, warm tone ideal for rockabilly, country, and early rock ‘n’ roll music. The body is finished in a dark, walnut stain that contrasts with its sleek, minimalist appointments.

This model is the Harrison spec Beatle era model and is a fully hollow construction without the sound post or trestle bracing found in some higher-end models. The neck is made of maple with a rosewood fingerboard, featuring "thumbnail" inlays that add to its vintage aesthetic. The 24.6" scale length gives it a comfortable, easy-playing feel, and the 21 frets allow for smooth playability across the board.

Like all Atkins models the Model 6119 is fitted with a "Gretsch by Bigsby" vibrato and zero fret, two of Chet's requirements. The 6119 uses two single-coil Hi-lo'Tron pickups in place of the double-coil Filter'Tron units used on the higher-end Country Gentleman and 6120. The sound is somewhat brighter than these and many other Gretsch models, due to the combination of single-coil pickups and thin closed body but with plenty of depth when required. 

Other hallmark features include Grover StaTite tuners (one is slightly bent), and a rocking bar bridge that provides stability and helps retain tuning while adding a characteristic Gretsch sound. The slim, comfortable neck and lightweight construction make it a joy to play, while its distinctive appearance ensures it stands out visually, even among other vintage guitars.

This is a very good playing example of a just "Beatle-era" Gretsch Model 6119 Tennessean with the closed "Electrotone" body, one of Gretsch's classic and most popular 1960s models. Although the least expensive instrument in the Chet Atkins signature line, by the standards of the day the Tennessean was a relatively upscale guitar. The 6119 remained the only traditional single-cutaway guitar in the Atkins line, both the Country Gentleman and 6120 having become double-cutaways at the time.

This model listed at the not inconsiderable sum of $350.00 in 1962, the year it replaced the earlier full hollow body, single-pickup 6119. This was a fairly high price at the time, but many players dutifully saved up for this Beatle-approved model in the mid-'60s. The Tennessean was something of a garage band classic but also appears with many prominent professional players as well.

A real nice sounding guitar with the typical Gretsch throaty twang and if swag is your thang then you need look no further...