1959 Gretsch 6119 Chet Atkins Tennessean – All Original with OHSC

For your consideration, Garrett Park Guitars presents this 1959 Gretsch 6119 Chet Atkins Tennessean, an all-original example of one of Gretsch’s most iconic single-pickup hollowbody models. Built at the height of the company’s golden era, this vintage Tennessean captures everything players love about late-’50s Gretsch craftsmanship — striking looks, lively tone, and impeccable feel.

Finished in rich Cherry (Western) Red nitrocellulose lacquer, this guitar’s laminated maple top and back with mahogany sides provide a warm yet articulate tonal foundation. The set mahogany neck with a C-shaped profile and ebony fingerboard offers a smooth, fast-playing surface that feels both solid and responsive in hand. Its original Filter’Tron pickup delivers the unmistakable Gretsch chime — bright, twangy treble with clear, tight bass response that’s perfect for rockabilly, rock ’n’ roll, and vintage country. The filter switch produces warmer, balanced tones ideal for rhythm work and rounded lead lines.

Weighing in at 6lbs 14oz, this lightweight 6119 resonates with remarkable liveliness, equally at home on stage or in the studio. The Bigsby B6CB tailpiece adds expressive vibrato, while the original hardware and wiring function flawlessly. In excellent condition throughout, it shows only the faintest playwear and a small, localized spot of the classic Gretsch “binding rot” near the treble neck joint.

A genuine vintage survivor, this 1959 Gretsch 6119 Tennessean embodies the sound, style, and spirit of early rock — an inspiring player’s instrument and a prized collectible.

Includes the original hardshell case, completing a beautifully preserved and fully functional package.

Specifications

Model & Year

• Model: Gretsch 6119 Chet Atkins Tennessean

• Year of Manufacture: 1959

• Serial Number: 34974

Body

• Body Wood: Laminated maple top & back, mahogany sides

• Finish: Cherry (Western) Red

• Body Depth: 2.5”

• Weight: 6lbs 14oz

Neck

• Construction: Mahogany, set (with dowel)

• Neck Profile: C-shape

• Nut Width: 1 5/8”

• Fingerboard: Ebony

• Frets: Original, excellent condition

• Tuners: Open-back

Hardware

• Bridge / Tailpiece: Bigsby B6CB

• Knobs & Switch Tip: Volume knob and filter switch

• Strap Buttons: Original

• Plating: Nickel, chrome

Electronics

• Pickups: Original “Pat. Applied For” Filter’Tron

• Wiring: Original

Condition

• Excellent cosmetic, structural, and playing condition. Displays a vibrant finish with minimal playwear and one minor area of binding deterioration at the treble neck joint.

Case & Accessories

• Original hardshell case