Gretsch G9500 Jim Dandy 24" Flat Top Acoustic Guitar, 2-Color Sunburst

I was looking for a "knock-around" guitar and began stumbling across reviews for the Gretsch Jim Dandy. I have to be honest: I was deeply skeptical of the positive reviews this little $149 guitar was getting but I took a chance and ordered one. It definitely lives up to the hype but in the interest of being objective here are my observations:Appearance: Gretsch has nailed the retro vibe. If you're looking for the aesthetics of deeply-grained tone-wood this isn't your instrument but the Jim Dandy has it's own vintage charm. The Tobacco Sunburst top is a matte spray finish that looks good and is evenly applied. The rest of the instrument is flat black which may be a fingerprint magnet ... time will tell. The pinstripe on the top is obviously hand-painted; there are some minor imperfections but it really fits in with the retro theme Gretsch is shooting for. The cheesy (in my opinion) pick guard and open tuners only bolster that theme. My one complaint: Gretsch made the inexplicable decision to begin their fret markings at the fifth fret rather than the third. Overall, I'd grant the Jim Dandy an 8 out of 10 for appearance.Build: The Jim Dandy is a relatively light weight guitar and subjectively feels heavier than my Little Martin. My out-of-the-box inspection revealed no obvious flaws other than some small debris rattling around inside. The kerfing and bracing seems clean and tidy and the tuners, while stiff, function well. There are no bridge pins to lose with the Jim Dandy's through-bridge design. Overall, I was impressed by the quality and the instrument was actually close to being in tune right out of the box! Further, the factory set-up is actually very good. The neck is straight, the nut is reasonably well cut, the action is quite playable with nary a buzz or dead spot. The real surprise is the fret work on this guitar. One British reviewer commented that the Jim Dandy had the best fret work of any entry-level guitar he's seen. I'll go a step further: the Jim Dandy I received has better fret work than guitars costing several hundred dollars more based on my auditioning of instruments at local music stores. Overall: a 10 out of 10 given the price point.Sound: Fun! Again, if you're looking for high-end tone and sustain this isn't your instrument. That said, the Jim Dandy has an enjoyable sound ... it's somewhat boxy yet sweet, especially when finger picked. If you're a strummer I'd recommend trying light gauge nylon picks as these seem to emphasize the Jim Dandy's mid-range where celluloid or tortex can ring a bit harsh. Does it have the clarity, voice or vibe of any of my Martins? No. But it has its own sound that is enjoyable. Overall: 8 out of 10.The Jim Dandy is an unapologetically budget guitar that manages to be playable and fun for a price point that's really hard to believe. Really, it's not hard to spend more on a case than you would spend on this guitar. In my opinion it's a perfect instrument for places one might hesitate to take a more expensive guitar.

Well I just got mine... arrived a few hours ago. I've been playing it non-stop since. I really can do little more than repeat what others before me (the good reviews) have said: she's a little darling... incredibly easy to play - fits perfectly in my arms and hands. The neck is beautifully shaped; the fretboard is fantastic. The string spacing is perfect for us fingerpickers... and when I tune her to an Open tuning and get out my Rock Slide brass slide - she's at home. As far as looks go - well, I can't tell what she looks like when I'm playing her so who cares? She looks fine sitting on my stand where she won't spend a lot of time. This is, easily, the most guitar I've ever received for $150.00... do not hesitate to buy this baby if it's an easy-playing small guitar you're looking for... she's just great. Love her instantly from the moment I get her the way I wanted... even the strings she came with are fantastic - with great action; Everything is really perfect. Couldn't be happier... well there's one thing: the frets are a bit sharp and need to be worked on, but... c'mon, if that's the worst thing I can say about this guitar you know she's a winner. Amazing price to value ratio.Update: I've had this guitar for, I don't know, a few months now... I just wanted to say that this is the best guitar I've ever owned. I mean, not just in relation to the cost of the instrument, but... it's the most enjoyable to play... it has superb tone (lacks a tad on the lower register but it' a parlor, that's too be expected...) and it plays like a dream. It is constantly by my side or in my hands. I love it. I cannot possibly imagine a better deal on a guitar anywhere or from anyone. Gretsch has simply *killed it* with this one. I am astounded... There must be something in the drinking water in Indonesia because every guitar I've had that has been made there has been good... but this... I just cannot recommend this guitar enough. Am I making myself clear? Buy this guitar if you are even remotely considering it. You will not do any better buying anything else. It is... the best. A great guitar. If I had paid 500 bucks for it I'd be saying the same thing, by the way...