KDRR Posted January 29, 2011 Share Posted January 29, 2011 I own a 339 but I used to own a 66 Gretsch Tennessean. My Grandmother bouth It for me with a 66 Fender Vibrolux. Both the amp and guitar were about $335 each. The Tennessan was stolen from me in 75.and I haven`t played a Tennessan sinc. Why I`m posting all this is. My Gibson 339 is the first semi hollow body guitar I`ve owned since the Tennessan (I know painted F-Holes). I waa wondering if anyone owned both guitar and what were their thought s between the two. Now I know the 339 is a better guitar but what say you? I was looking at Tennesseans on Ebay thinking a lost an expensive guitar and saw that one like mine (a 66) went for $1600 , my 339 would go for that. Go figure. Keith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobouz Posted January 29, 2011 Share Posted January 29, 2011 I'd have to say it's like comparing apples & oranges. Completely different in every way, so playability & tone won't be in the same ballpark. Btw, I own a 339 and Gibson Tennessean. A closer comparison vs the Gretsch, but they're still quite different from one another. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KDRR Posted January 29, 2011 Author Share Posted January 29, 2011 I'd have to say it's like comparing apples & oranges. Completely different in every way, so playability & tone won't be in the same ballpark. Btw, I own a 339 and Gibson Tennessean. A closer comparison vs the Gretsch, but they're still quite different from one another. I wish I had the Tennessean back , I don`t know what I`d do with it but I did learn the Beatles I`m A Loser with it. K Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
singlecoil Posted January 29, 2011 Share Posted January 29, 2011 I wish I had the Tennessean back , I don`t know what I`d do with it but I did learn the Beatles I`m A Loser with it. K Is someone saying the 339 is a better player than the gretsch?? No way. I would say they are pretty equal. New 2,000 for a 339.00 Unless you go with the fancy top. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KDRR Posted January 29, 2011 Author Share Posted January 29, 2011 Is someone saying the 339 is a better player than the gretsch?? No way. I would say they are pretty equal. New 2,000 for a 339.00 Unless you go with the fancy top. I don`t know what a Tenessean sell for now, as I said before , the one like my 66 was going for around $1600 and that was a vintage guitar. I remember it was a good guitar for certain things , but a 339 is good for everything and because of that I would think a 339 is a better guitar , I haven`t played a new Tenessean so I really don`t know and I`m not in a hurry to find out either. KDRidnour Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobouz Posted January 29, 2011 Share Posted January 29, 2011 Some nice pics of a vintage '67 Tennessean currently for sale at Elderly, excellent condition for $2785. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Versatile Posted January 30, 2011 Share Posted January 30, 2011 Several Gretsch models including the Tennessean are unusual as hollow bodies in having S/C pickup options.... V Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
singlecoil Posted January 30, 2011 Share Posted January 30, 2011 I don`t know what a Tenessean sell for now, as I said before , the one like my 66 was going for around $1600 and that was a vintage guitar. I remember it was a good guitar for certain things , but a 339 is good for everything and because of that I would think a 339 is a better guitar , I haven`t played a new Tenessean so I really don`t know and I`m not in a hurry to find out either. KDRidnour I was referring to the playabilty. I've never played a gretsch ( even their $500.00 line) that weren't goood playing, easy playing guitars. Played plenty of crummy Gibsons. I may be wrong but I am pretty sure you can swap pickups with many TV jones pups. Powertrons would work. You would also need a Bridge from truc-Arc or Compton. I have also read with these 339's. Right in this forum. To make sure you play them. There can be duds.I think Gretsch has far better Quality control these days than Gibson does. Go to the Gretschpages forum. Lots of guys there playing Gibsons and Gretschs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobouz Posted January 31, 2011 Share Posted January 31, 2011 The notable quality of current high end Gretsch guitars comes courtesy of the Japanese Terada factory - the same good folks who build the Epi Elitist archtops (sadly now down to only the Casino). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zigzag Posted February 2, 2011 Share Posted February 2, 2011 I've got a 335 and a 6120 Nashville. If I had to choose between a 339 and a Tennessean, I'd take the Tennessean. If I had to choose between the 335 and the 6120, I'd take the 335, but thank goodness I don't have to make that choice. As as been said, they are all very different instruments. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Versatile Posted February 2, 2011 Share Posted February 2, 2011 Changing the subject slightly... It is illuminating to compare a Les Paul with a Gretsch Duo Jet.... V Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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