Gretsch Jim Dandy

This is a video about the Gretsch Jim Dandy guitar. The model number is the G9520 and is very similar to the G9500. This is a great option for a beginners guitar. Dustin recorded this with an Audix SCX25A microphone with a Rattlesnake XLR cable. For more information, check out dustinrose.com.

[@MattBargain]

I love my Jim dandy. Play it almost everyday.

[@greghernandez7590]

Strung mine up Nashville style. Give that a shot some time.

[@tomburkhardt811]

Nice playing Dustin! I have a Jim Dandy and fell in love with it. I've been playing most of my life and own many guitars and this little guy is very impressive. I use it like you said. I keep it sitting around where it is easy to grab and plan on it being my camper guitar this coming season. Once again, loved your picking!

[@LDN_MZK]

great guitar! sounds nice. It has soul. So Bluesy! love it. great video. thanks

[@abnere.tamayo1563]

Really good balance between talk and play. This was a really great demo, man. Thank you so much! It sounds amazing! Mine arrives in a few days. I'm so excited for it! Greetings from Mexico 👍🏽

[@theWARMJET]

sounds really nice specially with fingerpicking and even resonated a but like Nick Drake, amazing

[@briandickson9046]

Have one. Love my JD. So fun to play.

[@e.michaelhelms2991]

Great job of what the Jim Dandy can do! I've had one for a couple of years. I keep it tuned to open D-m. You can get some really haunting, moody sounds from that tuning. I'm considering getting another J.D. for standard or other open tunings. I really like the color of yours; also been thinking of the "reddish" one. Mine is the blackish-burst. I've noticed the solid black is priced around $20.00 lower for whatever reason. Anyway, thanks again for a really nice demo of the Jim Dandy! --Michael

[@Xcorgi]

Very nice playing and review! Can’t wait to buy one!

[@SKOVDEPETE]

Me too 😁😁😁

[@reformedpilgrim]

Did you buy one? If so, does it live up to this review?

[@NaturalFork]

Bought one ... gave it away to a kid wanting to learn ... missed it ... bought another one.

[@oadrums]

nice guitar and very nice playing

[@dustinrosemusic]

Thanks!

[@dixonstreetdrummer1846]

Superb

[@blessingsara11]

I love that guitar just needed a few adjustments but it's my 1st acoustic in a long time & now the only one I own

[@merak0044]

Got one a few weeks ago! I love it! The sustain on this little guitar is just beautiful. I wanted the Gin Ricky but didn’t have one at my local guitar store But I put a fishman humbucker. Had to file it just a bit since a smaller hole. Rock on!!!!!

[@dustinrosemusic]

That’s great! What kind of music do you play on it? Which color did you get?

[@merak0044]

@@dustinrosemusic Blues!!!!! Finger picking or slide. Love open D! Lightning, burnside, brother dege...... I got the ox blood. I just love this thing. I bring it to work. Paramedic and work 12 hrs shift. It fits perfectly in one of the side doors. I get to put in more practicing. Can’t believe the cost of my Jim dandy. It’s a beautiful sounding guitar. I got a fender resonator, 12 string Yamaha, and a Les Paul épi. I have to force myself to play with the other ones. lol

[@gabrielcarter9323]

Another great video! Any chance you could post the titles of the songs you feature in your reviews? I've really enjoyed them but they aren't familiar to me. Thanks!

[@johnbrandonberg4257]

Mine will be here tomorrow along with a Gator hard case!

[@faultyillustration3197]

Beautiful demo! Kicking myself for not buying this bronze burst edition when it came out. How's the neck feel? I'm fairly small myself, and I heard you say your kids play it, so I was wondering if that's given anyone in your family any issues.

[@franciscoramoncleriguesrov7187]

I have this model aspect years 30s is beatiful,i’m only play parlour guitars for my hands smalls…and love smalls guitars travels bluesmans clásics .

[@enriquetejada40]

As i understand do you recomend it as a begginer guitar no? Thanks for the review

[@rodjones117]

I use my JD for blues fingerpicking, bottleneck, ragtime, etc, ans I love it. I don't think it would be as good for first position chord folk-type strumming, but that's not what I wanted. Like it or not, many of the old Delta blues players used inexpensive guitars.

[@dustinrosemusic]

This is a great point! As I play it a little more, I can totally see that it’s a good blues option.

[@piedpeter1]

I think it seriously has great 1st position folk tone!

[@rodjones117]

@@piedpeter1 Fine. I dsagree, but I don't play that sort of thing anyway.

[@isaacnoroncaasi]

What strings are you using? Strumming sounds much better in your demo than in other videos I've been watching. Maybe it's the mic... Or maybe it's just that you know how to get really nice sounds out of it!

[@dustinrosemusic]

Thank you! I am actually going to be doing an update review with new strings. Those were Acoustic Sessions by Everly Music Company. They’re pretty good strings and affordable too. The microphone is great too. It’s probably a combination of things to credit for the sound quality.

[@isaacnoroncaasi]

@@dustinrosemusic Thanks! Looking forward to your new video.

[@AmritRamnath]

hey! Awesome review. Thanks! What are your thoughts on the Fender CP60S, or CS60S? how do they fare compared to this?

[@dustinrosemusic]

Hey, thanks! I'm not all that familiar with those models. I'd love to play them. I'll let you know when I get the chance!

[@patricklemire9278]

It's like an old “catalog” guitar except it’s actually good

[@henrymauricelandemare9630]

hey, Dustin, thanks for this I want one- but should I get the g9500 or the g9520, where is the best place to purchase? I live in Cancun Mexico, and can hopefully have someone bring it down, what about a case, which one do you recommend? and finally, I would like to add a pick-up, to bring out a little more bass, which pick up do you recommend? thanks, Dr. Hank

[@dustinrosemusic]

I have liked all of the Gretsch guitars I’ve played. I’d consider both of those models. I purchased my Jim Dandy from a local shop, not a large chain. Sweetwater has always treated me right. They carry them. Gator makes good inexpensive cases that are pretty durable. I don’t know if they have the exact size for the Jim Dandy but it’s worth checking. I am an LR Baggs pickup guy. They have many good options depending upon how intrusive you want it. K&K is also very good. They have several options that would work well too. It looks like the G9520 already has a pickup. Rock on and let us know how the journey goes.

[@greghernandez7590]

I think I have the same Tobacco sunburst Jim Dandy. Love it. Great bang for buck but a real pain getting my fishman pickup in there. You have any recommendations for smaller pickups that fit?

[@dustinrosemusic]

I prefer LR Baggs and K&K pickups. Each of them have several options that might work for this guitar. What kind of Fishman do you have?

[@runnningonempty]

I would recommend the 3 tab stick on passive pickup system from Amacomiezon. less than 20 dollars KK copy sounds great

[@gammaraygem]

theres a guy using a gretsch deltolux pick up online.

[@57too]

Hey Dustin, do you think it would sound good with ball-end classical strings and is the bridge holes & tuning peg holes wide enough to fit them through? Either way I'm ordering one this week. Cheers.

[@dustinrosemusic]

I have been putting some thought into this question. It is a great question. I don't play with nylon/classical strings a whole lot but I bet that a Jim Dandy would sound great with them. As for the fit, I am unsure. I would imagine that they would fit but don't quote me on it. The steel ball-in strings sit nicely in them, obviously. I would definitely give it a try and let us all know how they work. Thanks!

[@robertlennon6923]

Great demo need to check these out.. what strings are you using

[@dustinrosemusic]

Thank you! Those strings were the ones that came on it. I’ve changed them a few times but haven’t settled on one. What do you use? I’m thinking about doing another review when I find the right strings.

[@robertlennon6923]

try elixir phos bronze 12-53@@dustinrosemusic

[@dustinrosemusic]

@@robertlennon6923 I’ve got a set of the Nanoweb phosphor bronze. Maybe I’ll give them a try! Thanks!!!

[@fly1327]

Ordered the G9500 yesterday looking for something much smaller to play fingerstyle than my dreadnaught, and with a shorter scale. And cheap so as not to worry about leaving it hanging on the wall and banging it around. Last place for a fun guitar (or uke) is stored away in a case, as playing time definitely will suffer. But I guess if you've got a really pricey artifact, you can have it added to your case when they bury you, but IMHO think a real waste of an instrument.

[@johnwashburn3793]

Amen! Well said. Look at Willie's guitar Trigger. I have a really nice hammer 🔨, it came in a case and there it remains. Never saw a nail. A guitar is just another tool to be used and enjoyed. I got my first 50 years ago and it doesn't really show it,an old Harmony. My 40 year old Washburn Tanglewood is beautiful and has great mojo. I bought it with a ding, probably the only one, but it has been well played and shows some sings of use but not my hammer. Lol I think I shall get one of these and leave my 20 year old martin on the wall next to my hammer.

[@tommytramp]

IT IS A BLUES GUITAR!

[@redlycan23]

Where did you get that particular color? I can’t find it anywhere

[@dustinrosemusic]

I found it at a music store in Oregon. It may have only been available for a limited time. Then they switched colors.

[@gnoogie]

the first thing you played is so pretty. made me tear up

[@Tecniconta]

Do you think it would be possible to change the strings and thus be able to adapt it for a left-handed player

[@dustinrosemusic]

I would think so but I’d have to take a look at the bridge saddle to say for sure.

[@michaelpond6386]

Drop a DeArmond sound hole pickup in that little guy, you’ll be very surprised at what you end up with.

[@AvidEric]

Seems like the scratch plate is off-center... that would be quite the turn-off for me after buying. What's the first song that you've played? And the second?

[@dustinrosemusic]

I didn’t notice that it’s off-center in person. It could be a weird camera angle perspective. Not sure. The first song is “You’ll Come Back For Me” and the second is “Oregon.”

[@AvidEric]

@@dustinrosemusic Many thanks for getting back to me with the song titles. I guess a little googling should get me the tabs. Appreciate it!

[@AvidEric]

@@dustinrosemusic Sorry for bothering... after now 15 minutes I could not find a single song called "You'll Come Back For Me". Also, I could only find two Songs called "Oregon" but unfortunately neither of them sounded anything like what you've played. Could you please also tell which artists these songs are from?

[@dustinrosemusic]

I’m sorry. You’re not a bother at all! They are both originals. “Oregon” has been released. Check out this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nabWZ5WPlK-ZfKM. The other hasn’t been released yet. Sorry that I didn’t explain that.

[@AvidEric]

@@dustinrosemusic Ah, I see. Well, congratulations to creating such nice songs ☺️👍🏻

[@tommytramp]

IT IS A BLUES GUITAR AND IT RIPS AWSOME VERY CHEAP IN PRICE

[@dustinrosemusic]

Absolutely true! Great point.

[@jmahon]

hey Dustin, what is the first track you run through?

[@dustinrosemusic]

Hello! It is called “Come Back For Me.”

[@jmahon]

@@dustinrosemusic is it a track of yours - my jim dandy arrives tomorrow and it sounds great on it

[@dustinrosemusic]

@@jmahon It is. Thank you! Maybe I should TAB it out or something???

[@jmahon]

@@dustinrosemusic yeah that would be great thanks. feel free to direct message me with it

[@KS-sz1yo]

@@dustinrosemusic I'd also love tabs for that if you're offering, it's so lovely.

[@cleggtherobocop]

Hi, would this be a decent beginning guitar for an 11 year old girl?

[@jdbachelder3594]

For the price there's not much better out there.

[@cleggtherobocop]

JD Bachelder thanks for your response - my other consideration is an orangewood Oliver jr which has the same dimensions as a Taylor gs mini but costs the same is this Jim dandy. The scale is a half inch smaller on the Oliver jr but the lower bout width on this Gretsch is one inch shorter - any thoughts on this? Just looking for an easy and fun guitar for her to learn on - thanks!

[@jdbachelder3594]

@@cleggtherobocop a good friend of mine is five feet tall in shoes and loves the Gretsch and I can attest it sounds really good compared to anything else in the price range. I can't comment on the other, really, but I don't think you have to worry about the dimensions

[@dustinrosemusic]

Totally agree with JD Bachelder! If you can, it might be worth checking both out in person. Feeling and holding both might make the decision easier.

[@blessingsara11]

Totally!!! The size is perfect, I would just say lower the nut a bit cos the height & strings gauge its kinda harsh for small & light hands

[@jcsmith9518]

Nice, but I just don't care for the white pick hard with the G they put on them. Can you one without? 😊

[@dustinrosemusic]

I’m not sure. That’s a great question!

[@darwa]

I took mine off with a hairdryer to loosen the glue. A few wet wipes and a polish later and you'd never know it wasn't standard.

[@dustinrosemusic]

That’s a great idea!

[@darwa]

@@dustinrosemusic Thanks mate. I uploaded a pic here: photos.app.goo.gl/aau3UF1jLWitns92A Yes, it's a different finish, but it should give John an idea of what to expect.

[@dustinrosemusic]

@@darwa that looks great!

[@1967whaley]

It's not a beginners guitar, it's a specialist folk blues guitar with loads of mids giving a boxey sound, perfect for slide and retro tones

[@dustinrosemusic]

It certainly can be more than a beginner guitar but it is definitely a good option for beginners.

[@royevans6116]

The problem of the guitar-picker of today is to possess a real guitar, not an ectoplasmic guitar. The Jim Dandy is not a spoof, not a product of ingenuity for ingenuity's sake. It's a guitar that some people buy, get rid of, and then buy a second time because the pain of not having one becomes intolerable. It's extremely light and comfortable, and small enough to play inside the trunk of a car, a porta-potty, a dentist's chair, or a coffin. It can help you navigate when you're lost at sea. It can keep you falling from Humpty Dumpty's knee. When you're ready to drop society's bone, go fetch this instrument. Like a beehive, the Jim Dandy guitar can make both sweet and stinging sounds. Hammer-ons and pull-offs sound better on it than any guitar I've owned, imbuing them with a twang that hearkens back to a time when magic was real and people were not. Its sinewy sonics can punch holes through both sides of any argument. It's a street guitar, but don't ask it for directions. It has no respect for consensus reality. Pluck a simple melody on it to hear notes that are not ornamental but symbolic; they're expressive and puzzling, striking and disturbing -- food for thought and also for vultures. The Jim Dandy is greater than the sum of its parts. It's neither a toy nor a Ouija board with strings. It is not a possession. It has its own life story that runs along independently and occasionally intersects our own. I and the one I live with are currently mixed-up in a comedy about mistaken identity. It uses me to express itself, to put humanity in its place. What would a wooden puppet say if it could control the flesh-and-bone ventriloquist that's been exploiting it for years? A Jim Dandy might notice a wooden crucifix and say, "Copy-cat son!"

[@mywaveinwoodswoodperfumes]

Roy Evans waw

[@stateofblitz]

I like lollies

[@keithclark486]

Subsequently, theoretically, evidently, positively, I agree with you.

[@kanker5256]

i cannot stand that neck. it is so awkward. it feels dragging and dry. the whole guitar is VERY boxy and punchy, and that is great, but it feels very heavy on the front side and the neck again... it is like a log, cardboardy and heavy. also, that strap pick on the bottom is awkward... anyway, a GREAT parlor nonetheless

[@ferdinandvonstephani4485]

You talk to much

[@bradettinger3072]

"Too".