ReviewFinder Acoustic Guitars

Gretsch Jim Dandy G9500

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Features
Sound quality
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9 Verified Hands-On Reviews

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Expert reviews [9]

No critic scores
Total expert reviews: 9
  • with a score: 0
  • without a score: 9
The Gretsch G9500 Jim Dandy is a surprisingly high-quality parlor guitar at an affordable price. It has a smaller size and unique sound that makes it perfect for casual playing or as an entry-level instrument.
+ pros
  • Affordable pricing, especially for casual players or beginners.
  • ¾ size (parlor size) makes it great for players with smaller statures.
  • Spot-on tuning and doesn't fall out of tune easily.
  • Features a pinless bridge, making it easier for beginners to change strings.
- cons
  • Smaller size may make it harder for players with larger statures or hands to play.
  • Boxier sound projection, although the rich timbre makes up for it.
  • Does not come with a starter case, requiring additional shopping for beginners.
The Gretsch G9500 Jim Dandy is a vintage-inspired parlor guitar with a classic delta blues vibe. It offers excellent construction quality, easy playability, and impressive tones, making it a great choice for guitar players of all levels.
+ pros
  • The Jim Dandy has a vintage aesthetic and classic delta blues vibe, both in looks and tones.
  • It is one of the world's best selling guitars in the crowded category of parlor guitars.
  • It is a simple and easy guitar to play, suitable for guitar players of all levels of ability.
  • The construction quality is excellent, ensuring durability even with heavy use.
  • The parlor size makes it a great choice for smaller and younger players, as well as a low-cost travel guitar with character.
  • The sound quality is impressive, with clear and well-balanced tones that excel in delta blues.
  • It is soft and warm tonally, with excellent responsiveness for both strumming and fingerstyle playing.
  • The fretwork is well finished and the guitar feels properly leveled, indicating good quality control.
- cons
  • It is not a full-bodied dreadnought and may not project or have the same presence as larger guitars.
  • It does not have an adjustable truss rod in the neck, limiting the ability to adjust neck relief.
  • The basswood construction may not appeal to those looking for a more traditional acoustic guitar material.
  • It may be too dark tonally for some players, and others may prefer a brighter sound.
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Expert consensus

The Gretsch Jim Dandy G9500 is a compact and comfortable parlor-sized guitar with impressive sound quality and durability, making it a great option for musicians of all skill levels.

The Gretsch Jim Dandy G9500 is a parlor-sized guitar with a ¾ scale, making it smaller and more compact compared to traditional full-sized guitars. It is praised for its comfort, with a slim neck profile and string spacing that make it comfortable to play for musicians of all skill levels.

The shorter scale length also makes bending strings easier and the lowered tension may make playing more comfortable, especially for beginners. In terms of portability, the smaller body size of the G9500 makes it easier to carry around, making it a great option for musicians on the go.

The sound quality of the Gretsch Jim Dandy G9500 is highly praised, especially considering its affordable price. The tone is described as clear, well-balanced, and with a vintage delta blues vibe. The middle tones are particularly noticeable, which is typical for 3/4-sized guitars.

While the sound projection may not be as robust as a full-sized guitar, it still has a nice punch to its sound. The clarity of every note and chord is highly appreciated by reviewers, making it enjoyable to listen to. The sound is described as beautiful and pristine, delivering a clear and easy-going tone.

This makes the G9500 a great choice for both amateurs and regular players who are looking for a budget-friendly guitar with impressive sound quality.

The Gretsch Jim Dandy G9500 is also praised for its durability and build quality. Reviewers have noted its solid construction, stating that it is well-built and capable of withstanding heavy use. The guitar is expected to last for years, even with regular playing. It is particularly appreciated for its durability considering its affordable price range.

However, there have been some reports of quality issues with the finish when inspected up close. Overall, the G9500 seems to offer good build quality and durability, making it a suitable choice for beginners or casual players who want a reliable and long-lasting instrument.

Features

The Gretsch Jim Dandy G9500 is a parlor-sized guitar with a ¾ scale, praised for its comfort, portability, and user-friendly neck profile, making it suitable for players of all levels.

Based on the expert reviews, the Gretsch Jim Dandy G9500 is a parlor-sized guitar with a ¾ scale, making it smaller and more compact compared to traditional full-sized guitars. It is praised for its comfort, with a slim neck profile and string spacing that make it comfortable to play for musicians of all skill levels.

The shorter scale length also makes bending strings easier and the lowered tension may make playing more comfortable, especially for beginners. In terms of portability, the smaller body size of the G9500 makes it easier to carry around, making it a great option for musicians on the go. The neck profile is reported to be slim and user-friendly, making it easier for players to navigate the fretboard.

Overall, the Gretsch Jim Dandy G9500 is a comfortable and portable guitar suitable for players of all levels, especially those who prioritize comfort and portability.

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Sound quality

The Gretsch Jim Dandy G9500 is a budget-friendly guitar that delivers impressive sound quality, with clear and well-balanced tones that have a vintage delta blues vibe.

The Gretsch Jim Dandy G9500 is highly praised for its impressive sound quality, especially considering its affordable price. The tone is described as clear, well-balanced, and with a vintage delta blues vibe. The middle tones are particularly noticeable, which is typical for 3/4-sized guitars.

While the sound projection may not be as robust as a full-sized guitar, it still has a nice punch to its sound. The clarity of every note and chord is highly appreciated by reviewers, making it enjoyable to listen to. The sound is described as beautiful and pristine, delivering a clear and easy-going tone.

Overall, the Gretsch Jim Dandy G9500 is highly recommended for both amateurs and regular players who are looking for a budget-friendly guitar with impressive sound quality.

Show product research

Durability

The Gretsch Jim Dandy G9500 has received positive reviews for its build quality and durability, making it a reliable and long-lasting choice for beginners or casual players.

The Gretsch Jim Dandy G9500 has received positive reviews regarding its build quality and durability. Reviewers have praised its solid construction, stating that it is well-built and capable of withstanding heavy use. The guitar is expected to last for years, even with regular playing.

It is particularly appreciated for its durability considering its affordable price range. However, one review did mention some quality issues with the finish when inspected up close. Overall, the Gretsch Jim Dandy G9500 seems to offer good build quality and durability, making it a suitable choice for beginners or casual players who want a reliable and long-lasting instrument.

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Position in ranking

We maintain a monthly ranking that sums up expert recommendations for all acoustic guitars.

Rank Change Price Acoustic Guitar
American Songwriter
reviewed.usatoday.com
Music Critic
Guitar Chalk
Guitar World
Six String Acoustic
GuitarPlayer
Music Radar
The Strategist
10stunninghomes.com
1
+1 $599
Taylor GS Mini
The Taylor GS Mini is a highly versatile and durable guitar that offers excellent sound quality in a compact and portable design, making it a popular choice for travelers and musicians of all skill levels.
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5
2
6
1
3
5
-
-
2
-1 $210
Yamaha FG800
The Yamaha FG800 is a highly regarded full-sized dreadnought acoustic guitar known for its powerful sound projection, comfortable playability, exceptional sound quality, and solid construction.
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6
3
3
6
2
6
-
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3
+1 Check price
Gretsch Jim Dandy G9500
The Gretsch Jim Dandy G9500 is a compact and comfortable parlor-sized guitar with impressive sound quality and durability, making it a great option for musicians of all skill levels.
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2
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2
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2
2
15
4
-1 $200
Fender CD 60S
The Fender CD 60S acoustic guitar is highly praised for its comfortable playability, impressive sound quality, and durable construction, making it a reliable and budget-friendly option for musicians of all levels.
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1
-
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1
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4
Show all rows
Gretsch Jim Dandy G9500 ranks #3 out of 12 in this month's ranking:
Best beginner acoustic with retro charm
11 Oct 2024 (1 month ago)
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A brilliant, low-cost guitar for sofa strumming
16 May 2024 (6 months ago)
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Best less-expensive small-body acoustic guitar for beginners
16 Apr 2020 (4 years ago)
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Highest recommended acoustic guitars this month

ReviewFinder ranks based on a combination of customer reviews, expert reviews / mentions and popularity. Expert recommendations carry the highest weight in the ranking. We do not rank based on price, our commission or brand. acoustic guitars below are at the top of our ranking this November.

Scroll to see all options. Click on the acoustic guitar for more details.
Taylor GS Mini Yamaha FG800 Gretsch Jim Dandy G9500 (this item) Fender CD 60S
Reviews
In comparison:
Taylor GS Mini rank #1 out of 141. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
Go to rankings
9.3
Amazing
Reviews
In comparison:
Yamaha FG800 rank #2 out of 141. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
Go to rankings
9.6
Amazing
Reviews
In comparison:
Gretsch Jim Dandy G9500 rank #3 out of 141. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
Go to rankings
9.6
Amazing
Reviews
In comparison:
Fender CD 60S rank #4 out of 141. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
Go to rankings
8.4
Great
Price
The Taylor GS Mini is a highly versatile and durable guitar that offers excellent sound quality in a compact and portable design, making it a popular choice for travelers and musicians of all skill levels. The Yamaha FG800 is a highly regarded full-sized dreadnought acoustic guitar known for its powerful sound projection, comfortable playability, exceptional sound quality, and solid construction. The Gretsch Jim Dandy G9500 is a compact and comfortable parlor-sized guitar with impressive sound quality and durability, making it a great option for musicians of all skill levels. The Fender CD 60S acoustic guitar is highly praised for its comfortable playability, impressive sound quality, and durable construction, making it a reliable and budget-friendly option for musicians of all levels.
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