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Gretsch G9500 Jim Dandy @ $149[/caption]
If there's one section of the acoustic guitar market that could definitely use a nice dose of bolstering, its most definitely the entry level range. Luckily for all of us out there looking for a solid acoustic that won't thin out that wallet, Gretsch has the created the G9500 Jim Dandy as part of their Roots Collection. This line swaps Gretsch's tried and true sharp, classic '50s Americana feel for a more grassroots, home-town country look consisting of acoustics, mandolins, resonators and other folk-minded instruments. And it comes as no surprise that this new line happens to coincide at a time when these roots instruments are enjoying a new resurgence in popular music. Miniature acoustics, like the G9500 Jim Dandy in particular, are attracting players looking for some Delta blues and old-school country tones, but is this $150 guitar worth the cash?
The G9500 Jim Dandy acoustic specifically pays homage to the long forgotten line of Rex-Branded guitars that were produced by Gretsch during the 20s and 30s. Much like many of the acoustics produced by Stella, Gibson and Martin – not to mention all of those notoriously cheap models sold through Montgomery Ward catalogues along with Sears & Roebuck – Rex instruments helped quell the overwhelming dominance of banjos in popular music at the time.
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