Gretsch Professional Collection Nashville: 17-Inch Hollow Body Character at $2,699
The Gretsch Professional Nashville at $2,699 is a full hollow body that prioritizes resonance and character over feedback control. The 17-inch body is the sweet spot—large enough to deliver serious acoustic presence, small enough to control feedback in moderate gain contexts. Arc-Tone bracing and PRO-FT Filter’Tron pickups create an instrument built for jazz, rockabilly, and acoustic-forward styles.
Arc-Tone Bracing System
Arc-Tone bracing is Gretsch’s proprietary design—curved braces that enhance resonance while maintaining structural integrity. This system opens up the top’s vibration for maximum acoustic presence. Clean tones bloom with natural sustain; the guitar amplifies its own string vibration before the pickups ever engage.
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Body | Full hollow body, 17″ width |
| Bracing | Arc-Tone system |
| Pickups | PRO-FT Filter’Tron single-coils |
| Hardware | Sealed tuners, Bigsby B6GP optional |
| Neck | Mahogany, Gretsch profile |
| Fretboard | Ebony, 12″ radius, 22 frets |
| Price | $2,699 |
17-Inch Hollow Body Advantage
17 inches is the professional sweet spot. It’s large enough to deliver serious acoustic resonance—this guitar genuinely sounds like an acoustic with electronics. It’s small enough to control feedback with judicious amp management. Larger 18-19 inch bodies are feedback-prone; smaller sizes lose acoustic character.
PRO-FT Filter’Tron Pickups
The professional version of Filter’Trons, PRO-FT pickups deliver the signature Gretsch sparkle with enhanced clarity. Single-coil output is articulate and defined. Combined with Arc-Tone bracing’s acoustic presence, the tone is legendary—exactly what you hear in classic Gretsch recordings.
Jazz and Rockabilly Excellence
This is the guitar for jazz players exploring Gretsch character and rockabilly specialists who want acoustic presence. The hollow body’s resonance suits fingerpicking and comping styles. The Filter’Trons deliver brightness without the humbuckers’ warmth—perfect for electric jazz.
Who Is It For?
Jazz musicians, rockabilly specialists, session players, and anyone seeking that classic Gretsch hollow body tone without vintage prices. If you love the sound of Chet Atkins or Danny Gatton plugged in, this is your guitar.
Comparison: Nashville vs. Tennessean
Nashville 17-inch ($2,699) prioritizes resonance with PRO-FT Filter’Trons; Tennessean 16-inch ($2,499) is slightly smaller. The 1-inch body difference is minor; the $200 price difference comes down to features and finishes. Both are professional-grade.
Pricing
$2,699 MSRP is serious professional investment. Street prices range $2,429–$2,599, with occasional sales dropping to $2,400.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Arc-Tone bracing delivers genuine acoustic presence
- 17-inch body resonates while controlling feedback
- PRO-FT Filter’Trons deliver classic Gretsch sparkle
- Full hollow body character incomparable
- Ebony fretboard premium feel
Cons:
The Gretsch Professional Collection Falcon offers a different approach within the same Gretsch family.
- Full hollow body feedback-prone in high-gain
- Filter’Trons hum more than humbuckers
- Large body less portable than semi-hollows
- Requires careful amp management in live settings
FAQ
Can you gig with this in loud bands?
With careful amp settings and gain discipline, yes. Position amp away from guitar; use moderate gain and EQ smartly. Jazz trio? Perfect. High-gain rock? Difficult.
For another take on the Gretsch formula, check out the Gretsch Professional Collection Tennessean.
Is Arc-Tone bracing worth the premium?
Absolutely. Arc-Tone is why this guitar resonates so openly. Straight bracing never achieves this acoustic presence. The bracing is the secret.
For a competing option, the Epiphone 1962 ES-335 Reissue targets a similar player at a comparable price point.
Should I add Bigsby?
Optional. Bigsby adds vibrato character but slightly compromises tuning stability with a hollow body. Many Nashville players prefer a fixed tailpiece.
Shoppers cross-shopping this model should also consider the Guild T-Bird ST.
Bottom Line
The Gretsch Professional Nashville at $2,699 is the jazz and rockabilly player’s dream. Arc-Tone bracing delivers genuine hollow body resonance, 17 inches is the professional sweet spot, and PRO-FT Filter’Trons deliver iconic Gretsch sparkle. This is where acoustic presence meets electric character.