Gretsch Jim Dandy Deltoluxe Concert – Black Top

Quick Product Summary

The Gretsch Jim Dandy Deltoluxe Concert in Black Top takes the compact, vintage-inspired character of the Jim Dandy acoustic range and adds a factory-fitted Gretsch Deltoluxe magnetic soundhole pickup, making it equally appealing for relaxed acoustic playing, recording, rehearsals and amplified performance.

Its comfortable Concert body is built from laminated sapele with traditional X-bracing, delivering a woody, direct acoustic response that works particularly well for blues, folk, country, roots music and songwriting. The 24.75-inch scale, C-shaped nato neck and 12-inch-radius walnut fingerboard also give it an approachable feel for beginners and experienced players alike.

Where the Deltoluxe version really expands on the standard Jim Dandy concept is its simple passive pickup system. There is no onboard preamp menu or battery compartment to worry about – just plug the guitar into a suitable amplifier, DI, audio interface or effects setup and you are ready to go.

Finished in distinctive Black Top with tortoiseshell binding and pickguard, oversized pearloid dot inlays and vintage-style open-gear tuners, it captures the uncomplicated personality of early Gretsch flat-tops while remaining practical for modern musicians.

At A Glance

Feature	Details
Brand	Gretsch
Model	Jim Dandy Deltoluxe Concert
Model Number	2711130511
Series	Jim Dandy
Finish	Black Top
Condition	New
Body	Laminated sapele Concert
Bracing	X-Bracing
Scale Length	24.75"
Fingerboard	Walnut
Electronics	Gretsch Deltoluxe magnetic soundhole pickup
Main Appeal	Compact vintage-inspired electro-acoustic with simple passive pickup
Best For	Blues, folk, country, songwriting, home playing and amplified acoustic use

What's Included?

• Gretsch Jim Dandy Deltoluxe Concert in Black Top

• Factory-fitted Gretsch Deltoluxe soundhole pickup

• Factory-fitted D'Addario EJ16 phosphor bronze .012–.053 strings

• 4 mm hex truss rod wrench

✘ No Case Or Gig Bag Included

Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

Every new acoustic guitar sold by Fair Deal Music is checked before leaving us so that obvious functional or setup issues can be identified before dispatch.

For the Jim Dandy Deltoluxe Concert, our assessment includes:

• General playability

• Neck relief and action

• Fret condition

• Nut and saddle

• Bridge and bridge pins

• Tuning machine operation

• Pickup output

• Output connection

• General structural condition

• Visual finish check

The guitar is checked and set up to a suitable playing condition before leaving Fair Deal Music.

As with any wooden acoustic guitar, setup can shift slightly during delivery as the instrument experiences changes in temperature and humidity. Minor adjustment after arrival can therefore occasionally be required as the guitar settles into its new environment.

Service / Setup Work

The Jim Dandy Deltoluxe Concert is checked for appropriate action, neck relief, tuning operation and general playability before dispatch.

The factory-fitted Deltoluxe pickup is also checked for output so that both the acoustic and amplified sides of the instrument can be assessed.

Why Choose The Gretsch Jim Dandy Deltoluxe Concert?

Comfortable Concert Body

The Concert body strikes an excellent middle ground between a small parlor guitar and a larger dreadnought.

It remains comfortable when played seated or standing but provides enough body and projection for general strumming, fingerpicking and singer-songwriter accompaniment.

Factory-Fitted Deltoluxe Pickup

The Gretsch Deltoluxe magnetic soundhole pickup gives this model a major practical advantage over the purely acoustic Jim Dandy models.

You can connect directly to suitable amplification or recording equipment without having to install an aftermarket pickup, making it a convenient choice for open mics, rehearsals, recording and smaller live performances.

Simple Passive Electronics

There are no onboard volume or tone controls and no battery-powered preamp to manage.

The passive pickup keeps the concept deliberately simple and gives players a straightforward signal that can then be shaped using an amplifier, preamp, DI box, effects pedal or recording software.

24.75-Inch Scale

The 24.75-inch scale contributes to the relaxed playing feel of the guitar. Compared with many longer-scale acoustics using the same tuning and string gauge, the strings have a slightly softer feel that can make chord work and bends more comfortable.

Vintage-Inspired Gretsch Character

Tortoiseshell binding, oversized fingerboard dots, open-gear tuning machines, the 1950s-style Gretsch headstock and distinctive pickguard give the Deltoluxe plenty of old-school personality without compromising its usefulness as an everyday guitar.

Gretsch Jim Dandy Deltoluxe Concert vs Popular Alternatives

Deltoluxe Concert vs Jim Dandy Concert

The standard Jim Dandy Concert is ideal if you simply want an uncomplicated acoustic guitar for home playing and songwriting. The Deltoluxe Concert is the more practical choice if you expect to perform, record directly or use effects thanks to its factory-fitted magnetic soundhole pickup.

Deltoluxe Concert vs Deltoluxe Parlor

The Deltoluxe Parlor has the smaller body and shorter scale, making it especially appealing for players prioritising portability and an intimate, mid-focused response. The Concert offers a little more body and projection while remaining compact and comfortable.

Deltoluxe Concert vs Deltoluxe Dreadnought

The Deltoluxe Dreadnought is better suited to players who want stronger bass response and greater acoustic projection. The Concert is easier to hold and provides a more balanced compact format for songwriting, fingerstyle and general-purpose playing.

Deltoluxe Concert vs A Conventional Electro-Acoustic

Many modern electro-acoustics use undersaddle pickups with battery-powered preamps and onboard EQ. The Deltoluxe takes a much simpler approach with its magnetic soundhole pickup.

Choose the Gretsch if vintage character, simplicity and a distinctive amplified voice appeal to you. A more conventional active electro-acoustic may be preferable if onboard volume, EQ and tuner functions are priorities.

Who Is The Gretsch Jim Dandy Deltoluxe Concert For?

The Deltoluxe Concert is particularly well suited to:

• Singer-songwriters

• Blues and roots players

• Folk and country guitarists

• Beginners wanting an electro-acoustic

• Electric guitarists looking for a compact acoustic

• Open-mic performers

• Home recording musicians

• Players who want to experiment with acoustic guitar effects

• Experienced musicians looking for a characterful second acoustic

• Guitarists attracted to vintage American flat-top styling

Playing Styles & Applications

The Deltoluxe Concert is particularly at home with blues, folk, country, roots and singer-songwriter material.

Its Concert body is large enough to support confident chord strumming without becoming cumbersome, while the shorter scale and balanced dimensions also suit fingerpicked patterns and quieter accompaniment.

The magnetic pickup makes the guitar especially interesting for players who like to use effects with acoustic instruments. Reverb, delay, tremolo and even carefully chosen overdrive can produce very different textures from those associated with a conventional piezo-equipped electro-acoustic.

For recording, you can capture the natural acoustic body with a microphone, use the Deltoluxe pickup directly, or combine both signals for additional tonal options.

Magnetic Soundhole Pickup vs Piezo: What's The Difference?

The Deltoluxe is a magnetic pickup, meaning it senses the vibration of the steel strings in a way that has more in common with an electric guitar pickup than a conventional undersaddle piezo system.

That gives the amplified guitar a distinctive personality. Magnetic pickups can provide a smooth, characterful response particularly well suited to blues, vintage-inspired music and effects pedals, while undersaddle piezo systems often place greater emphasis on capturing the immediate attack of the acoustic instrument.

Neither approach is automatically better. If you want an uncomplicated acoustic-electric with a distinctive amplified voice rather than a highly processed onboard preamp system, the Deltoluxe setup makes a lot of sense.

Looking for advice on choosing the right acoustic, electro-acoustic or pickup system? Our experienced team of musicians can help by phone, online or in-store.

Story & Context

The Jim Dandy range draws inspiration from Gretsch's historic Rex flat-top instruments, which were offered through mail-order catalogues during the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s.

Those guitars were designed to be accessible instruments for everyday musicians rather than expensive showpieces. Their straightforward construction and distinctive styling have since become part of the charm associated with early American catalogue guitars.

Modern Jim Dandy models take inspiration from that philosophy rather than attempting to be exact vintage reproductions. Features such as the compact body shapes, oversized fingerboard markers, vintage-style tuners and simple finishes reference those earlier instruments while modern construction makes them practical everyday guitars.

The Deltoluxe Concert adds another layer to that concept by incorporating a magnetic soundhole pickup, giving players the visual and acoustic character of the Jim Dandy format with a straightforward route into amplification and recording.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Model	Jim Dandy Deltoluxe Concert
Model Number	2711130511
Series	Jim Dandy
Orientation	Right-Handed
Number of Strings	6
Colour	Black Top
Build	Acoustic-Electric
Body Shape	Concert
Body Finish	Semi-Gloss
Body Material	Sapele
Body Top	Laminated Sapele
Body Back	Laminated Sapele
Body Sides	Laminated Sapele
Bracing	X-Bracing
Body Binding	Tortoiseshell
Rosette	Gold / White Rings
Body Depth	4.2" / 110 mm
Body Length	19" / 483 mm
Neck Material	Nato
Neck Finish	Semi-Gloss
Neck Shape	C Shape
Neck Binding	Tortoiseshell
Scale Length	24.75" / 629 mm
Fingerboard	Walnut
Fingerboard Radius	12" / 305 mm
Number of Frets	20, 14 clear of body
Fret Size	Vintage
Nut Material	Synthetic Bone
Nut Width	1.6875" / 42.86 mm
Position Inlays	White Pearloid Dot
Truss Rod	Single-Action
Truss Rod Nut	4 mm Hex
Headstock	1950s Gretsch 3x3
Pickup	Gretsch Deltoluxe Magnetic Soundhole Pickup
Pickup Type	Passive Magnetic
Onboard Controls	None
Bridge	Walnut with Compensated Saddle
Tuning Machines	Open-Gear Die-Cast
Hardware Finish	Nickel
Pickguard	1-Ply Tortoiseshell
Strap Button	Vintage End-Pin
Factory Strings	D'Addario EJ16 Phosphor Bronze Light .012–.053

Specification Note

Individual guitar weight can vary naturally between instruments.

The Deltoluxe pickup does not include onboard volume, tone or EQ controls. Any signal shaping is handled by the connected amplifier, preamp, DI, effects or recording equipment.

Compatibility & Recommended Pairings

The Jim Dandy Deltoluxe Concert works particularly well with:

• Acoustic guitar amplifiers

• Suitable PA and DI systems

• Audio interfaces

• Reverb and delay pedals

• Tremolo and modulation effects

• Acoustic preamps

• Clip-on tuner

• Capo

• Spare .012–.053 phosphor bronze strings

• Suitable Concert-sized gig bag or case

If you're choosing protection for the guitar, we recommend checking the internal dimensions of the case or gig bag rather than assuming that every generic acoustic case will provide the correct fit.

Power Requirements

The Gretsch Deltoluxe magnetic soundhole pickup is passive, so the guitar requires no battery or external power supply.

Connect the guitar to a suitable acoustic amplifier, DI, preamp, pedalboard or audio interface using a standard ¼-inch instrument cable.

Fair Deal Music Expert Verdict

★★★★★ 5/5

The Gretsch Jim Dandy Deltoluxe Concert in Black Top is one of those guitars whose appeal comes from keeping things simple.

The Concert body is comfortable without feeling undersized, the 24.75-inch scale makes it pleasantly approachable and the sapele construction provides the direct, woody character that suits the Jim Dandy concept.

The Deltoluxe pickup is what makes this version particularly useful. Instead of turning the guitar into a conventional modern electro-acoustic loaded with controls, Gretsch has retained the simple character of the instrument and added an equally straightforward way to plug in.

Best suited for: Blues, folk, roots, songwriting, open-mic performance and players wanting a compact vintage-inspired electro-acoustic.

Customers usually upgrade from: Entry-level acoustics without pickups or basic starter electro-acoustics.

Most commonly paired with: A small acoustic amplifier, reverb, clip-on tuner, capo and suitable padded gig bag.

Our tip: Don't limit the Deltoluxe pickup to conventional acoustic amplification. Try it through reverb, delay or tremolo effects for more atmospheric and characterful sounds.

Showroom feedback: The Concert body is a particularly good middle ground in the Jim Dandy family. It retains the easy-going feel associated with the range while offering more acoustic body than the smallest parlor design.

Want a closer look before ordering? Ask our team about a video demonstration and we'll be happy to help where possible.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

Based in Birmingham, our experienced musician-led team can help whether you're choosing your first acoustic guitar, comparing different Jim Dandy body sizes or deciding which electro-acoustic setup is best for live performance and recording.

Buying from Fair Deal Music gives you:

• Expert advice from knowledgeable musicians

• Carefully checked new and pre-owned musical equipment

• A large Birmingham showroom

• Friendly support before and after your purchase

• Secure online ordering

• UK delivery options

• Decades of experience supplying musicians

• Help choosing suitable cases, strings, amplifiers and accessories

• New and pre-owned instrument expertise

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Thinking about upgrading? Your next piece of gear could cost less than you think.

We're always happy to consider part exchanges and trade-ins on a wide range of musical instruments and equipment. Whether you're looking to upgrade your guitar, keyboard, amplifier, drum kit or studio gear, your existing equipment could help reduce the cost of your next purchase.

Simply get in touch with our team for a no-obligation valuation, and we'll be happy to discuss the options available.

It's an easy way to unlock the value of the gear you no longer use while making your next instrument even more affordable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Gretsch Jim Dandy Deltoluxe Concert an electro-acoustic guitar?

Yes. It has a factory-fitted Gretsch Deltoluxe magnetic soundhole pickup, allowing it to be connected to suitable amplifiers and recording equipment.

Does the Deltoluxe pickup need a battery?

No. It is a passive magnetic pickup, so there is no battery to replace or preamp to power.

Are there volume and tone controls on the guitar?

No. The Deltoluxe Concert deliberately uses a simple control-free pickup system. Volume and tonal adjustments are made using your amplifier, preamp, pedals or recording equipment.

Is the Concert body suitable for beginners?

Yes. The manageable body dimensions, C-shaped neck and 24.75-inch scale make it particularly approachable while still providing enough acoustic volume for general-purpose playing.

Can I use guitar effects with the Deltoluxe pickup?

Yes. The magnetic pickup can work particularly well with reverb, delay, tremolo and modulation effects. More experimental players can also explore overdrive and other electric-guitar effects.

Can I record it without using the pickup?

Absolutely. Like any acoustic guitar, the natural sound can be recorded with a suitable microphone. You can also record the pickup separately or combine microphone and pickup signals.

Is the Concert larger than the Jim Dandy Parlor?

Yes. The Concert provides a larger acoustic body and greater projection while remaining more compact than the Dreadnought version.

What string gauge is fitted from the factory?

Gretsch fits D'Addario EJ16 phosphor bronze light .012–.053 strings. A significant change in gauge may require setup adjustments.

Is laminated sapele suitable for everyday use?

Yes. Laminated construction provides useful consistency and durability, making the Jim Dandy particularly suitable for regular home playing, rehearsals, lessons and general transport.

Is this mainly a blues guitar?

Blues and roots music suit its character extremely well, but it is not restricted to those styles. Folk, country, singer-songwriter, indie and general acoustic accompaniment are all natural applications.