Parlor guitars possess a unique appeal in the world of acoustic guitars. Their diminutive size makes them incredibly comfortable to hold and effortlessly portable, ideal for intimate jam sessions in your living room, impromptu backyard gatherings, or singalongs around a campfire. While high-end parlor acoustic guitars can be exquisite instruments demanding meticulous care, sometimes you simply need an acoustic guitar that you can pick up and play without a second thought. This is where the Gretsch G9520E Gin Rickey shines.
Drawing inspiration from the “Rex” acoustic guitars that Gretsch produced from the 1930s to the 1950s, the Gin Rickey is an affordably priced acoustic guitar (around $249) that serves as an excellent entry point for beginners and a fun addition for seasoned players. Its compact body dimensions—approximately 17.875 inches in length, 13 inches in width, and 3.75 inches in depth—make it particularly well-suited for players with smaller hands. However, Gretsch has thoughtfully designed this acoustic guitar to offer broad appeal, ensuring that players of all skill levels will find something to appreciate.
Effortless Appeal
The Gin Rickey boasts a minimalist, vintage-inspired aesthetic that’s instantly likable. It features a matte Smokestack Black finish, complemented by a gold-outlined graphic on the top, aged white binding, and a cream-colored plastic pickguard adorned with a subtle “G” logo. The headstock showcases a retro-style Gretsch logo and is fitted with open-gear tuners featuring cream-colored plastic buttons. The most visually striking element is undoubtedly the chrome and pearloid Deltoluxe soundhole pickup, which takes center stage both literally and figuratively on this acoustic guitar.
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Before delving into the amplified sound of the Gin Rickey, it’s crucial to acknowledge its impressive acoustic properties. This small-bodied acoustic guitar manages to produce a surprisingly robust volume and bass response, thanks to its X-braced basswood top, along with basswood back and sides. Notes ring out clearly and evenly across the 24-inch scale length nato neck, with cowboy chords exhibiting a particularly resonant quality. Our demo model arrived needing a minor setup adjustment. While a quick truss rod tweak helped, the factory action was slightly higher than my preference, which might pose a challenge for some players, especially beginners. Despite this minor issue, the sheer enjoyment of playing this acoustic guitar straight out of the box was undeniable, a testament to its inherent playability.
Close-up of Gretsch Gin Rickey parlor acoustic guitar back, showcasing wood grain and finish
A Bluesy Revelation
As a standalone acoustic guitar, the Gin Rickey is a fantastic instrument to have readily available at home. For those solely seeking an acoustic guitar without amplification, Gretsch offers the G9500 Jim Dandy model, the purely acoustic version, which can save you around $80. However, the Gin Rickey truly unlocks its full potential when plugged in.
The Gretsch Deltoluxe pickup transforms the Gin Rickey into a sonic powerhouse. Having long admired the Deltoluxe pickup on other acoustic guitars—it’s a superb, budget-friendly magnetic soundhole pickup inspired by classic vintage DeArmond pickups—its inclusion as standard hardware was a major draw. Unsurprisingly, the Deltoluxe lived up to expectations. Once amplified, the Gin Rickey effortlessly transitions from a casual acoustic guitar to a bluesy beast. At lower volumes, the tone remains crisp and faithfully reproduces the acoustic guitar’s frequency range, delivering ample bass and treble. Pushing the volume reveals the pickup’s brilliance, particularly when paired with a small tube combo amp. Here, the tone blossoms in the midrange, evolving into a sound that leans more electric than purely acoustic, yet retains the open and airy character of an acoustic guitar.
This acoustic guitar and pickup combination is so sonically compelling that it firmly establishes the Gin Rickey as a valuable utility instrument for gigging and recording guitarists. It’s perfect for those needing to access a vintage bluesy tone or wanting to experiment with electric slide guitar. While slide isn’t my primary style, I found myself using the Gin Rickey to record some faux-Hawaiian guitar parts, and it was perfectly suited for the task.
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The Verdict
In essence, the Gretsch G9520E Gin Rickey delivers precisely what it promises: an affordable acoustic guitar that prioritizes fun, comfort, and great sound. The Deltoluxe pickup undeniably elevates this acoustic guitar both sonically and visually, but it remains a delightful instrument even unplugged. More than just a fun and practical acoustic guitar, the Gin Rickey is a genuinely useful tool for performing musicians, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see it adopted by players across diverse styles and skill levels seeking a unique and inspiring acoustic guitar.
SPECS
Body Parlor size; basswood top, back, and sides; Smokestack Black finish with retro graphics and cream-colored pickguard
Neck 12-fret C-shape nato neck with walnut fingerboard; 24″ scale length; 12″ radius; 1.6875″ synthetic bone nut; pearloid dots
Other Gretsch Deltoluxe soundhole pickup; walnut bridge; open-gear die-cast tuners with plastic buttons; D’Addario EJ16 Phosphor Bronze Light strings (.012–.053)
Made In Indonesia
Price $249 street
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