1963 Gretsch Tennessean ex-Radiohead / Jonny Greenwood
A truly extraordinary piece of modern music history, this original 1963 Gretsch Tennessean was previously owned by Jonny Greenwood and used during the writing and recording of Radiohead's In Rainbows.
Acquired from Jonny via the band’s long-time tech Pete Clements, this guitar was first seen with Jonny during Radiohead’s 2006 US tour (see photo in listing.) It appears in the band’s official Dead Air Space archive in a July 2006 soundcheck image posted under the heading America, with the file title "jonnynewguitar." From there, the guitar becomes a recurring presence throughout the late-2006 and early-2007 studio photography documenting the making of In Rainbows, appearing at both Tottenham House and Halswell House in multiple images.
The photographic trail through the In Rainbows era is exceptional as documented on teh bands official archive. The guitar can be seen in studio images from late 2006 through early 2007, including one showing Jonny working alongside Thom Yorke on drums, and again in the later "Back at the House" and "Set Up 1" photographs from Tottenham House in March 2007. Here it is shown alongside an Akai Headrush and Nigel Godrich’s Orpheum amplifier. While we don't know which final recordings feature this guitar, its repeated appearance across the sessions leaves little doubt that it formed part of the sonic landscape surrounding the album.
One distinguishable feature of this guitar is the headstock sticker bearing the music store name "Mozart Norfolk, VA," along with a metal case badge of the same company. Further strengthening the provenance is an entry on Pete Clement's blog about carrying out a repair to Jonny’s “new Gretsch” in September 2006, where he fixed a broken switch. The replaced, original parts are retained in the original Gretsch case pocket along with a period Gretsch strap.
As an instrument, the 1963 Tennessean is a landmark Gretsch model in its own right, not least through its close association with George Harrison. It has the classic single-cut hollowbody format, with laminated maple construction, a comfortable maple neck, rosewood fingerboard with thumbnail inlays, factory Bigsby and the unmistakable HiLo’Tron-driven clarity and attack. It's a particularly good sounding example, which will come as no surprise given it's prior ownership. There’s a dry, immediate response with superb note separation, airy upper mids and that brilliant percussive “cluck” that records beautifully... all qualities that feel entirely at home in the layered and intricate world of In Rainbows.
For collectors of Radiohead memorabilia or artist-owned guitars, this is an exceptional opportunity to acquire an instrument physically present during the creation of one of the defining albums of the 21st century. A superb instrument, with direct provenance to Jonny Greenwood, extensive photographic documentation, and an undeniable connection to the In Rainbows sessions - the sort of piece that simply does not come along twice.
Original: $29,995.00
-70%$29,995.00
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Description
A truly extraordinary piece of modern music history, this original 1963 Gretsch Tennessean was previously owned by Jonny Greenwood and used during the writing and recording of Radiohead's In Rainbows.
Acquired from Jonny via the band’s long-time tech Pete Clements, this guitar was first seen with Jonny during Radiohead’s 2006 US tour (see photo in listing.) It appears in the band’s official Dead Air Space archive in a July 2006 soundcheck image posted under the heading America, with the file title "jonnynewguitar." From there, the guitar becomes a recurring presence throughout the late-2006 and early-2007 studio photography documenting the making of In Rainbows, appearing at both Tottenham House and Halswell House in multiple images.
The photographic trail through the In Rainbows era is exceptional as documented on teh bands official archive. The guitar can be seen in studio images from late 2006 through early 2007, including one showing Jonny working alongside Thom Yorke on drums, and again in the later "Back at the House" and "Set Up 1" photographs from Tottenham House in March 2007. Here it is shown alongside an Akai Headrush and Nigel Godrich’s Orpheum amplifier. While we don't know which final recordings feature this guitar, its repeated appearance across the sessions leaves little doubt that it formed part of the sonic landscape surrounding the album.
One distinguishable feature of this guitar is the headstock sticker bearing the music store name "Mozart Norfolk, VA," along with a metal case badge of the same company. Further strengthening the provenance is an entry on Pete Clement's blog about carrying out a repair to Jonny’s “new Gretsch” in September 2006, where he fixed a broken switch. The replaced, original parts are retained in the original Gretsch case pocket along with a period Gretsch strap.
As an instrument, the 1963 Tennessean is a landmark Gretsch model in its own right, not least through its close association with George Harrison. It has the classic single-cut hollowbody format, with laminated maple construction, a comfortable maple neck, rosewood fingerboard with thumbnail inlays, factory Bigsby and the unmistakable HiLo’Tron-driven clarity and attack. It's a particularly good sounding example, which will come as no surprise given it's prior ownership. There’s a dry, immediate response with superb note separation, airy upper mids and that brilliant percussive “cluck” that records beautifully... all qualities that feel entirely at home in the layered and intricate world of In Rainbows.
For collectors of Radiohead memorabilia or artist-owned guitars, this is an exceptional opportunity to acquire an instrument physically present during the creation of one of the defining albums of the 21st century. A superb instrument, with direct provenance to Jonny Greenwood, extensive photographic documentation, and an undeniable connection to the In Rainbows sessions - the sort of piece that simply does not come along twice.
