Brand: Gibson
Instrument Categories: Electric, Guitars, SOLD, Thinline
The late, great Chet Atkins was closely associated with Gretsch guitars, but after Gretsch closed Gibson sought his endorsement and a number of Gibson Chet Atkins models appeared, including the Chet Tennessean, built from 1990 to 2005 in Nashville.
The Gibson Chet Atkins Tennessean is a single cutaway, thinline archtop electric, with a solid center block to deter feedback. This was a feature that Chet had long sought from Gretsch, and the closest they would come to that was the late 1950’s Trestle bracing.
This example is in good condition, and its serial number dates it to February 6, 1997. It is largely original, though the pickguard is likely a replacement. The originals were not layered, but were solid with ‘TENNESSEAN’ screen printed on the top. The original arm rest is in place. It plays well, and is quite solid. The woods used are maple laminates for the body with a maple center block, and a maple neck with ebony fingerboard. The position markers are offset dots, suggesting the classic Gretsch ‘Neo-Classic’ or ‘thumbnail’ markers. Wiring is straightforward, and though it uses Gibson humbuckers, the control layout is like a Gretsch with one master volume, individual volumes, a master tone switch and pickup selector. A standard stop tailpiece and tune-o-matic bridge are used – no Bigsby! The tuners are the original Gibson Deluxe models with plastic keystone buttons. And of course, there’s a Chet Atkins logo on the headstock, screened in gold paint below the mother of pearl Gibson logo.
A black hard-shell case is included.
- Model: Chet Atkins Tennessean
- Year: 1997
- Finish Burgundy
- Class: Used
- Serial Number: 94027636
- Country of Origin: USA
- Condition: Good
- Date Posted: 30/05/2018
- This instrument has been sold
- Consignment Item
- Required CITES documentation
- Including Hard case
- Instrument Weight: 8.03lbs 3.65kg
- Scale Length: 25.5in 647mm
- Nut Width: 1.65in 42mm
