Known as "Mr. Guitar," Chet Atkins was one of the most influential musicians to ever pick up the guitar. On top of that, he was easily the most important guitarist associated with the Gretsch brand. His collaboration of Gretsch signature models began in the '50s, and—like Gibson and the Les Paul model—Chet Atkins models have been played by countless influential guitarists, not to mention the man himself.
The Chet Atkins Nashville was the original signature model Gretsch for Chet. By the '70s, it featured a double cutaway body like the Country Gentleman. Fully hollow with regular f-holes, the '70s Nashville measures 16" across at the lower bout, and the sides are 1-1/2" deep. For pickups, its sports two Filter'Tron humbuckers. Going back to late-'58, the Filter'Tron is the premiere Gretsch humbucker. Clearer and brighter than other humbuckers, the Filter'tron is raw, powerful, and still hum-canceling, despite retaining dynamics more associated with single-coil designs.
This 1974 Gretsch Model 7660 Chet Atkins Nashville was made in 1974, It features a gorgeous Cherry finish with chrome-plated hardware including a Gretsch-branded Bigsby tailpiece. It shows some general wear and patina, but this Gretsch is in really nice condition for its age (see photos). It appears to have all of its original parts and components in place, and the electronics function as they should. No binding rot or issues with the neck joint—just a fantastic vintage Gretsch!
This 1974 Gretsch Chet Atkins Nashville plays nicely, and fret wear is mininal. The original tuners hold tuning pretty well, and the Bigsby provides another range of expression. It includes its original hardshell case. In many ways, it feels like a true find. A great guitar well-deserving of the Chet Atkins signature on the pickguard.