Known as "Mr. Guitar," Chet Atkins was one of the most influential musicians to ever pick up the guitar. When you consider his impact on the music community, it's no surprise that Chet had multiple signature guitar models, across decades, and even across different brands. For many years, he was easily the most prominent name associated with the Gretsch brand, but in the early-'80s, Chet Atkins severed ties with Gretsch and began playing signature guitars made by Gibson.
In 1981, Gibson debuted the first of their guitars to bear the Chet Atkins signature: the Chet Atkins CE (short for "classical electric"). At the time, this guitar brought about an industry first: a nylon-string guitar with a solid body to mitigate feedback issues on stage. Essentially, it's classical neck with solid-body functionality. Interestingly, the oversized saddle transducer bears a resemblance to the famous Baldwin pickup used in Willie Nelson's "Trigger." The Chet Atkins CE is a fascinating guitar for Gibson, but it's also a hard-working, well-tuned machine more than worthy of the Chet Atkins signature.
This Chet Atkins CE was made in 1991, and it features the gorgeous Wine Red finish. It shows some minor scuffs, finish checking, and signs of use—most notably, the playing area on the top and around the back edge, which doesn't have binding. There's a small ding on the top right by the bass side of the waist. Despite the years, no history of repairs or issues, and the plays effortlessly with a fresh set of Aquila strings. The frets are in fantastic shape, and the original engraved tuning machines keep everything honest. The 2" wide nut gives you plenty of room to stretch out on the fingerboard, and the neck profile feels similar to Gibson electrics.
Plugged in, the Chet Atkins CE gives you the feel and sound of a nylon-string classical with the stability and functionality of an electric guitar. With an ornate rosette to contrast the Wine Red finish, this Gibson is a good-looking guitar, built to be reliable and dependable. With sound and functionality that was cutting edge for its time, this guitar is very deserving of the Chet Atkins signature in the soundhole. We would've loved to hear what Mr. Guitar could dow with this one his hands! It includes a period Alvarez hardshell case.