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Average Price: $1,499
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$100
$601+
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Description
Dive into the realm of classical music with the Gibson Chet Atkins CE, a unique blend of old-world charm and modern technology. This single cutaway classical guitar, with its built-in electronics, allows you to seamlessly transition from intimate acoustic sessions to amplified performances. Resplendent with a rosewood fretboard, this Gibson model stands out from its sibling, the CEC, which sports an ebony fretboard. Crafted with precision and an eye for detail, this guitar is a testament to Gibson's commitment to quality and musical innovation.
Key Features:
- Single cutaway design for easy access to higher frets
- Built-in electronics for amplified performances
- Rosewood fretboard for warm, rich tones
- Spruce top, mahogany back, sides and neck for durability and resonance
- Gold hardware for a sophisticated look
Product specs
| Brand | Gibson |
| Model | Chet Atkins CE |
| Finish | Ebony, Natural, Sunburst, White |
| Year | 1981 - 1995 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Acoustic-Electric Guitars |
| Active Preamp | Yes |
| Artist | Chet Atkins |
| Back Material | Mahogany |
| Body Shape | Classical |
| Color Family | Black, Brown, Tan, White |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Model Family | Gibson Chet Atkins Acoustic |
| Model Sub-Family | Gibson Chet Atkins CE |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Number of Frets | 19 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Pickup | Undersaddle Piezo Pickup |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Series | Gibson Montana Factory Era |
| Sides Material | Mahogany |
| String Type | Nylon |
| Top Material | Spruce |
FAQs
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What type of pickup does the Gibson Chet Atkins CE use?
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The Gibson Chet Atkins CE features an undersaddle piezo pickup, which is ideal for amplifying the natural sound of the nylon strings while maintaining clarity and warmth.
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Is the Gibson Chet Atkins CE suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Gibson Chet Atkins CE is well-suited for live performances thanks to its active preamp system, which allows for easy amplification and sound shaping on stage.
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What materials are used in the construction of the Gibson Chet Atkins CE?
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The Gibson Chet Atkins CE is constructed with a spruce top and mahogany back and sides, providing a balanced tone with warmth and resonance typical of classical guitars.
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How many frets does the Gibson Chet Atkins CE have?
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The Gibson Chet Atkins CE features 19 frets, allowing for a range of playability that is typical for classical and nylon-string guitars.
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What finishes are available for the Gibson Chet Atkins CE?
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The Gibson Chet Atkins CE is available in several finishes, including Ebony, Natural, Sunburst, and White, catering to different aesthetic preferences.
Videos
Mark Stuart GUITARIST
Guitar Demo: GIBSON Chet Atkins CE / CEC Comparison
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Chet Atkins CE.
User experience
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Owners appreciate the guitar's wide neck, especially for fingerpicking, comparing it favorably to a Martin dreadnought's neck width.
Source
Value and pricing
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Current market prices for used models range between $1500-$2500, reflecting a significant increase from early 2000s pricing around $850.
Source
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
At 0:04 you can see Axl playing a black Chet Atkins CE guitar with a Fender strap. This is probably the only time Axl was seen using this guitar, he used it as a prop and it is likely that he never used it in studio.
YouTube video from 1987 - Chet Atkins & Friends television show (American). At 2:34 of the video Chet Atkins is playing a Gibson Chet Atkins CE in a duet of “I’ll see you in my dreams” with Mark Knopfler. At 6:19, Chet Atkins plays the Gibson Chet Atkins CE on “Walk of Life”. Chet is seen on several additional instances playing the Gibson Chet Atkins CE during the hour long video.
Les owned several of the Gibson Chet Atkins acoustics from the 1980s, including the early 80s nylon string version, according to the results of his 2012 estate auction.
"This nylon string classical-style guitar with a piezo pickup was a gift to Waylon from Chet Atkins, and is signed by Chet and dated ’87 on the sound covers. White signed to RCA, Chet Atkins was Waylon’s first primary producer. When Waylon won his creative freedom from RCA, Chet left the picture and became the face of stringent label control during country music’s Outlaw era. But later in life Waylon and Chet remained friends. Serial number: 82956570. Estimated $15,000 $25,000."
Gets used a lot on stage: not prone to feeding back. Easy to play, very thin and very light. Nice guitar.
This guitar was mentioned in the booklet of the reissue CD release of "P.U.L.S.E.". In the booklet it's called "Gibson 'Chet Atkins' Classical.
I used this guitar in the past, when someone needed nylon string for their music. It’s a nice guitar, but I am not really into the nylon string guitar sound. Maybe I’ll change my mind and pull her out of retirement one day, but that day ain’t today.
AZTEC CAMERA UK pop group with Roddy Frame about 1985. Photo Stephen Woodd - Image ID: BX61XW
Photo shows Roddy using a Gibson Chet Atkins CE Classical electric
Featured in this April 22, 2019. It was one of Atkins' personal guitars.
This is the Guitar that Chet Atkins gave me years ago. It was one of his personal Signature Gibsons. When he gave me this guitar, he told me about Paul Rivera and that he built the best tube amplifiers around. All these years later, I still have my guitar from Chet, and I'm still great friends with Paul Rivera. It was great seeing Paul today in Los Angeles and talk about some new ideas together.
Album Usage
The Gibson Chet Atkins CE has been featured on the following albums:
Revendo O Que Nunca Foi Visto
Humberto Gessinger (2025)
Quatro Cantos de Um Mundo Redondo
Humberto Gessinger (2023)
Electric Tears
Buckethead (2007)
Colma
Buckethead (1998)
Out of the Cradle
Lindsey Buckingham (1992)
Disintegration (Deluxe Edition)
The Cure (1989)
Fragile
Sting & Sting (1988)
In Too Deep / I'd Rather Be You
Genesis (1987)
Go Insane
Lindsey Buckingham (1985)
Synchronicity (Remastered 2003)
The Police (1983)
Love Over Gold
Dire Straits (1982)
Private Investigations
Dire Straits (1982)
Making Movies
Dire Straits (1980)
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Gibson Chet Atkins CE, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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