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Average Price: $2,995

High-end/Boutique

$500

$1201+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The Gibson Chet Atkins Country Gentleman is a semi-hollowbody electric guitar that seamlessly blends vintage charm with modern playability. Paying tribute to the legendary guitarist Chet Atkins, this instrument delivers the iconic twang and smooth tones that defined an era of music. Its semi-hollowbody design provides a resonant, airy sound while reducing feedback, making it perfect for both stage and studio performances. The distinctive Filter'Tron pickups offer a versatile tonal palette, from warm, jazzy chords to bright, cutting leads.

Crafted with attention to detail, the body features a laminated maple construction that enhances its acoustic properties, while the mahogany neck offers a comfortable playing experience. The fingerboard is adorned with classic thumbnail inlays, adding to its timeless aesthetic. Whether you're delving into rockabilly, jazz, or blues, the Gibson Chet Atkins Country Gentleman provides the perfect balance of style and substance, allowing you to express your musical creativity with ease.

Key Features:

  • Semi-hollowbody design for reduced feedback and rich resonance
  • Laminated maple body and mahogany neck for robust construction
  • Filter'Tron pickups for versatile sound options
  • Classic thumbnail inlays on the fingerboard
  • Bigsby vibrato tailpiece for smooth pitch modulation
  • Vintage-style tuners for accurate tuning stability

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Chet Atkins Country Gentleman
Finish Brown, Sunrise Orange, Wine Red
Year 1986 - 2005
Made In United States
Categories Hollow Body Guitars
Artist Chet Atkins
Body Material Maple
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Tailpiece
Color Family Brown, Orange, Red
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Ebony
Model Family Gibson Chet Atkins Country Gentleman
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Gibson Artist Collection

FAQs

What type of music is the Gibson Chet Atkins Country Gentleman best suited for?

The Gibson Chet Atkins Country Gentleman is ideal for country, jazz, and rockabilly music, thanks to its warm, resonant tones and versatile pickup configuration.

What is the neck profile of the Gibson Chet Atkins Country Gentleman?

The neck of the Gibson Chet Atkins Country Gentleman features a comfortable set-neck construction, providing smooth playability suitable for both intricate fingerpicking and chordal work.

Are the pickups on the Gibson Chet Atkins Country Gentleman suitable for clean and overdriven tones?

Yes, the dual humbucker configuration offers a rich, full sound that excels in both clean and overdriven settings, making it versatile for various playing styles.

Does the Gibson Chet Atkins Country Gentleman have a tremolo system?

Yes, it features a tremolo tailpiece, allowing for subtle pitch modulation and expressive playing techniques.

Is the Gibson Chet Atkins Country Gentleman a fully hollow body guitar?

Yes, it is a hollow body guitar, which contributes to its warm, resonant sound and lighter weight compared to solid body guitars.

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

1989 Gibson Chet Atkins Country Gentleman | Guitar of the Day

Video thumbnail for 1989 Gibson Chet Atkins Country Gentleman | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

1989 Gibson Chet Atkins Country Gentleman | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1997 Gibson Chet Atkins Country Gentleman by Vintage 'n' Rare Guitars

1997 Gibson Chet Atkins Country Gentleman

Vintage 'n' Rare Guitars

Vintage 'n' Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1993 Gibson Chet Atkins Country Gentleman | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1993 Gibson Chet Atkins Country Gentleman | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson Chet Atkins Country Gentleman 1993 played by Leif de Leeuw | Demo @ TFOA by TFOA Demos

Gibson Chet Atkins Country Gentleman 1993 played by Leif de Leeuw | Demo @ TFOA

TFOA Demos

TFOA Demos

Video thumbnail for 1993 Gibson Chet Atkins Country Gentleman by Phils Vintage Guitars

1993 Gibson Chet Atkins Country Gentleman

Phils Vintage Guitars

Phils Vintage Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson Chet Atkins Country Gentleman     [LASTGUITAR] by lastguitarcom

Gibson Chet Atkins Country Gentleman [LASTGUITAR]

lastguitarcom

lastguitarcom

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptionally versatile, handles rock, jazz, country, and fingerstyle effortlessly

  • Outstanding fit and finish with high-quality materials like Ebony fretboard and bridge

  • Unique, punchy sound distinct from other semi-hollowbody models

  • Wider nut width enhances fingerstyle playability

  • Comfortable, flat, and fat neck design

  • Smooth functioning Gibson tuners and beautiful translucent orange finish

  • Remarkable craftsmanship, likely the finest electric guitar by Gibson

  • Bigsby tremolo adds to its unique charm and functionality

  • Articulate and clear tone that adapts well to different genres

  • Rare and potentially collectible due to manufacturing costs

CONS

  • Heavier than expected due to substantial center block

  • Gaudy fret markers may not suit everyone's taste

  • Unconventional control layout with single tone and multiple volume controls

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Chet Atkins Country Gentleman.

Comparisons

  • Gretsch Electromatic models, especially the 512x series, are popular among Chet Atkins fans for strategic upgrades to emulate the Country Gentleman sound.

    Source
  • The Gretsch Streamliner series is noted as the most affordable option for achieving a similar tonal profile to the Country Gentleman.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Upgrading pickups in lower-end Gretsch models can bring them closer to the desired "Chetty" tone, with a preference for non-PAF style pickups.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The Gretsch 5422T was purchased used for under $500, highlighting potential savings compared to new models.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report that the Streamliner series often sells for less than its recommended retail price, making it an attractive budget option.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 5 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Robert Smith uses Gibson Chet Atkins Country Gentleman

Robert Smith

Singer, Guitarist

The Cure

...
Verified via Photo

Used on the 90s as roberts main guitar, debuted on the "wish" album record and promo era

See how Mark Knopfler uses Gibson Chet Atkins Country Gentleman

Mark Knopfler

Singer, Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Photo

Mark Knopfler is known to use the Gibson Chet Atkins Country Gentleman guitar. This is evidenced by a photograph taken at the Chet Atkins Musician Days in Nashville on June 24, 1998, where Chet Atkins presented the guitar to Mark as a token of appreciation for his role in organizing the event. Additionally, a picture taken by Guy Fletcher at a soundcheck during the Shangri-La tour at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville on July 13, 2005, shows Mark using the guitar. This event was in support of the Chet Atkins Music Education Fund, and Guy Fletcher noted, "On a couple of tunes, Mark and Richard used two of guitars which belonged to Chet. These came out of the Hall of fame for the evening." The images and details are sourced from a Premier Guitar article from November 2009.

See how David Bowie uses Gibson Chet Atkins Country Gentleman

David Bowie

Singer, Guitarist

David Bowie (band)

...
Verified via Photo

In this picture Bowie can be seen playing this guitar.

See how Martin L. Gore uses Gibson Chet Atkins Country Gentleman

Martin L. Gore

Singer, Guitarist

Depeche Mode

...
Verified via YouTube

As seen in this video, Martin uses this guitar for "Behind The Wheel" during the 1993 Devotional Tour.

See how Izzy Stradlin uses Gibson Chet Atkins Country Gentleman

Izzy Stradlin

Singer, Guitarist

Guns N' Roses

...
Verified via Photo

Izzy Stradlin is seen with a Gibson Chet Atkins Country Gentleman guitar in a user-uploaded photo on Tumblr.

See how Brian Setzer uses Gibson Chet Atkins Country Gentleman

Brian Setzer

Singer, Guitarist

The Brian Setzer Orchestra

...
Verified via reverb.com
Color/Finish: Wine Red Year: 1990s

A Reverb listing identifies this Gibson Chet Atkins Country Gentleman as being owned by Brian Setzer, and notes serial number 92958524, light cosmetic wear, and that the pickguard was removed.

See how Chet Atkins uses Gibson Chet Atkins Country Gentleman

Chet Atkins

Guitarist

The Nashville A-Team

...
Verified via Photo

Seen on cover of "Me and my guitars", Gibson made the Country Gentleman for Chet Atkins in 1987.

See how Chris Isaak uses Gibson Chet Atkins Country Gentleman

Chris Isaak

Guitarist, Singer

...
Verified via Photo

Isaak revealed in a 2002 interview with Acoustic Guitar that he uses a one-of-a-kind Gibson: "For my electric, I've got a one-off Gibson version of a Gretsch 6120, a sort of Chet Atkins thing. They made one of these things and gave it to me to see if I liked it, and I liked it so much I've been playing it ever since. People told me they thought it was a White Falcon, but it's not. It's just a white Gibson. I don't think they ever manufactured any of the things. They strung up this one prototype, scratched their heads, and said, 'Huh. Give it to Isaak.'"

See how Jorge Drexler uses Gibson Chet Atkins Country Gentleman

Jorge Drexler

Singer, Guitarist

Bajofondo

...
Verified via YouTube

Jorge Drexler can be seen using the Gibson Chet Atkins Country Gentleman as his main electric guitar during the "Amar la Trama" tour and sessions, as evidenced in the video "La nieve en la bola de nieve" on YouTube, published by Jorge Drexler.

See how Ed Robertson uses Gibson Chet Atkins Country Gentleman

Ed Robertson

Guitarist

Barenaked Ladies

...
Verified via Rockitoldschool

According to Barenaked Ladies fan site, "Rock It Old School", Ed has used the Gibson Country Gentleman since at least 1998.

See how Huey Morgan uses Gibson Chet Atkins Country Gentleman

Huey Morgan

Singer, Guitarist

Fun Lovin' Criminals

...
Verified via YouTube

Primary electric guitar with the Fun Lovin Criminals.

See how Doug Fieger uses Gibson Chet Atkins Country Gentleman

Doug Fieger

Guitarist

The Knack

...
Verified via Epiphone

In this interview, Fieger says.

"DOUG: I did take some lessons but they wanted to teach me stuff like "Lady of Spain" and I really wasn't interested in learning that single-note kind of square music. Not long after that I met a guy who lived across the street from me that was in a band. By this time I had gotten a Country Gentleman which was a really beautiful and expensive guitar. Well, he offered me a gig in his band if I would switch over to bass and let this other guy named John Corey play my Country Gentleman! (Laughs) I had to go out and rent a bass while this other guy was playing my guitar! Anyway, after that I became a bass player for the next fifteen years. I really never played guitar in a band until The Knack. John Corey and I went on to form a band called Sky that got signed right out of high school. We made a couple of records with Jimmy Miller who produced the Rolling Stones and Traffic."

So, link which says "Country Gentleman" leads to Gibson's product list, where Country Gentleman is shown. So, that is Gibson, not Gretsch Country Gentleman.

Album Usage

The Gibson Chet Atkins Country Gentleman has been featured on the following albums:

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 Country Gentleman, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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