Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $1,935

High-end/Boutique

$200

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Discover the Gibson Chet Atkins SST, a guitar that perfectly marries the worlds of acoustic warmth and electric versatility. Born from the visionary collaboration between Gibson and legendary guitarist Chet Atkins, this acoustic-electric guitar offers a distinct, resonant sound that defies its sleek, solid body appearance. With its chambered body design and innovative bridge transducer system, the Chet Atkins SST delivers a rich tonal experience, perfect for both live performances and studio recordings.

Designed with the discerning musician in mind, this guitar features a Balsa center block for enhanced sustain and reduced feedback, making it an ideal choice for players who demand precision and clarity. The onboard electronics ensure that your sound remains true and powerful, whether you're strumming gently or unleashing a flurry of notes. The Chet Atkins SST's understated elegance is complemented by its modern headstock, which adds a touch of sophistication to its already impressive profile.

Key Features:

  • Chambered body design for superior resonance
  • Balsa center block to reduce feedback and enhance sustain
  • Bridge transducer with onboard electronics for precise sound control
  • Modern headstock design for a sleek, updated look
  • Ideal for both live performances and studio settings

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Chet Atkins SST
Finish Cherry Sunburst, Ebony, Natural, Wine Red
Year 1987 - 2006
Made In United States
Categories Acoustic-Electric Guitars
Active Preamp Yes
Artist Chet Atkins
Back Material Mahogany
Body Shape Auditorium
Color Family Black, Red, Tan
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Ebony
Model Family Gibson Chet Atkins Acoustic
Model Sub-Family Gibson Chet Atkins SST
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 Steel
Top Material Spruce

FAQs

What type of preamp does the Gibson Chet Atkins SST use?

The Gibson Chet Atkins SST features an active preamp, which enhances the guitar's amplified sound, making it suitable for live performances and recording.

What materials are used in the construction of the Gibson Chet Atkins SST?

The guitar is constructed with a spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and an ebony fretboard, providing a rich and warm tone with smooth playability.

Is the Gibson Chet Atkins SST suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Gibson Chet Atkins SST is designed for live performances with its active preamp and undersaddle piezo pickup, offering reliable amplified sound.

How many frets does the Gibson Chet Atkins SST have?

The Gibson Chet Atkins SST has 19 frets, allowing for a wide range of notes and suitable for various playing styles.

What body shape does the Gibson Chet Atkins SST have?

The Gibson Chet Atkins SST features an auditorium body shape, which is known for its balanced sound and comfortable playability.

gearwire

gearwire

Gibson Chet Atkins SST Acoustic-Electric: "This Is A Great Guitar"

Video thumbnail for Gibson Chet Atkins SST Acoustic-Electric: "This Is A Great Guitar" by gearwire

Gibson Chet Atkins SST Acoustic-Electric: "This Is A Great Guitar"

gearwire

gearwire

Video thumbnail for Gibson SST Chet Atkins Demo by Guitar Wishes

Gibson SST Chet Atkins Demo

Guitar Wishes

Guitar Wishes

Video thumbnail for Gibson Chet Atkins SST Acoustic Electric Guitar (video) by GravityMusicGearCO

Gibson Chet Atkins SST Acoustic Electric Guitar (video)

GravityMusicGearCO

GravityMusicGearCO

Video thumbnail for Gibson Chet Atkins SST Guitar by chatreeo

Gibson Chet Atkins SST Guitar

chatreeo

chatreeo

Video thumbnail for Powerful Electric Acoustic Tone from this 1998 Gibson Chet Atkins SST by PREMIER GUITARS

Powerful Electric Acoustic Tone from this 1998 Gibson Chet Atkins SST

PREMIER GUITARS

PREMIER GUITARS

Video thumbnail for Gibson Chet Atkins SST Sound Test by Band WhiteRibbon (화이트리본밴드)

Gibson Chet Atkins SST Sound Test

Band WhiteRibbon (화이트리본밴드)

Band WhiteRibbon (화이트리본밴드)

Video thumbnail for 2003 Gibson Chet Atkins SST Cherry Sunburst by Guitar Chimp

2003 Gibson Chet Atkins SST Cherry Sunburst

Guitar Chimp

Guitar Chimp

Video thumbnail for Gibson Chet Atkins SST vs Epiphone SST by Ventsislav Dosev

Gibson Chet Atkins SST vs Epiphone SST

Ventsislav Dosev

Ventsislav Dosev

Video thumbnail for Gibson Chet Atkins SST White Custom Sound Test by 성ROCK

Gibson Chet Atkins SST White Custom Sound Test

성ROCK

성ROCK

Reviews

PROS

  • Built-in headphone setting ideal for travel and practice

  • Projects jumbo acoustic sound when plugged in

  • Neck feels similar to a Les Paul for electric players

  • LB6 pickup offers powerful output

  • No feedback issues, even at high volumes

  • Each model has unique sound characteristics

  • Versatile sound range from acoustic to vintage electric tones

  • Easy to play with an electric guitar feel

  • Distinctive acoustic projection that cuts through mixes

CONS

  • Top-heavy design requires strap locks or buttons

  • Gold tuners fade over time

  • Relatively heavy compared to similar models

  • Imbalance causes headstock to dip forward

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • Without a sound hole, the guitar is surprisingly loud unplugged, suitable for solo practice without amplification.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Popular among Dave Matthews Band fans; noted for its association with their music style.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Prices can vary, but a 1996 model in decent condition was considered a steal at $1,200.

    Source

User experience

  • Acquiring this guitar can be a lengthy process; owners often search for years before finding one at an affordable price.

    Source
  • Owners often seek multiple color variants, indicating a collector's appeal beyond functionality.

    Source

Other

  • Left-handed versions are rare; some former owners still regret selling theirs.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Electronics issues are common in 1995 models; aftermarket solutions are limited, suggesting the need for professional repair.

    Source

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
dlukask

1994 Maple Top

I've owned 4 of these guitars in my life, and this last one is the keeper. They only made the maple tops for 1993-94. I have to have a Chet Atkins guitar in my line up.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Reichi Nakaido uses Gibson Chet Atkins SST

Reichi Nakaido

Guitarist, Music Producer

RC Succession

...
Verified via Char meets ???? ~TALKING GUITARS~ - フジテレビONE/TWO/NEXT(ワンツーネクスト)

Reichi Nakaido uses the Gibson Chet Atkins SST for his solo performances. He mentions, "I started looking for an electro-acoustic guitar when I began doing solo performances, and I decided on this one. The sound itself is inherently refined, but I treat it roughly in my own way, including its appearance." Nakaido further explains that he views it as an instrument in the category of electro-acoustic guitars, which he believes is distinct from both electric and acoustic guitars. This information is sourced from the program "Char meets ???? ~TALKING GUITARS~" on フジテレビONE/TWO/NEXT.

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 SST, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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