Some of the most renowned models throughout Gretsch's history bear the Chet Atkins name, and the company's association with the country music star birthed some of the best, most unique and coolest looking Hollowbody guitars produced in the 20th century. Introduced in 1958, the Country Gentleman was one of four models inspired or endorsed by Chet Atkins, and was the second most expensive Gretsch guitar on the market behind the top of the line White Falcon model. This 1966 Gretsch Country Gentleman is a wonderful example from the mid '60s that showcases both some of the changes that happened during the first ten years of the model, and their unique and enduring quality.
Constructed from laminate maple with a rich mahogany stain, this Country Gentleman features a Filter'tron pickup in the bridge position and a Super'tron pickup in the neck, instead of the dual Filtern'tron set up used pre '64. The addition of the Super'Tron in the neck position gives the guitar a fuller, bassier tone that contrasts nicely with the traditional country twang of the bridge pickup. The body features the painted on 'F' holes like the vast majority of other examples, as well as the separate lower and upper string mutes that can be individually engaged from the top of the body, first introduced in 1961. The 'V' cutout Bigsby vibrato tailpiece is perfect for achieving the kind of gentle, warbling vibrato sounds that are so associated with Gretsch guitars, and the guitar is finished with ornate gold hardware, 'kidney bean' Grover tuners and an Ebony fingerboard with pearl thumb fret markers.
This guitar is in very good condition with only minor signs of play wear and patina, mostly to the hardware instead of the finish. There is also some ageing to the binding as is common on vintage Gretsch guitars. Otherwise, this guitar is internally and externally original, and includes its original Gretsch tweed case. This guitar has been given a full service by our luthiers at the Vintage Instrument Workshop, and includes a 3 year warranty.
