Up for sale, a 1989 Gibson Chet Atkins Country Gentleman in excellent condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case and factory documentation. 100% original save for a vintage spec pickguard and a fresh set of pickup covers, this particular Chet was distributed in Japan by Gibson USA's distributor, Yamano. The Yamano instruments are often considered among Gibson's best, featuring the highest quality woods hand-picked for Gibson's discerning Japanese audience.

Following the dissolution of Atkins’ partnership with Gretsch, he collaborated with Gibson on a handful of unique signature models, including this updated take on the classic (and quintessentially Gretsch) Country Gentleman model. Features include a notably slender body with a center block for improved sustain and feedback mitigation, a 1 3/4“ nut for fingerstyle playing, unique red “thumbnail” fretboard inlays, a bound tortoise arm rest and pickguard, and gold hardware including a Bigsby B6 vibrato.

The tonewood complement comprises a maple body with maple center block, a three-piece figured maple neck, and an ebony fingerboard. The 490T bridge pickup is Gibson's "Modern Classic" humbucker with a slightly overwound PAF-style design, metering at 8.65k ohms, wax-potted for optimal feedback rejection and with increased midrange response. The 492R is an uncommon Gibson pickup only seen in the Chet Atkins instruments; metering at 5.75k ohms and unabashedly chasing a FilterTron-esque response, this humbucker is clear and bright-sounding with a woody low end and the inherent bell-like warmth that comes with neck pickup placement. This Country Gentleman weighs 10lbs 15oz, professionally setup here at Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar with 11-49 strings, low action, and accurate intonation.

Neck Specs:

-Wood: Three-piece flame maple
-Shape: Slender C, full shoulders, measuring .795” 1st fret, .935” 12th fret
-Fretboard: Ebony, 12” radius, red/white “thumbnail” inlays
-Frets: Medium jumbo, leveled and crowned, virtually no wear
-Scale Length: 25 1/2”
-Nut: 1 3/4”
-Tuners: Gibson-branded, Schaller-made "Speed Winder”

Body Specs:

-Wood: Maple
-Pickups: 490T/492R humbuckers
-Controls: Master Volume on horn (à la Gretsch), Volume x2, Tone, Three-way pickup selector
-Hardware: Gold-plated Bigsby B6 vibrato with Chet arm, ABR-1 bridge with ebony base
-Plastics: Bound tortoise arm rest, black speed knobs, replacement multi-ply bound tortoise pickguard

The gloss Cherry finish highlights subtle flame figuring on the rims, with some lacquer checking, particularly prominent on the treble side of the top. Cosmetic wear is limited to buckle rash central to the back, a handful of light finish scratches on top, and just a scant few faint marks in the clear coat on the body as a whole. There is also surface patina through the gold plating on the treble-side edge of the bridge (due to off-gassing of the original and long-gone pickguard). The smooth gloss on the neck profile is flawless.

The original brown tolex hardshell case with pink plush interior is included, along with the Gibson/Yamano paperwork, contained within a leather booklet, and the original heavily worn pickup covers.