Up for sale, a 2003 Gibson Chet Atkins Tennessean in near-mint, 100% original condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case. Following the dissolution of Atkins’ partnership with Gretsch, he collaborated with Gibson on a handful of unique signature models, including the Tennessean, which features a semi-hollow maple body with a chromyte center block (a feature Gretsch had never been able to provide Atkins with previously) for feedback reduction. In terms of design, this is certainly a very Gretsch-y feeling Gibson, with a single cutaway, Gretsch-style control layout, arm rest, and a Sunrise Orange gloss nitro lacquer finish.

A three-piece maple neck and ebony fingerboard round out the tonewood complement, and this guitar has a warm acoustic response with a glassy immediacy and dynamic feel that provides an excellent platform for the 492R and 490T humbuckers. The 490T bridge pickup is Gibson's "Modern Classic" humbucker with a PAF-style wind, metering at 7.5k 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 5.3k ohms and clearly 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 Tennessean weighs 7lbs 10oz, professionally setup here at Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar 10-46 strings, low action, and spot-on intonation.

Neck Specs:

-Wood: Maple (three-piece)
-Shape: Slender C, significant heft in the upper registers, measuring .830” 1st fret, .950” 7th fret, 1.050” 12th fret
-Fretboard: Ebony, offset dot inlay
-Frets: Medium jumbo, hint of wear beneath the plain strings on frets 1-5
-Scale Length: 25 1/2”
-Nut: 1 3/4”, bone
-Tuners: Gibson Deluxe double-line, greened buttons

Body Specs:

-Wood: Maple, chromyte center block
-Pickups: 492R/490T humbuckers
-Controls: Master Volume, Volume x2, Tone, Three-way pickup selector
-Hardware: Nashville bridge, stopbar
-Plastics: Arm rest, speed knobs, pickguard with “Tennessean” script

The Sunrise Orange gloss nitro lacquer finish is bright and vibrant, and cosmetic wear is limited to a scant few faint scratches on the back and just a couple microscopic marks on the body as a whole. The neck profile retains its smooth gloss.

The original Gibson Memphis-branded brown tolex hardshell case with black plush interior is included.