Gibson Chet Atkins SST

The Gibson Chet Atkins SST was a solid body acoustic-electric designed by the musician Chet Atkins and manufactured and marketed by Gibson. The steel-string model was introduced in 1987 and was discontinued in 2006.[1] The Chet Atkins CE was the original nylon string version of 1982 and possibly the first of its kind.

Gibson Chet Atkins SST
Gibson Chet Atkins SST in ebony color
ManufacturerGibson
Period1987–2006
Woods
BodyMahogany
Colors available
Natural, ebony, white, burgundy, cherry

Design

The SST was a design that combined Gibson's steel-string acoustic and electric guitar technology.[2]

The guitar had a solid spruce or cedar top and a mahogany body. Unlike most acoustic-electrics, the SST had no resonating chamber or soundhole. The acoustic sound came from a bridge mounted transducer manufactured by L.R. Baggs for Gibson with a proprietary active pre-amp. The SST had controls for volume as well as boost and cut for both treble and bass signals.

The SST was offered in five finishes: natural, ebony, white, burgundy and cherry sunburst. It had mother of pearl inlays on the fretboard, headstock, and bridge and features gold plated hardware. Early models had an ornate headstock and a fake sound hole with the knobs mounted on the front of the guitar. Later models had star inlays and a Les Paul style headstock. It also sports Chet Atkins's signature above the fretboard.

The SST quickly became popular among rock and country players because high volume levels could be reached without any feedback, whereas most traditional acoustic electrics will emit moderate to high levels of feedback when they come near amplifiers, speakers or microphones. This ability made the SST suitable acoustic guitar for live music.

Notable SST Players

References
  1. The Ultimate Guitar Sourcebook, p. 71, at Google Books
  2. Gibson Chet Atkins Sst Review on Guitar Masterclass
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