Guitars Chet Atkins Played

[Wooly]

You see videos of Chet Atkins playing various models of guitars. Everything from steel to nylon string. Do you think "nut width" was as critical to him as it is to some of us. (I for one). I would bet it didn't matter to him.

[beatcomber]

Originally Posted by Wooly

You see videos of Chet Atkins playing various models of guitars. Everything from steel to nylon string. Do you think "nut width" was as critical to him as it is to some of us. (I for one). I would bet it didn't matter to him.

I can tell you that the Gretsch electrics he was associated with have a 12" radius and pretty flat fretboards.

[mercy]

I think all his name electrics had 1 3/4 nuts. Before he became famous enough I dont know what the archtops were but there is a book about his guitars that is illustrated nicely. So I think that we can deduce that he had a preference for nut width. No doubt he could play any guitar well he was such a master. Im pretty sure his classicals were 1 7/8.

[Osage]

Originally Posted by mercy

I think all his name electrics had 1 3/4 nuts. Before he became famous enough I dont know what the archtops were but there is a book about his guitars that is illustrated nicely. So I think that we can deduce that he had a preference for nut width. No doubt he could play any guitar well he was such a master. Im pretty sure his classicals were 1 7/8.

The vintage Gretsch Chet Atkins models were typically 1 11/16, although QC wasn't always great at Gretsch in the 50's and 60's so you'll see them both bigger and smaller.

[beatcomber]

Originally Posted by Osage

The vintage Gretsch Chet Atkins models were typically 1 11/16, although QC wasn't always great at Gretsch in the 50's and 60's so you'll see them both bigger and smaller.

This is correct.

You wouldn't believe the half-assed job the factory did on my '62 Tennessean; one pickup is not in proper alignment with the strings, the Bigsby tailpiece was mounted off-center (which I was able to get corrected with a shim). I've since gotten it to be a great player though.

I've read that the factory was largely staffed by guys who liked to drink...