Lot 55, Chet Atkins Gretsch Country Gentleman

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Sale 2137 Lot 55

Chet Atkins studio and stage used Gretsch Country Gentleman guitar circa 1960

An early pre-production prototype model which Chet helped design and develop with Gretsch, featuring a single cutaway body constructed of laminated maple, inlaid F holes and dark walnut stain finish. The guitar was given by Chet to his longtime friend and later Brother in Law (the men married twin sisters) Jethro Burns of the duo 'Jethro and Homer'. Chet and Jethro grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee, Chet credited Jethro with teaching him his first hot lick and Jethro was also featured on his first hit single. Chet modified the guitar to include the pioneering 'whammy' Bigsby Tremolo arm as well as the first brass nut. In a letter accompanying the lot Jethro's son John states he believes the guitar was given to his father circa 1960 and that the instrument dates from 1957 (George Gruhn in other accompanying documentation estimates the date of manufacture to be circa 1960).

Estimate £30,000-40,000 / $54,00-71,990

The guitar is accompanied by a letter from Jethro Burns' son John together with another facsimile letter from Guitar Expert George Gruhn and a photograph of Chet playing a similar instrument.

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