18th Sep, 2024 10:00
Pictures, Ceramics and Collectables Auction
A Gretsch Chet Atkins 'Country Gentleman' electric guitar, circa 1963
A Gretsch Chet Atkins 'Country Gentleman' electric guitar, circa 1963
Body: Hollow dark cherry mahogany, ivorine bindings, floating scratchplate
Neck: Maple
Fingerboard: Ebony, inlaid pearloid markers, 22 frets
Headstock: Solid, black lacquer top, inlaid pearloid logo, applied Chet Atkins plaque, Grover gilt machine heads
Pickups: 2
Bridge: Gretsch Bigsby roller tremolo
Controls: 1 volume, 2 tone, 3 three-way switches, 2 damper switches
Size: 42" overall, scale length
Accompaniments: Period hard case
The Neil Jackson collection.
Footnote:The Gretsch Country Gentleman guitar, introduced in 1957, is one of the most iconic models produced by the firm, designed in collaboration with the legendary guitarist Chet Atkins, who sought a sleek, stylish instrument with a versatile tone suitable for various music styles.
The original Gretsch Country Gentleman featured a hollow body design with a double-cutaway shape, allowing for easier access to the higher frets. It was made of laminated maple and had a 17 inch wide body with a stylish walnut finish. The guitar also came equipped with unique 'hump block' inlays, a Bigsby vibrato tailpiece, and Gretsch's 'Filter'Tron' humbucking pickups, which provided a warm, clear sound with reduced noise, making it suitable for both country and rock musicians.
The Country Gentleman gained widespread popularity in the early 1960s, particularly after George Harrison of The Beatles adopted it as his main guitar. Harrison's use of the guitar on numerous Beatles recordings, such as I Want to Hold Your Hand and during their iconic 1964 performance on The Ed Sullivan Show, solidified the instrument's place in rock history and led to a surge in its popularity.
Over the years, Gretsch has released several versions and reissues of the Country Gentleman, maintaining the guitar's classic aesthetic while incorporating modern innovations to meet contemporary players' needs. Today, the Gretsch Country Gentleman remains a beloved and sought-after model, celebrated for its rich heritage, distinctive sound, and connection to some of the most influential guitarists in music history.
Sold for £1,850
Condition Report
Immediately playable. Some signs of age and use including small chips and light scratches, wear to gilding on tailpiece and tremolo arm and wear to gilding on tuners. The dampers have both vulcanised. There is some light craquelure to the headstock. The case is heavily worn.
Bidding indicates acceptance of the condition of the lot. All lots are sold subject to general wear and tear commensurate with age and handling over time and only obvious faults will be mentioned after a visual inspection. If you have particular specialist questions on any lot, please state these before bidding since we cannot and will not provide a forensic examination of any lot but only a general condition report as a guide only. All condition reports given by Halls Holdings Ltd's representatives or agents are statements of opinion and not fact. If you require any further information about any lots in this auction or about bidding please do not hesitate to contact us again.
