Hi folks, First time member - long time Gretsch owner. I have a question: Were the Gretsch Super Chet models (i.e., 7690) bolt on necks? Does any one own a 7690 model? (Would love to hear your opinions of this design). Thanks!
Super Chet
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Aug 22, 2008 7:44 p.m. islandgretsch:
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Aug 22, 2008 8:25 p.m. Bear:
Don't really know much about the Super Chet models but I'm pretty sure they used a set neck construction.
Anyway, welcome to the best Gretsch Forum on the net islandgretsch. There are some really great and knowledgeable guys and gals here. We're glad you joined us!
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Aug 22, 2008 9:55 p.m. Just Dropped In (10ahcn):
Yes, set neck. That cover plate on the rear covers the access to the neck adjustment thingie. No doubt designed by Q when he worked at Baldwin.
Never played one of these, but they're pretty nice guitars. Are you going to buy one?
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Aug 22, 2008 10:41 p.m. KCeddieB:
Here's one on the Bay... as JDI said the black triangular plate covers the gear box adjustment for the truss rod.
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Aug 22, 2008 11:47 p.m. islandgretsch:
Thanks for the warm welcome and info folks! I personally wish the current Gretsch company would reissue this model(7690) - since Chet's name is back on various models from the past. I'm interested in a Super Chet but can't justify paying some of the inflated prices I've seen for vintage examples (BTW Thanks for auction info "KC"!). Should have bought that old 6120 back in my college days for $250 - no one wanted it! (Including me...I was such a knuckle-head!)
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Aug 22, 2008 11:54 p.m. islandgretsch:
Oh BTW - here's one for the Gretsch history buffs out there. Was there ever a "Roy Clark" model Gretsch? I'm almost certain I read an interview with him where he stated that there was such a guitar issued for a very brief period of time (Basically a Super Axe style with different electronics/effects). Just curious... Thanks.
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Aug 23, 2008 8:38 a.m. JC:
Roy liked the new guitars but when Gretsch talked to Chet about putting Roy's name on them he wasn't to keen on the idea. So it never happened ,but he did play them and appeared in ad's for Gretsch.
In 1978 Gretsch built two prototypes for Roy ;he selected one and the other one was last seen in Dean Turner's collection. It had a cats eye shaped control panel like the Super Axe with built-in limiter and phaser.The headstock was shaped like a White Falcon but had a regular logo. Finished in blue stain with individually hand rubbed coats of lacquer,it had two FilterTron pickups and a specially bound fingerboard. This guitar was never put into production.
They are nice guitars those Super Chets,i had a 1978 7691 in walnut,beautiful guitar
Edit; I've just had a look on Youtube and found this,enjoy!
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Aug 23, 2008 11:05 a.m. Just Dropped In (10ahcn):
Damn, that Roy Clark proto is killer! My wife even likes it. Gretsch needs to get on the ball and produce that thang.
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Aug 23, 2008 12:27 p.m. KCeddieB:
Islandgretsch,
If the current Gretsch/FMIC folks were to reissue a Super Chet model, it would probably have a list price higher than the vintage examples. Looks like you can still pick up a original Super Chet for less than $3k.
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Aug 23, 2008 11:00 p.m. islandgretsch:
Thanks "KC" - you're probably right about a new model's pricing. "JC" - thanks so much for the Roy Clark info! That's so much more than what I've found on the net.
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Aug 23, 2008 11:15 p.m. islandgretsch:
Hi again - I hope I'm not introducing subject matter not set for this particular forum (forgive me if I have) but were you folks aware that Gretsch issued a few limited runs of a model called the G7686 Axe? It virtually looks like the Super Axe without the tear drop control panel Check out http://www.themusiczoo.com/gretschguitars_soldstock.htm
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Aug 24, 2008 10:19 a.m. KCeddieB:
The Atkins Axe... didn't have the on-board effects like the Super Axe. Don't know how "limited" they were.
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Aug 24, 2008 11:27 a.m. Just Dropped In (10ahcn):
I prefer the Atkins Axe version myself. Looks a little better w/out that control panel IMO.
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Aug 24, 2008 1:26 p.m. JC:
IIRC those Axe reissues where produced from 1995 -2001.
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Aug 24, 2008 10:58 p.m. islandgretsch:
KC,JC,folks - (1)How long of a period did Chet use the Atkins Axe model? (2)Was he already transitioning over to Gibson by this point? (3)I was told that Chet had very little to do with the overall design - true? false? As always, I'm grateful!
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Aug 25, 2008 11:27 a.m. KCeddieB:
I'm getting out of my territory here... but I don't think Chet was ever really associated with the Axe as one of his mainstay guitars. I do however have a recollection that he had substantial input on its design. But again... this is not my area of expertise.
I would assume that Chet stopped playing his Gretsch guitars (in public) the minute he signed on the dotted line with Gibson... but I don't know what year that was.
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Aug 25, 2008 12:10 p.m. Proteus:
That's a sad example of Roy's playing there!
Mosey on over here for some much tastier Jambalaya.
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Aug 25, 2008 1:30 p.m. JC:
The following was taken from the book Chet Atkins Me And My Guitars.
"In 1976 ,we developed the prototype for the CA Super Axe,which was a genuine soild body guitar from the nut to the tailpiece.It was my attempt to design a guitar incorporating the standard effects needed for contemporary playing,aimed at rock and performances players.It had built-in compressor-sustain and phase shift units with top mounted controls,and a soild post-mounted bridge to maximize sustain.We used humbucking DiMarzio pickups to get a more contemporary sound on the Super Axe. Though it wasn't as well received as my other Gretsch guitars,i actually liked the Super Axe better than most of them for performing. During the late 70's ,I used it for certain tunes at my concerts and other performances.I had to put a vibrato tailpiece on it because the stock model came without one."
"After Gretsch operations were moved to Arkansas,the factory burned down and things really went to hell after that.I told Mr.gretsch that i couldn't keep putting my name on guitars of such inconsistent quality.I told him several times i was going to have to withdraw my endorsement,but after all he had done for me,i just couldn't do it as long as he was alive.After he passed away ,i finally ended my 25 year relationship with Gretsch guitars".
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Aug 25, 2008 6:27 p.m. islandgretsch:
JC-Thanks so much! Great info. (My thanks also to you Proteus & "KC"). The portion from the Atkins book answers another question concerning the construction (solid or chambered) that I had about the Super Axe. All in all, I think I much prefer the 7690 Super Chet model though I like the "dice-like" square inlays on the Super Axe. Different. Should the opportunity come up again, I would like to give a Super Axe a spin! Since this is the "vintage" forum - do any of you own/play newer Gretsch? You folks are great!
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Aug 25, 2008 7:16 p.m. senojnad:
I always thought these guitars were beautiful -- especially given that they were Baldwins! My prejudice has always been the Baldwin/Gretsch guitars were mostly mistakes that varied between bad and ugly.
The major issue I had with these beauties was that there was NO Bigsby! A Chet guitar with no Bigsby is an Oxymoron.
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Aug 26, 2008 2:34 p.m. JC:
islandgretsch, I was mostly a vintage buff up until a few years ago ,don't have the disposable income i once had.
But i've managed to keep hold of three old Gretsches.
I have two new Gretsch guitars at the moment.
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Aug 27, 2008 7:49 a.m. islandgretsch:
Senojnad - I believe I read an article a short while ago where Chet himself wondered if he should place a Bigsby on one of the protos (Super Axe). From what I'm gathering, he was very loyal to Mr. Gretsch but becoming disappointed with the Baldwin production inconsistencies. After Mr. Gretsch's death, he saw an opportunity to move on to Gibson. Here's an interesting article: http://www.multimediamanufacturer.com/articles/tipton-hotstrings.pdf JC - if you don't mind me asking what models do you own? Are you pleased with current Gretsches? Thanks guys.
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Aug 27, 2008 10:15 a.m. afire:
There was a Super Chet RI a while back, although not by that name. I've seen a few.
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Aug 27, 2008 1:07 p.m. JC:
islandgretsch, I currently own a 1957 6120,1957 6122 Country Gent,one of the first batch. 1964/65 6120 double cutaway. The new Gretsches are great IMO,sound wise TV Jones makes great pickups,i have not heard the Seymour Duncan single coil Dynas yet though,but people who have, like'em.
At the moment i have a 2003 6136 White Falcon and 2007 6120 DSW. I really like the 6120 ,the scale suits me better.
There is a Super Chet reissue on Ebay UK at the moment,they are called a Super Gretsch as Chet's name wasn't back with Gretsch at the time they were available,from 1998-2002.
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Aug 27, 2008 6:59 p.m. senojnad:
My MAIN GUITARS now are a 6122-1959 (made in 2007) and a 6128-TCG (2006). I absolutely LOVE these guitars, to the point where I rarely (i.e., DON'T) play the others, except for my Martin D41.
islandgretsch said: what models do you own?
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