Gibson Chet Atkins SST

The Gibson Chet Atkins SST was a revolutionary design that combined the best of Gibson's acoustic and electric guitar technology. The SST was a solid body acoustic-electric designed by the late legendary country artist Chet Atkins. The steel-string model was introduced in 1987 and was recently discontinued for 2006. The SST had a solid spruce or cedar top and a mahogony body. Unlike most acoustic-electrics the SST had no resonating chamber or soundhole. The acoustic sound came from a bridge mounted transducer. The SST quickly became popular among rock and country players because high volume levels could be reached without any feedback (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 the perfect acoustic guitar for live music. The SST was offered in three finishes: natural, ebony, and cherry sunburst. It had mother of pearl inlays in a star pattern on the fretboard, headstock, and bridge and features gold plated hardware. It also sports Chet Atkins's signature above the fretboard. The SST had controls for volume as well as boost and cut for both treble and bass signals.

Many popular musicians in addition to Chet Atkins have used or still use the Gibson SST:

• Dave Matthews
• Travis Tritt
• Edwin McCain
• Keith Burns (Trick Pony)
• Justin Moore (Ingram Hill)
• Michael Tolcher
• Lidsey Buckingham / Fleetwood Mac
• Pat McGee
• Unaiz Bawa
• Robin Zander (Cheap Trick)

Rain Maida (Our Lady Peace) Adam Gardner (Guster)