Chet Atkins' Weirdest Gretsch: The 7680 Atkins Super Axe

Guitar Player columnist Terry Carleton explores a 1978 Gretsch 7680 Atkins Super Axe with help from his friend Jeff Leeds. The Super Axe is just one of the many guitars featured in Terry's monthly Whack Job column, appearing only in Guitar Player magazine. Visit GuitarPlayer.com for more great guitar content.

[@songwriterjj6022]

Played one of these at Chicago Music Exchange. There was just one small thing wrong with it that prevented me from taking it home...the price!!

[@dbrianlowe]

I almost bought one when they were out. It's the one guitar I need for my collection.

[@michaelcanales280]

Just saw one for sale locally (TX) on Facebook. Send me an email and I’ll forward the link.

[@davevann2925]

One on reverb, $1,350 if your still looking

[@MickCone]

Ordered my 7681 Super Axe in 1977 finally got it in April 1978, serial Number 4-8207, 207th unit built. still playing it today.

[@nellayema2455]

I almost bought a used one back in '81. The guy was asking $400. I already had a Strat., and thought it was a little weird, but I didn't know much about guitars at the time. Wish I had bought it. I wound up spending $350 for a Music Man 112RD amp.

[@amodioamato2032]

I own one, bought from new in the late 1970's in Cambridge. Love the guitar.

[@landontaleff2706]

Just picked one of these up, I think it’s a 76 real cool

[@joshuadowling8778]

I saw Van play this thing in a video. This thing is a mystery and awesome. I want one!.

[@RavnerRavner]

Most guitar players when this came out said, no fuckin way.

[@joelortiz8910]

What is music del minuto 4:00

[@davevann2925]

Will the binding "rot" off these like the ole 60-67 gretsch's? I'm looking at one (1977) this week and am concerned that it will happen with age. Anyone have advice?

[@davevann2925]

Well I bought it so we'll see, plays super easy.

[@NapsterRulez]

And? Did it end up having binding rot?

[@davevann2925]

@@NapsterRulez Not so far, by the mid 70's the plastic changed

[@chrispile3878]

@@NapsterRulez Binding rot happens when the binding outgasses while the guitar is in the case for years.

[@joelfildes5544]

Same as mine…but they need mini humbuckers on em…too muddy as standard.

[@Bmille1965]

put Seymour Duncan Psyclone Filtertrons in mine........much more Gretschy

[@buddhamus]

Did Chet ever use one for recording or for live performances? Interesting that it didn't have a Bigsby vibrato installed, or was it an option?

[@billday6744]

To the c omment below Chet did add a bigsby later on there are photos every where showing it and it is a great interesting guitar I had one

[@3cardmonty602]

What happened to your Fickled Finger of Fate?

[@joelfildes5544]

It’s NOT a solid body…central block with ply….like a 335

[@marianghioda]

I own one of these...green one, I want to sell it. You guys don't do it justice with the tones. That compressor is crap. Just play the guitar with good amp tones, then you'll be amazed.

[@123uzuz]

Is yours still for sale?

[@FYMASMD]

The right hand technique of this guy makes me cringe. Works for him but....

[@jeffthevideoguy23]

It works for him. Why should that bother you?