I Bought a "Super Axe" From 1978 | 70s Gretsch 7681 Chet Atkins Super Axe Review + Demo

[@MattSmith-ky9do]

My uncle had one of those when I was 12 years old. He enjoyed it for a while until the electronics stopped working. I asked him if he checked the battery. He said, "Guitars don't have batteries." I told him that electronics like that require power. He thought I was just a dumb kid so he didn't listen to me. He later went to trade it in. Told the vendor that the electronics didn't work. He asked my uncle if he checked the battery. He said, "Guitars don't have batteries." The vendor opened up the rear panel and showed him the battery compartment. He said he felt like a dumb hick. Moral: always keep an open mind to suggestions, even if it's coming from a dumb kid.

[@nick2128]

Did he end up keeping it?

[@malcolmhardwick4258]

You were no dumb kid.

[@jonathanhudak2059]

That's a hilarious story! 😂

[@MattSmith-ky9do]

@@nick2128 He traded it for a sweet butterscotch blonde Fender Telecaster. That sent us both down the Tele rabbit hole that we're still exploring to this day.

[@andypearce5537]

That’s my old guitar! 🎉

[@ianfurqueron5850]

The flat fretboard is likely a spec Chet wanted, given his preference for classical style guitars.

[@serenitatis2191]

Famously played as an early Smiths guitar. Johnny Marr traded in his Ebony 1980 Les Paul Standard for a Red Gretsch Super Axe and an 8 track tape recorder

[@michaelfeeney5956]

The four shining stars from Gretsch in the seventies are,, Chet Atkins Super Axe,,Chet Atkins Super Chet,, The Country Roc and the Roc Jet,, all under the guidance of a certain Mr Hagner. All excellent guitars.

[@MickCone]

I still have my 1978 7681, still love it. About 1981 had a problem with the electronics. Fred Gretsch Jr. gave me the number of the guy that designed the circuits. He told me to carefully cut the block in half with a hacksaw blade and replace a resister. Nervous wreck, but, I did it. fifteen cents at Radio Shack, I did not glue it back, I put the two halves together and wrapped them with black tape. Never had another problem with it. It is always in it's case unless I am playing it.

[@blodpudding]

Classical guitars don't really have radius on the fretboard so he must have liked that

[@russellzauner]

Been waiting for you to break down and do one of these. It's like a cross between a pancake and a boat oar and I love the hell out of them.

[@joermnyc]

It’s too bad they gooped the effects (black epoxy), I’m curious if those are just circuit boards out of pedals Baldwin was making back then, which they modified to use that quick connector. I’m also wondering if the phaser is broken and so is the switch for it, as I’m not sure the “blend” knob would work with the effect off, it sounds like it’s trying to blend something in , which cuts the pickup volume (any hum could be something in the phaser circuit.) Gretsch used to be made in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, Baldwin moved them into an old furniture factory down south. Gretsch Building No. 4 is still visible from the Williamsburg Bridge if you’re crossing into Brooklyn (look to the south, it’s a tall gray building.)

[@muinarc0]

There's a lot of misinformation out there on these. You did a good job on your research Trog! The pickups were likely made by Maxon, I found 1 guitar repair site where a repairman actually took one apart that had a dead coil and they have a comb shaped rail that Maxon used in the 70's. As you found, these are more like a 335 without F-holes, though many try to say they're solid body. The tailpiece is original, they did use the actual Leo Quan Badass bridge. And they are all Maple, even the red one, neck, center block, top and back laminates. The inlays were rumored to have been meant to be dice inlay but Baldwin didn't like the seedy gambling relationship and nixed the plan. I have the 7685 "non" Super Axe, and it is probably my favorite guitar I've owned. The flat radius is good for fingerstyle, like Chet liked to play, and similar to a very thin necked classical guitar :) .

[@vadenk4433]

Those were the cleanest pots from the 70's over ever seen. That guitar was definitely babied.

[@TM-ev2tc]

When I think of a Chet Atkins guitar I think of the Country Gentleman.

[@paso193]

......"Mr. Sandman".....LOL!!

[@TranceMasterJack]

That is a Chet Atkins standard!

[@paso193]

@@TranceMasterJack ........👍

[@sixstringer3783]

Hey guitar people time for our daily dose 🤘

[@dw7704]

Roy Clark also played this guitar live and on TV, and he did an ad for it. I played one years ago when I saw a used one in a store. They feel huge, ( I’m kind of short), so they are not comfortable for me to play. But like just about any guitar they have their fans.

[@johnmartin5147]

The bridge on this guitar looks like the Leo Quan Badass Bridge or a copy.

[@jonathanhudak2059]

Finally a Gretsch guitar! Even if it's one from the Baldwin Era it's still interesting. 👍 I like the shape but wouldn't need all the extra controls and circuitry though

[@blodpudding]

The knob that looks different is the Blend knob, and those are different than standard CTS pots.

[@evanmiller2579]

Great episode. I have two of these (red and black). The red has Les Paul wiring swapped in. Rick Springfield used these in the 80s on the Success Hasn't Spoiled Me Yet tour. He had Les Paul wiring put in both of them. My black one is totally OG and the effects all work. Red one with the Les Paul wiring on a new football plate has a JB in the bridge as the original Dimarzio pickups have gotten a little tired. Thanks for all you do.

[@electravoxguitarlab]

Those are the orig Dimarzio pickups and they sound incredible, nothing modern compares. They're built w/ typical Gretsch 3ply Maple panels on a solid Maple frame w/ arched slats to fill void between frame/panels. Orig the frets were slightly arched. Everyone today gets tripped up on the elecs (style's dated), just turn it off and enjoy an iconic guitar. These were fringe guitars in their day, poo-poo'd because of Burns ownership, but I promise you- you won't find anything this nice today! Thank you for sharing ~

[@papasmamas1]

I think the body shape looks super cool and should be comfortable. Ill love one in solid black.

[@vadenk4433]

You should review a vintage sparkle jet. You love sparkle finishes and its the closest thing to a Les Paul that Gretsch made. I've always had a soft spot for them myself

[@markcampbell7554]

My favorite model Gretsch is the sparkle jet. I almost bought one year's ago and I wish I had one.

[@dlewtweentorla1210]

Love my 59 reissue Sparkle Jet! It has killer tone and is a great player. Will say it's the one guitar I own that folks either LOVE or HATE, based on first glance.

[@jonathanhudak2059]

@@dlewtweentorla1210 Me too! I have one as well it's a fantastic guitar

[@jonathanhudak2059]

Sparkle Jets (and Duo Jets) in general are great guitars. I have a newer Japanese 1959 reissue Sparkle Jet (filter tron pickups) and it's a fantastic guitar. The quality is top notch too, no tooling marks etc

[@steveparish9210]

​@@dlewtweentorla1210anyone who doesn't love a sparkle jet has a problem 😊

[@tommynoble3428]

That shape is absolute fire

[@hughmash8250]

What is that song during the bridge with distortion? 21:20 Those riffs sound sooo good!!

[@tykit9230]

My buddy had a Gretsch BST that had that concave thing going on. It was the sweetest playing guitar I ever played

[@rockinrob2004]

So Trogly, if you think about Chet & Les both liked to have some onboard effects, yet their playing styles couldn't be more different. RIP to both of them, such innovators. Nice find of that piece.

[@dublev78]

The Chester and Lester album is great.

[@chrisghiardi117]

@@dublev78 I think they did a second one also.

[@jonathanhudak2059]

Here here well said!

[@oritchinal1]

I’ve been inside 3 of these all with phaser issues This is the cleanest module cavity I have seen it may be some extra shielding has been added

[@PNWJEEPER01]

I put those Gretsch strap buttons on every guitar I buy which I plan to keep long term. They'll accommodate any strap and are as solid as actual strap locks. Best strap button design going, imho.

[@steveoneal5257]

chet atkins gretsch were normally filtertron pickups

[@jeffdeboer1679]

My dad has this exact guitar that he bought new in, I think '78 (maybe '77). He played this all throughout my childhood, but switched to Teles several years ago. I'm hoping it will someday end up in my possession.

[@flapjack413]

I betcha if you just re-capped those effect circuits, they'd function like the day it was built. :)

[@mordokch]

Yup and if Gretsch hadn't encased them in an epoxy brick, you'd be able to do just that. Beyond stupid - this comes real close to malicious lol, like planned obsolescence - it probably wasn't, but the end effect (no pun intended) is much the same, they made it unfixable.

[@dannymatthews6365]

I saw some sycamore in the pickup cavity. It’s used quite a bit as a secondary wood in the furniture industry.

[@Bmille1965]

I have this same guitar . i put in some Filtertrons which make it more Gretschy sounding and looking.. Build quality on mine is very good. 9V batter drains if you leave the switch on while not playing. i enjoy mine and plan on keeping.

[@rick381v69]

I used to own two of these. Way back when I did some research. Pickups were supplied by Di Marzio, and I'm almost certain the electronics were designed by MXR. I actually have extra effects modules and had an electronics guy make phaser and compressor pedals for me. This model was made while Gretsch production was in Booneville Arkansas.

[@davehopping7212]

I have the identical guitar, except for Grover tuners, the compressor works, the phaser stopped working sometime between the last time it was out of the case (September '22, for restringing) and now; the phaser sounded just like a Phase 45 and the compressor sounds like a Dyna-Comp of the era. Sorry to say I've never really bonded with it -- only gigged it once -- but I keep it around just for the quirkiness. Roy Clark used a Super Axe for awhile, and I have a vague memory of seeing a vid of Rick Springfield playing one. I'm pretty sure the "Blend" control was for phaser strength, but since my Super Axe has a non-functional phaser but the blend control does that same subtle shift just like Trogly's, I'm wondering if that shift isn't an artifact of the busted phaser. I don't remember if my Super Axe did that when the phaser was working.

[@davehopping7212]

LATE EDIT.... I got the phaser working by flipping the off-on mini-switch a lot of times. The "Blend" control apparently does double duty as an intensity control for the phaser when it's on and does the shift thingy when the phaser is off. Austin, thanks for reviewing this model. Got me inspired to pull mine out and get re- acquainted!

[@barclaybass2327]

Actually a concave neck like that of a classical guitar makes TOTAL sense for a Chet Atkins signature guitar considering he went to Gibson and a classical guitar became his signature there.

[@beboppinblue]

I've got one of those, but it's a sunburst with a bigsby - it's great for recording - also has flat wound strings.

[@davidburke2132]

Just to say Trogly that if a guitar has a truly flat fingerboard it doesn’t have a zero radius, it has an infinity radius.

[@stop736]

It was nice to see a in depth look at a Gretsch. You don’t see a lot about their guitars, though most players do know that they are quality guitars. They aren’t really my taste necessarily. Mainly because they feel really big in my hands. Just the whole body width in general, they just don’t fit me being as small as I am. At least that’s what I’ve experienced so far…I have to imagine they make something that’s a better fit for a smaller person. I could be wrong though, I honestly know very little about these guitars. Appreciate the video here from Trogly! I’ve learned a lot just from this alone! LOL. One thing I can say is that I’m not a huge fan of having effects and stuff on the guitar like this one. But that’s just my taste and preference obviously. I can totally understand why some people would love that or possibly even NEED that. It’s just not for me. That’s all I’m saying.

[@steveparish9210]

Try a dou jet

[@ironmikezero]

Check out the current Gretsch offerings in the 14" lower-bout size, in both semi-hollow and chambered-solid bodies. There are three tiers; Streamliner (entry), Electromatic (mid), Professional (high end), priced accordingly as one might expect. There's also a US-based custom shop ($$$$). You may be surprised at the quality of craftsmanship/components. The Pro line instruments (MIJ) are simply amazing, rivaling most custom shop offerings.

[@eddiejr540]

Very nice sounding guitar…I find it interesting that Mr. Atkins would go for a flat radius and thin neck…but that would complement his playing style 👍

[@scottreynolds4252]

It compliments Trogly's playing also!

[@scottreynolds4252]

This the best sounding guitar you have played those jazzy chords on since I been subscribed to your channel. This guitar makes you sound like Super Chet! You should probably keep this one... Sounds excellent!

[@ericbgordon1575]

With or without the onboard effects processor, I agree with some of the commenters that it was definitely refreshing to see you reviewing and demoing a Gretsch model, Trigly. I've spent the better part of my tenure as a guitar player dodging this brand out of resistance because of how many people get it because of George Harrison, Eddie Cochran, Chet Atkins or Brian Setzer. That being said, I was visiting my good friend in Tulsa during April 2023 and had him take me on our customary visit to Guitar Center. While we were there, I plugged in a 3-pickup, double-cut Gretsch (I think it was a G2627TG) to demonstrate for this gentleman how a semi-hollow guitar sounds. If I had not just bought a 1980 Yamaha SA2000 back in November 2022, I might have been tempted to come home to New York City with this particular Gretsch.

[@donrepcon7704]

Really like the looks of this guitar but in the plain "Axe" configuration without all the electronics. With no radius, this would be great for slide guitar. Great info as always.

[@georgeprice4212]

I think Rick Springfield used to play one in 1982-1983.

[@williamjohnson1264]

That was the Chet preferred action ,I think he liked his electrics to have the classical guitar feel and just as well 'cause he played every thing in a in elaborate classical kind of style ; his older gretches necks had those flat wide spaced look.

[@rider132]

Serial number denotes a 1979, the first two numbers, the two meaning February and the nine meaning 1979. You correctly identified a Burns gearbox is what I’ve heard that refer to. Not my favorite way to adjust the neck. I have a 1972 Chet Atkins Nashville with real not painted f holes. I love the different tones you can get out of these older Gretsch guitars and you can get them pretty reasonably priced. Nice job.

[@tomfinn8076]

I'm surprised the compressor still works. These things are infamous for having faulty effects. Chet Atkins liked the flat fretboard because of his classical background.

[@bobbybergdoll4377]

Orlando from Japan made some LP custom set necks that were pretty awesome and now very rare.

[@georgeprice4212]

I saw a similarly styled Gretsch on the cover of Rick Springfield’s “Success Hasn’t Spoiled Me Yet” album, on the back cover, and had always wondered what model it was.

[@ChrisHopkinsBass]

I think the pickups are Japanese. I’ve got Bacon & Day’s Gretsch Book and I’m sure that it says that the pickups are by Gotoh

[@stockholm1752]

What a cool looking design. Gretsch should definitely bring it back, although minus the weird bits and flat radius fretboard. Lovely guitar.

[@musicauthority-kt6zy]

It seems similar an acoustic fretboard. and it seems like a really good Rockabilly guitar. it's definitely really thin. as far as Gretsch guitars are concerned. I really like the the Electromatics the best. I have a Gretsch G5122DC. which is similar to an ES 335, it's a fantastic guitar.

[@badnamerecords7117]

This was the top of the line Gretsch at the time and reflected Chet Atkins' preferences, which unfortunately for Gretsch were not the market preferences of the time for solid body electric guitars. Gretsch was willing to experiment more than the other major builders and often those experiments didn't go well (i.e. lever mutes, toggle tone switches and disintegrating binding...)

[@sonijam]

Love the look and sounds (sans built-in effects).

[@jamestford3963]

Reminds me of an Ernie Ball EVH with a Florentine. Sweet.

[@zigzagrz]

I dont have a chet adkins solid body acoustic but I do have a very similar washburn mirage solid body acouatic that Pete Townsend was seen using. Theyre very cool guitars and highly suggest you try solid body acoustic

[@zeusapollo8688]

I have an obscure Alvarez solid body classical...well worth checking out if you come across one. I think it is called a fusion

[@zigzagrz]

@@zeusapollo8688 havent heard of those! I do know theres also a hondo stagemaster which is similar to the washburn

[@zeusapollo8688]

Does the mirage have a truss rod?

[@zigzagrz]

@@zeusapollo8688 yes it does. The later models were known as the sbf-24

[@christopherguzzi1316]

Cool guitar. I'm sort of surprised by the electronics. I would have thought he would want delay, reverb, and tremolo. And perhaps compression, which it does have.

[@freezkeer]

dude, you should totally get a plexi stack and other classic amps to play all those nice classic guitars through man. that would be dope af. a nice wall of classic amps instead of a green screen backdrop maybe? just a suggestion.

[@Stratsrule]

That thing gotta wicked tone

[@cliffgassett6291]

My friend owned the exact model and color. It was an amazing guitar!

[@famtoonen18]

I love my Les Paul Tribute as well, but.... I also play my Tokai Love Rock and Vintage V100 often and.it.is.a.close.competition. I'm saving money for a P90 guitar. Either a Tribute P90 or Sire P90.

[@geneevans7885]

Love that bridge pickup.

[@leviathan_is_me]

Not sure how I feel about this one, lol. It sounds great tbh, but I am one of those who likes to "set n forget" a lot. The tonal options on this would drive me insane.

[@nicholascarson4455]

Nice episode, I like the fact that you reviewed something vintage that's outside of gibson here and there. not knocking gibson guitars I think they are the best factory made guitars.

[@dwite02]

Hey trogly.. any videos on your channel of the 1997-1998 gibson CL-20??

[@cesarvalle9415]

Does anyone know what song is being played at 21:21? Thanks.

[@Sinfullybliss97]

Would u wanna review a 1930s Gibson L-00 I have one restored and been enjoying it a lot. Sat in a case for 50 years and sounds heavenly

[@jonnyhafer7376]

take all the effects out and its a killer guitar

[@kentlangham5811]

Having learned to play guitar on a flat neck steel stringed acoustic, I understand the weird feel of the neck you describe. It's fine for playing single note runs but chords really kill your fingers.

[@snapfinger1]

Gadgetry similar to Les Paul recording models. Dark Days for Gretsch until the Fender takeover.

[@ethanhitchcock5431]

Interesting guitar , love the finish , but it is FUTT-Buggley !..oi-oi-oi !!...oogly like the new PRS ' T-style ' ( Myles Kennedy signature guitar ), to each their own , it makes me understand why some think Rickenbackers are oogly , but I love Ricks !...and so what !?...Thanks Trogly !!

[@michaelaiello9525]

Certain elements of this Gretsch are aesthetically compelling. I would almost seek out the non-active Chet Axe version , but a dead flat board is a deal breaker for me. Is that really Chet’s preference?

[@jimwguitar3002]

I think I would go for the more traditional style wiring. I hate when things don't work and can't be fixed.

[@bonneymaes2757]

I had 2 of those. A black one like this but with dice inlays and a sunburst one. A really cool guitar…

[@heavymetal19610]

This one was fascinating! Thank you, cheers

[@dangson1183]

Looks well taken care of !!

[@sentforth5]

Can't live without a compressor. 👻

[@zeusapollo8688]

I like it. I hope trogly will get some old Yamaha geetars to review...

[@marions.120]

Let’s do it!

[@jackieohehir3259]

It's a guitar Jim....but not as we know it 🤪

[@steveoneal5257]

i have a 1973 chet atkins country gentlemen gretsch and thats not what chet atkins would have never used on the road

[@leahcaudill6559]

I love on the demos, you start playing that little like intro thing. And now I can judge that sound, on the difference between guitars and tell what's sounds good or not

[@MrJermeyp]

My uncle had one almost identical maybe identical.. wanted that guitar so bad , he sold it to a dude for 300 bucks I think

[@willbink]

What song is 21:41?

[@paulgentile1024]

love the shape

[@chrislathwell3653]

I’m so happy to see my fav brand on the show thanks trogly, I’ve seen Jim James and Jonny marr play one of these

[@jonnyhafer7376]

those black boxes are old school ic integrated circuit. its all the effects and what knot

[@meattooth1303]

weird to have a completely flat neck but with a arched bridge. our fingers naturally curve a tad when making a bar chord where this set up would seem problematic. but i would have to play it to tell.

[@vincentrandles8105]

That thing sounds great - esthetically....well, I've yet too see a Gretch that i found pleasing. That's on me obviously, I know folks who love em.

[@jesuschristpose896]

Dude, your playing has gotten alot better, great job

[@ziggylayneable]

That is a really really really nice gretsch I love gretsch guitars too

[@steveparish9210]

IDK about all the on board effect s stuff but that is one of the better sounding guitar s you've played, especially clean. Though dirt sounded good too

[@dangrove5794]

What are you playing between 21:20 and 21:50? Sounds really nice, I don't recognise it

[@TylerJohnstonGuitar]

I love guitars with the on-board effects. A cheaper alternative would be one of guitars from the Cort Effector series.

[@clarkbabin9799]

The silver fox kind reminds me of the Crestwood or Wilshire. This guitar reminds me of the Gibson that slips my mind right now. But has a more deleted cutaway that is rounded instead of being a horn.

[@liveintheflesh6062]

Hey guys I just purchased my first Gibson. Let's just say I'm a happy boy right now. No one understands how happy I am so I figured I share this news with people who love them.

[@cravecave505]

👍 We know what you feel 👍 Now the gas is calmed down for now...just to come back soon. deal with it wisely 😂

[@jonathanhudak2059]

What did you get?

[@Blue_Ridge_Ranger]

Glad to see something other than a Gibson or Fender.

[@therabbitcanada]

you should check out some Burns guitars. Not just the Baldwin era but the start to latest. Burns made a lot of quality guitars. Puts some Fender and Gibson models to shame in sound and quality

[@BigRob829]

Those are some CHUNKY sounding humbuckers

[@JackTheSkunk]

I am as big a fan of Chet Atkins as the next guy (since about 1959), but I think this was the answer to a question that didn't need to be asked. It's homely and the built-in effects were too gimmicky. The G6120 on the other hand remains as iconic as ever.

[@gphone9619]

Johnny Marr used one briefly in the Smiths

[@Zundfolge]

I'm glad to know this guitar weighs 22.61mm :D