Gibson Chet Atkins SST Electric Guitars

Gibson Chet Atkins SST Electric Guitars are what the company likes to call "solid body acoustics". This concept is intended to achieve the playability of an electric, while retaining the warm bright sound of an acoustic.

One of the big selling points with the SST is that when plugged in they will not produce the feedback commonly associated with traditional electric/acoustic guitars. The lack of a large acoustic chamber causes the SST to act like an electric guitar and only feedback if you want it to. This is good news to gigging and recording musicians alike, and is a big reason many famous musicians like Dave Matthews and Travis Tritt use it regularly.

Another widely praised aspect of Gibson Chet Atkins SST Electric Guitars is their playability. With an SST you can say goodbye to the calluses associated with playing a guitar with high action and heavy strings. With its "solid body" design the SST can handle lighter electric style strings and still maintain a low action. Another benefit of its solid construction is its above average ability to hold a tune.

The only drawback with the SST would be that it is not designed to replace an acoustic/electric entirely. It's design certainly limits it's sound while not plugged in. With its lack of a good sized acoustic chamber it certainly leaves something to be desired in the true acoustic sense. Its unplugged sound can only be described as quiet, thin and tinny.

Plugged in is when Gibson Chet Atkins SST Electric Guitars really shine. It has a saddle transducer and active bass and treble cut/boost controls. The playability will almost make it a shock when you hear the authentic acoustic sound coming out of the speakers. It has a crisp, crunchy, bright sound that is 100% acoustic in nature.

In conclusion, Gibson Chet Atkins SST Electric Guitars are not going to replace your acoustic entirely, but for times when you want to plug in, they cannot be beat. With all the advantages of the electric guitar feel and playability combined with the acoustic guitar warmth and presence the SST is simply one of the finest instruments out there.

You can see current listings for Gibson Chet Atkins SST Electric Guitars below: