The Gretsch 7685 Atkins Axe is one of the more unusual solidbody models from the late Baldwin-era Gretsch line. It was closely related to the 7680 Atkins Super Axe, but without the onboard compressor and phaser circuitry. Instead, the 7685 used a more conventional passive control layout while keeping the same broad single-cut body shape, Chet Atkins branding, gold hardware and late-70s Gretsch visual style.<\/p>\n
The model shows Gretsch trying to move further into sustain-focused solidbody territory at a time when the company was competing with a very different market than the one that had defined its classic 1950s and 1960s hollowbody instruments. The Atkins Axe is far removed from the classic Filter\u2019Tron hollowbody formula, but still has clear Gretsch identity in the bound headstock, branded guard, zero fret, body binding and distinctive hardware. Production was very limited, making this a very rare guitar indeed, especially in this condition.<\/p>\n
The guiter features a beautiful and very modern looking dark grey “Ebony Stain” finish with plenty of visible figuring and grain. Frets are low-ish, but it plays really great with a a strong acoustic sound. The guitar is in fantastic condition for a nearly 50-year-old instrument, with only minor playwear. Two pots have been changed, but the the originals are included in the case.<\/p>\n
The gold plating is in excellent condition overall, though the finish on the pickups and tuners may have been polished back at some point. Weight is 4200g. Comes with a non-original case.<\/p>\n
All in all, a super cool and super rare Gretsch that points toward a potentital future for the brand that was not to happen. Get it before it’s gone!<\/p>\n
SPECIFICATIONS<\/strong><\/p>\n Model: Gretsch 7685 Atkins Axe The Gretsch 7685 Atkins Axe is one of the more unusual solidbody models from the late Baldwin-era Gretsch line. It was closely related to the 7680 Atkins Super Axe, but without the onboard compressor and phaser circuitry. Instead, the 7685 used a more conventional passive control layout while keeping the same broad single-cut body shape, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":53259,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false},"product_brand":[],"product_cat":[202,217],"product_tag":[],"class_list":["post-53258","product","type-product","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","product_cat-guitar","product_cat-elektrisk","brand-gretsch","first","instock","shipping-taxable","purchasable","product-type-simple"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t
\nYear: 1978
\nCountry of manufacture: USA
\nProduction era: Baldwin-era Gretsch
\nBody type: solidbody electric
\nBody shape: single-cutaway Atkins Axe body
\nFinish: dark stained natural finish
\nBinding: body binding
\nNeck joint: set neck
\nNeck material: maple
\nFingerboard: ebony
\nFingerboard binding: yes
\nFingerboard inlays: square pearloid position markers
\nFrets: 22
\nScale length: approx. 625 mm
\nNut width: approx. 43 mm
\nZero fret: yes
\nHeadstock: bound Gretsch headstock
\nHeadstock logo: Gretsch logo
\nPickups: two humbucking pickups
\nPickup configuration: HH
\nControls: 2 volume, 2 tone
\nSwitching: 3-way pickup selector
\nBridge\/tailpiece: Gretsch Terminator wraparound bridge\/tailpiece
\nTuners: sealed tuners
\nPickguard: gold Gretsch\/Chet Atkins pickguard
\nHardware: gold finish
\nWeight: 4200g
\nCase: non-original case included<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"