Gibson Chet Atkins CE Classical Electric

Originally developed with Chet Atkins to solve on-stage feedback, the Classical CE is built with a chambered mahogany body, spruce top, and an under-saddle transducer pickup. This model was known for its ability to deliver a clear, resonant tone with minimal handling noise, and was one of the first, if not THE first amplified nylon-string that really worked live and loud without sacrificing any of the familiar nylon feel.

This 1988 example has standard playwear, but frets are like new. There’s some light finish flaking along the binding. Weight is 3600g. If you want a stage-ready nylon from the era when amplifying acoustics was still a moving target, this is one of the key designs.

Famous users include Chet Atkins himself, Earl Klugh, Mark Knopfler, and even Brian May on occasion – evidence of how practical and reliable these were under lights.

The onboard piezo system and active preamp provide straightforward EQ at the guitar, with per-string balance available via internal trim controls for dialing in a consistent stage response. Nut width is 47 mm.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Year/Model: 1988 Gibson Chet Atkins CE (Classical Electric), USA
• Body: Chambered mahogany body, single cutaway; solid spruce top; multi-ply binding
• Neck: Mahogany, set-neck construction; adjustable truss rod
• Fingerboard: Rosewood, 19 frets; side dots
• Scale Length: 648 mm
• Nut Width: 47 mm
• Hardware: Slotted headstock; three-per-side gold tuners
• Bridge: Classical rosewood tie-block bridge with integrated piezo transducers
• Electronics: Active preamp; onboard volume and tone/EQ; internal trim pots for per-string balance; 9V battery
• Finish: Gloss nitrocellulose
• Weight: 3600g