Gretsch 7685 Atkins Axe 1978

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.

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’Tron 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.

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.

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.

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!

SPECIFICATIONS

Model: Gretsch 7685 Atkins Axe
Year: 1978
Country of manufacture: USA
Production era: Baldwin-era Gretsch
Body type: solidbody electric
Body shape: single-cutaway Atkins Axe body
Finish: dark stained natural finish
Binding: body binding
Neck joint: set neck
Neck material: maple
Fingerboard: ebony
Fingerboard binding: yes
Fingerboard inlays: square pearloid position markers
Frets: 22
Scale length: approx. 625 mm
Nut width: approx. 43 mm
Zero fret: yes
Headstock: bound Gretsch headstock
Headstock logo: Gretsch logo
Pickups: two humbucking pickups
Pickup configuration: HH
Controls: 2 volume, 2 tone
Switching: 3-way pickup selector
Bridge/tailpiece: Gretsch Terminator wraparound bridge/tailpiece
Tuners: sealed tuners
Pickguard: gold Gretsch/Chet Atkins pickguard
Hardware: gold finish
Weight: 4200g
Case: non-original case included