ELECTRIC: CHET ATKINS COUNTRY GENTLEMAN/COUNTRY CLASSIC 6122 SERIES

A few of the early models had the Chet Atkins signpost signature on the pickguard, but this was not a standard feature. The f-holes on this model were inlaid black plastic on early instruments, then they were painted on, sometimes being painted as if they were bound. A few models produced during 1960 and 1961 did have actual f-holes in them, which were probably special order items. The Bigsby vibrato tailpiece was not gold-plated originally. In 1961, a double round cutaway body, bridge mute, standby switch and a padded back were introduced. By 1962, gold-plated vibrato was standard. In 1963, smaller mute knobs were introduced. In 1964, a Super'Tron pickup was introduced so the pickups consisted of one Super'Tron and one Filter'Tron. Around 1965, the serial number was removed from the nameplate on the headstock and the tuners were changed to standard from stairstep design. In 1966, a single mute with one knob was introduced. In 1970, two Filter'Tron pickups were introduced again. In 1971, this model was renumbered 7670 with an adjustamatic bridge, no mute, and Walnut finish. In 1972, this model became available with open f-holes. In 1975, a tubular arm was added to the Bigsby vibrato. In 1979, the vibrato arm was returned to a flat bar. This model was discontinued in 1981, but several parts from this guitar were assembled in Mexico and called the Southern Belle in the early 1980s. A 1963 model with the exact specifications of George Harrison's model is worth around $9,500 (near mint cond., same color, etc.).