Author Topic: Gibson Chet Atkins SST Pickup Replacement? (Read 363 times)

57basstra · « **on:** January 01, 2009, 08:39:47 PM »

Really looking for some help and advice on a non-Alembic. I recently acquired a 1991 Gibson Chet Atkins SST. This is the guitar that is kind of a hybrid between an acoustic and electric guitar. It has some type of bridge transducer pickup. The pickup is shot and needs to be replaced. Any ideas on what type of pickup would replace this one and allow me to also use the volume control and treble and bass controls? The guitar is a 1991 model and is white. The pic I have posted is not the one I have, but looks pretty much like this one - same color. The white ones are kind of rare I think. Anyway....not an Alembic, but a pretty cool guitar (I think once I get it sounding right)

Thanks everyone! (Oh I contacted Gibson and they are no help. Vague in their answer. They say the guitar is discontinued and they no longer use this pickup. They do not tell me what it is or was.)

cozmik_cowboy · « **Reply #1 on:** January 02, 2009, 04:55:36 AM »

Good luck, David - & I'm not surprised Gibson was less than helpful. I once asked them if they knew of a source for nylon Tune-A-Matic saddles. They replied that they do not sell tuner saddles.

Peter

3rd_ray · « **Reply #2 on:** January 02, 2009, 07:09:46 AM »

I don't have a good answer, but one idea is to buy another one and swap out the electronics.

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/msg/976011539.html

Epiphone has a version of this, does it have the same piezo pickup? (I doubt it, but it might work.)

Another idea would be to ask a luthier who uses piezos. A google search should turn up something.

http://www.guitarrepairshop.com/acoustic_pickup.html

Mike

lbpesq · « **Reply #3 on:** January 02, 2009, 07:29:00 AM »

David:

The most detail I can find in my resources is that it is a transducer bridge pickup with built-in preamp. I'd check with Fishman and/or L.R. Baggs. They may be able to point you in the direction of a drop-in replacement. Or, bring it to a good luthier. Either way, good luck, a very cool guitar.

Bill, tgo

57basstra · « **Reply #4 on:** January 02, 2009, 09:28:34 AM »

Thanks, guys. I'll keep y'all informed on the progress.

crobbins · « **Reply #5 on:** January 02, 2009, 05:03:24 PM »

Check with Sadowsky, they buid a similar geetar..

http://www.sadowsky.com/