The Gretsch Pages

Like the Atkins Axe, the Super Axe was released in 1977 and was supposed to offer a completely modern instrument for the rock guitarist.

The Super Axe also shared its basic body shape with the Atkins Axe, but it benefitted from much more involvement from Chet Atkins, and a bevy of built-in effects.

A football-shaped pickguard held controls for an onboard compressor, phaser and sustain electronics, all powered by a nine-volt battery. Unfortunately, the electronics have failed with age on many of the Supers Axes, and schematics are extremely difficult to find.

The solid mahogany body is wide but thin, and it tapers toward the edges, making it both lighter and more comfortable to play than it might appear.

Beyond that, the general construction and hardware of the Super Axe show how Gretsch was aiming for a different sound and market, particularly the DiMarzio humbuckers and BadAss wraparound stop bridge. The more traditional buyer could order an optional Adjustamatic bridge/B-5 "Horseshoe" Bigsby combination.

For those willing to take the plunge on this unusual and rewarding Gretsch, three variations were offered: the dark red 7680 Super Axe, dark gray 7681 Super Axe and sunburst 7682 Super Axe.

Note that the Super Axe should not be confused with the much more ornate and altogether different Super Chet.

See Also:

• 7685 Atkins Axe
• 7681 Super Axe
• 7682 Super Axe

Comments

1. cyclopssam wrote:

   oh..well.......as my mamma use to say if you don't have any thing nice to say DON'T say anything at all!.... just a blip in time, i never could get any of the switches to work(out of the 5 that i've played)---PASS ~sigh~

   — Jan 23, 2007 10:51 p.m.

2. ser40sw wrote:

   i've had my super axe since it was new. all onboard effects still work like new. it is and always has been a sweet player.

   — Feb 14, 2007 10:34 a.m.

3. nikita wrote:

   This guitar is a work of art, and I don't mean wiggs. That french curve from the upper bout through the lower is gorgeous and the waist suggests a voluptuous woman. The fingerboard predates the wide-thin of the PRS line, and the pickups sound great straight. I lose volume using the electronics as others have reported. But the body is MAPLE! Mine even has birdseyes.

   — Oct 27, 2007 10:16 p.m.