The Gretsch Pages

<p><p>Like the Atkins Axe, the Super Axe was released in 1977 and was supposed to offer a completely modern instrument for the rock guitarist. </p> <p>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. </p> <p>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. </p> <p>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. </p> <p>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 &quot;Horseshoe&quot; Bigsby combination. </p> <p>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. </p> <p>Note that the Super Axe should not be confused with the much more ornate and altogether different Super Chet. </p>

See Also:

• 7685 Atkins Axe
• 7682 Super Axe
• 7681 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.