Chet Atkins CE info needed

[Ihate100bees]

I am looking for information regarding the check Atkins nylon string guitars. Which model, absolutely has the best sound? I have been told that these guitars were manufactured between 1982 and 2005 and that there were many changes to the electronics. Anyone know the better, or best years? What would I expect to pay for one of these in good to mint condition? Also, what is your opinion on the price of $1000 for a 1984 model CE, that has had a factory cream color re-paint, covering a Pickgaurd, that you can barely see the outline? Any info is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[Norm]

I don't know about the rest of the stuff but

"...Also, what is your opinion on the price of $1000 for a 1984 model CE, that has had a factory cream color re-paint, covering a Pickgaurd, that you can barely see the outline?..."

That is a question only you can answer. Obviously you have seen the guitar or pictures of it and we have not. Seems to me, what's more important is whether the pickup works the way it is supposed to. Gibson allegedly had issues there but, again, no way to pinpoint exactly when this was a problem

[RonBloor]

Mine is a 1989 model year.. The pickups in some of the models made during the 90s were different and to my understanding they were inferior. However, I believe that all the pickups during the 80s were the same. Mine has individual adjustments for each string (small pots) inside the electronics cover on the back of the guitar. There are some of these guitars floating around that have had the pickups and/or electronics replaced, because when they require fixing, the parts are impossible to find.
During the 80s, the bodies were made from one solid piece of mahogany... They are very heavy. During the 90s they started routing them out.. so they are lighter. I'm not sure what year they started doing that, but you can tell by the weight of the guitar.
I would think that a repaint job of any kind would devalue the guitar.. $1K sounds too high for the guitar you have described.. IMHO.

[Ihate100bees]

Thanks much for the info. I have seen and played this instrument being offered for $1000.00 . You would not be able to tell it had been refinished unless held under a bright light. It's a factory refinish job. One of the salesmen informed me that some of the electronics changed through the year but wasn't sure when. So... I guess the CE's made in the '80's were the better, compared to the '90's? I've been told that these guitars go for about $1200 on the used market, but no one ever mentioned if there was a different price for older, or newer. My7 opinion is a re-finish takes it down to about a quarter of the value. What would you think is a fair price to offer on this one. other than the re-finish... it's in better than good, but NOT mint condition. It does have a few dings on the edge of the body, but that doesn't bother me. Personally, I thought that the neck was a little wide but... I guess that's just the way they are?
Thanks.

[Richard Hudson]

I am not an expert here but the CE neck is about 1 13/16" at the nut. Some say 1 7/8 but it is more like 1 13/16. The CEC has a 2" nut width. The CE's and CEC's are holding their value pretty good now, but if it were me I would probably bid about $700 on it and see what happens. If the condition is good and the electronics are in good shape I would probably chase it to about $800, maybe a smidge more if I had to (that is if I was in the market). Cash is king. If you pay by credit card the dealer will have to pay 2-5%, depending on his rate and the kind of card. So keep that in mind. Good luck.

[GaryL]

The best sounding nylon strings were the Gibson Studio's. If you can find one for $1K it's a steal and buy it. Personally, I would pass on the one you describe for $1K. I don't remember those having a pickguard. I think you can find one for ~$1K +/- if you wait without a repaint. I have an 80's version and it is really heavy. It's got great tone on all the amps I've tried it on and no complaints about the tone. It's like Chets, but it doesn't sound like Chet when I play it. Good luck.
GaryL

[David Elliott]

The best sounding nylon strings were the Gibson Studio's. If you can find one for $1K it's a steal and buy it. Personally, I would pass on the one you describe for $1K. I don't remember those having a pickguard. I think you can find one for ~$1K +/- if you wait without a repaint. I have an 80's version and it is really heavy. It's got great tone on all the amps I've tried it on and no complaints about the tone. It's like Chets, but it doesn't sound like Chet when I play it. Good luck.
GaryL

You're correct Gary, the Gibson CE/CEC did not have a pickguard. I suspect someone just put one of those glue-on guards on it and didn't like it, thus the paint job. Sounds like the guitar might be a little "high mileage" but sight unseen who knows? I don't think a thousand is too unrealistic if the guitar was in nice condition, but this one doesn't sound like it is...

David

[Ihate100bees]

Thanks so much for all your info. It has really helped educate myself on these models. The CE that Zi have been mentioning is at Gruhns. I did like the color of the refinish because it's nicely faded and checked with age, but I also think the price is too high yet... and they have already lowered for me, from $1200! I think Zi will continue to look for an early '80's CE in the Nstursl finish, for under $1200.00 .At this point I hardy doubt, they will take 800 for it. I spoke to George about the refinish and he seemed firm on it.