Michael Magno of The Villains recently spoke to Gearwire about his Gibson acoustic. The band is about to head out on tour in support of their new record, Just Another Saturday Night. That acoustic (a J-180) isn’t the only Gibson Magno uses. He also has a Gibson Chet Atkins SST, which he will not be bringing on tour for a specific problem he says exists in all of the SSTs.

Tell me a little about your Chet Atkins SST?

I certainly love the tone of this instrument. It has an altogether unique sound that places it in a category all itself as far as semi hollow bodies go. I also like the fact that I bought this off a very close friend so I know the history of the guitar.

What amp do you find works best with this guitar--or are there many?

I have played this guitar directly thru a pa and thru several amps. I have never had a problem getting a great tone in all situations. My favorite sound I must say is going direct and/or thru an amp designed for acoustics.

Do you use effects? Talk to me a little about those and the chain you use?

There are several pedals I am never without. Of course, a boss tuner. My other fav pedal is a boss eq. I've used one in every configuration of pedal schemes since I've been playing. They're great with any guitar rig for enhancing a nominal sound; I use mine in my acoustic rig whenever I start to finger pluck. I guess you can say that I'm a devoted boss fan although I'm just now starting to branch my taste out and experiment with some boutique pedals.

When do you play the Chet Atkins? What style do you feel it is best suited for?

I have used my Chet mainly for acoustic rhythm in a band format. For years I brought it mainly because I never had to worry about feedback if I was using it and I could eq for any situation. I also used it in a band format to give a different texture of rhythm, as opposed to my Tele or regular acoustic.

Have you had any problems with the guitar--big or small?

My Chet luckily has only given me one problem that I'm still trying to remedy. There apparently is a flaw in the pickup design that many users have come to expect. The Chet SST's start to "crackle" in subtle volumes over time. I have sent it to Gibson several times and they've had no luck repairing it. And since the SST's aren't produced anymore, you can't find replacement pickups for them either. My guitar tech is working on a modified solution but for now, I haven't played the Chet in over a year. When I find a solution I will get back to you! And probably offer it in a blog somewhere.