D'Angelico Excel
Atkins purchased this Excel in 1950 and soon after added a metal bridge, Vibrola, two pickups, volume controls, jack, and pickup selector switch. He relied on this guitar throughout his early career as a session guitarist and solo artist in the early 1950s, as well as with Mother Maybelle and the Carter Sisters. June Carter accidentally broke the guitar's neck in 1953, but it was restored and later used on his 1996 album, Almost Alone .
GALLERY: Chet Atkins at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
See the guitars the legendary picker used throughout his career. Photos by Chris Kies
By Rebecca DirksJul 25, 2012
Rebecca Dirks
Rebecca Dirks graduated from the University of Iowa with degrees in journalism and art, and joined Premier Guitar as an intern in 2007. She lives in the Iowa City area with her husband, two giant dogs, and more cats than are appropriate to mention. When not petsitting, she enjoys challenging herself in the kitchen, watching the Packers dominate, and discovering new music or rediscovering old favorites.