Page 1 of 1

2005 Gibson Montana Chet Atkins Studio CE 100% turn around.

PostPosted: Fri Apr 04, 2014 4:05 pm
by Skip
[img]
Closer%20Barbera%20preamp.JPG
[/img]
Closer Barbera saddle.JPG
New saddle
Closer Barbera preamp.JPG
New preamp
I'm not sure if all the Montana Chet Atkins Studio CE's sound the same as My 2005 did, But I was not happy with the sound quality of the preamp or the pickup. The Guitar is the same as the older Studio built and woods used. But until I replaced the pickup and preamp with the Barbera pickup and AB2 active preamp, it was a 100% change in sound. It now sounds as good or better than My older 1993 Gibson Chet Atkins Studio CEC. I can compare them because I have both, and when I purchaced the 2005 studio, I couldn't believe the electronics could sound so bad for a 4,000 dollar guitar. It now sounds like it should have from day one. I wrote this for those Who own This model don't get ridd of this very well built guitar it just need,s better electronic's other wise it's a beautiful instrument.
The main reason for this post is, I see people selling these models cheap,($1,500.00 ), " GRAB IT " they listed for over $4,000.00 and only made for a five year period.

Re: 2005 Gibson Montana Chet Atkins Studio CE 100% turn arou

PostPosted: Fri Apr 04, 2014 5:57 pm
by BillB
I almost suggested this recently on a discussion about a "Montana" Studio Classic on eBay, and I think your guitar was the reason that I was thinking it. I put a Barbera pickup in my Takamine using the existing preamp, and it really sounds good. If I had one of those Montana's, I would likely do the same as you did. The Barbera is a great pickup, and it sounds so much more natural than other nylon string pickups. He also makes them for steel-string, but I haven't heard a guitar that has one.

Bill B.

Re: 2005 Gibson Montana Chet Atkins Studio CE 100% turn arou

PostPosted: Thu Apr 10, 2014 7:45 am
by Skip
Well Bill, when I heard the Barbera saddle in Kirk's guitar's, I knew it would sound great in Mine, because it's built of same woods and style as the guitar I heard it in. If I wasn't a CAAS member, and seeing it Live in The Sands Room, I most likely would have gotten ridd of this guitar. Because it didn't have a high quality electronic system. I wrote Gibson and asked them, why would You do that after building a beautiful guitar.

Re: 2005 Gibson Montana Chet Atkins Studio CE 100% turn arou

PostPosted: Thu Apr 10, 2014 3:41 pm
by PhilHunt
Skip, you'll win the lottery 2 times in a row and get struck by lightning before you get a response from Gibson.

Re: 2005 Gibson Montana Chet Atkins Studio CE 100% turn arou

PostPosted: Thu Apr 10, 2014 4:02 pm
by Skip
Hi Phil, In that case they didn't respond. But I had questions on another Gibson I thought might be a fake, and they asked for pictures and meassurement's, and siad it was infact a real Gibson BB King Lucille. All within a few days. They also told Me how to take the cover plate off the EQ. of the Montana Studio CE when I asked how to get at it. I was supprised how easy it is, two small magnets hold it in place just put Your fingernails in the slots and lift straight up. I hope this don't mean I'm going to get struck by lightning LOL.

I I posted a picture of the cover removed and the two round magnets.

Re: 2005 Gibson Montana Chet Atkins Studio CE 100% turn arou

PostPosted: Sun Jun 15, 2014 2:43 pm
by bobbydino88
hi my name is dino I'm very interested in the guitar that you have for sale please give me a call as soon as you receive this message my number is 917-500-9695

Re: 2005 Gibson Montana Chet Atkins Studio CE 100% turn arou

PostPosted: Sun Jun 15, 2014 5:34 pm
by Eddie Estes
I agree with Phil. Gibson made some great guitars. Their customer service is the pits.

Re: 2005 Gibson Montana Chet Atkins Studio CE 100% turn arou

PostPosted: Thu Jul 03, 2014 9:25 am
by Skip
Hi Dino, The guitar is not for sale, I'm just showing how You can change the saddle and preamp for a better over all tone than the original electronic's that came in the guitar. These model's listed for $4,300.00 and I've seen them on ebay for as low as $1,500.00. But I never liked the tone until I installed the Barbera system. Now it sounds like a $4,000.00 guitar should.