Atlanta, GA – Summer ‘04

The Gretsch Company has contributed an extensive historical exhibit of musical instruments and company artifacts for display at the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta. The exhibit, organized with The Georgia Music Hall of Fame, is located in Concourse T of the Delta Terminal and stretches for over 300 feet. It is expected to be on display for several months.

Like the State Museum in Macon, the exhibit includes performance outfits, photos, instruments and various career memorabilia of Georgia’s most cherished artists. Some of the items on display from Gretsch include guitar models such as the White Falcon, Anniversary, Nashville and Artist Signature Series; Bo Diddley, Elliot Easton and Brian Setzer Hot Rod. Drum fans will find an authentic Tony Williams Signature Series drum kit on display. A historical documentary video that encompasses the 120 years of That Great Gretsch Sound will run continuously throughout the event. (more…)

Anaheim, CA January ‘04

With 1,340 companies exhibiting, this year’s Winter Namm Show was the largest attended ever. The allure of new gear and warm weather, made sunny California the place to be during a monumentally cold January. Music Industry people packed the convention center floor for the four-day event.

This year, Gretsch Products were on display throughout the convention center. The much sought after Gretsch Guitars hung upstairs in the Fender Room. Among the many new and updated models issued for 2004 was a beautiful US Custom Shop White Falcon. Very Pretty! Gretsch Drums were featured at the Kaman Music Booth in Hall B. Several new model variations and color combinations were on display as well as the impressive new Catalog for 2004. (more…)

Story by GretschDrums.Com November ‘03

On June 13th, Kaman Music joined Fred and Dinah Gretsch as they commemorated 120 years of “That Great Gretsch Sound” with a special celebration dinner at the Hartford Club.

As guests arrived, each was personally greeted and thanked by Fred and Dinah Gretsch. Following dinner, Kaman Music President, Bob Saunders spoke of the Gretsch/Kaman relationship and presented the Gretsch’s with a distinctive award – a beautiful Gretsch drum shell featuring each of Gretsch’s badges through the years. Paul Damiano, Kaman’s VP of Sales and Marketing and the Kaman Percussion Team presented Fred and Dinah with an award to celebrate the expanded box kit offering that Gretsch and Kaman have developed together. Modern Drummer Editor, Rick Van Horn was also on hand to present Fred and Dinah with an award to commemorate the milestone anniversary. (more…)

Story by Fender.Com November ‘03

Continuing its year-long celebration of 120 years of “That Great Gretsch Sound,” The Gretsch Company came out to Scottsdale, Arizona to throw a party near the headquarters of its newest business partner, Fender Musical Instruments Corporation. Held at the beautiful Millennium Resort on August 21st, the party was hosted by Fred and Dinah Gretsch, and was attended by three generations of Gretsch family members, Fender CEO Bill Schultz, Fender President Bill Mendello and more than 150 of Fender’s Arizona employees.

A warm, beautiful summer evening in the desert set the stage for a night of family and friends both old and new, as well a some great food and wonderful music! Following cocktails, drummer Vinnie Colaiuta led his quartet through some cool jazz numbers while Gretsch and Fender folk had the time to get to know each other a bit better. Since the relationship between Gretsch and Fender is still less than one year old, this provided a wonderful opportunity for the two groups to meet as family, and not just as business partners. (more…)

ATLANTA (April 2, 2003) – The Atlanta Chapter of the Recording Academy has selected James Brown, Leslie Fram, Fred & Dinah Gretsch and TLC as its 2003 Heroes Awards recipients. The Heroes Award is the highest honor bestowed by an Academy Chapter and is given to honor outstanding individuals and institutions in the Atlanta region that have improved the environment for the creative community. The gala event, which attracts recording artists, key entertainment executives and community leaders, will be held on Thursday, June 5, 2003, at the Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel (210 Peachtree Street, downtown Atlanta). Proceeds will benefit the Academy’s professional arts education programs for the music community of the Atlanta region and a portion to benefit the MusiCares Foundation – the Recording Academy’s health and human services charity.

The premiere event will commence at 6:30 p.m. with a VIP Press Reception and a special Silent Auction and cocktail hour, offering one-of-a-kind music memorabilia, as well as travel and entertainment packages. The Heroes Awards Dinner and Show begins at 8:00 p.m. and will recognize the esteemed honorees with VIP presenters and performances. Sponsorship packages and table sales are available by calling the Atlanta Chapter office at 404.249.8881. (more…)

Gretsch Booth – 1003

Gretsch Yes, it was another hot time hanging on the corner in Nashville with Gretsch at booth 1003. Folks from all over stopped by to say “hi” and check out all the Gretsch Products including: Drums, Guitars and Gear.

Those interested in the finest drums on the planet were treated to Custom Series, Grand Prix Walnut, Jazz Blue Pearls and of course, the legendary 6 ply snares; second-to-none in the business. It was a real treat for those who appreciate hand workmanship using the best materials; continuing in the Gretsch tradition since 1883. We happened to hear a great player lay down some beats on a USA Maple kit with a satin blue oil finish. Hands down, it was the best sounding kit on the floor: the kick was round and warm….tight(in the pocket) snare…..the toms were full and perfectly balanced….The overall sound can best be described as “satisfying.” (more…)

Factory Tour

Gretsch Gretsch artist, Elliot Easton, recently made a stop at the Gretsch guitar factory while on tour with Creedence Clearwater Revisited. The band was scheduled to perform at the beautiful Harbour Town Resort on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Before the show, Elliot took time to visit the Ridgeland S.C. Plant to check out the recent developments from Gretsch guitars. Elliot was stunned when he saw the over whelming display of sweet looking lefties! Accompanied by President, Fred Gretsch, Elliot sampled a few choice axes fresh from the factory floor, including a few of his namesake, Signature Model Jets as well as an incredible Smoke Green Anniversary, a Synchromatic Historic, a “Get Square” Bo Diddley and a beautiful ‘59 Re-Issue White Falcon. (more…)