Gretsch drums were born in Brooklyn, New York in 1883. They were proudly crafted in the vibrant city for the better part of the 20th Century. Brooklyn and Gretsch share an inseparable history that is part of American music history and folklore. It is a shared legacy that cannot be duplicated. Today, Brooklyn represents a renaissance community that vibrates with contemporary artistic expression, youthful innovation and passionate musical commitment. Gretsch Brooklyn series celebrates the rejuvenated Brooklyn city passion and spirit and expands on its distinctive shared American experience.

Gretsch Brooklyn Series

Sound

Rooted in classic Gretsch design, Brooklyn delivers vintage Gretsch tones that are full, punchy and warm. These classic tones are modified by the 6-ply North American maple/ poplar shells and “302″ hoops. Innovative specs drive a new Gretsch tonal characteristic that is slightly more open and ambient. Brooklyn drums sound like classic Gretsch drums, but speak with their own sonic personality.
The Shells

All Brooklyn drums feature 6-ply North American maple/ poplar shells. Toms are .220″ thick and snare and bass drums shells are .310″ thick, slightly thicker than standard USA Custom shells. All shells have the proprietary Gretsch 30-degree bearing edge. Shell interiors are finished with classic Gretsch Silver Sealer. Each shell comes with a distinctive Brooklyn internal shell label that contains drum shell model number and serial number.

The Hardware

Brooklyn toms and snares come fitted on batter and resonant side with the new Gretsch “302″ hoop. At 3mm thick and double-flanged, it is reminiscent of hoops used by Gretsch up until the mid 1950’s. The 302 hoop has the same height profile as the classic Gretsch die-cast hoop to provide a playing experience that feels the same as traditional Gretsch USA Custom drums. All other drum hardware components – lugs, claws, brackets, spurs, etc – are the same that is used on Gretsch USA Custom.

Snare Drum

Gretsch Brooklyn series metal snare drums add another professional and distinctive voice to the Gretsch snare line up. The straight-sided chrome over brass shell (with Gretsch center knurl pattern) is offered in two sizes, 5×14 (8 lug) and 6.5×14 (10 lug). Also offered is hammered chrome over brass shell in 6.5×14 (10 lug). All shells include Gretsch “302″ 3mm/double-flanged hoops, Lightning throw off and butt plate, “Snap-in” drum key holder, 20-strand snare wire and Gretsch Permatone drum heads. The brass shells resonate with classic, musical tones and are extremely versatile. The “302″ hoops provide a timbre that is more open and ambient than traditional Gretsch die-cast hoops.

The Badge

The return to Brooklyn means a return to a Round Badge. The Brooklyn Round Badge has a black/pewter color scheme with classic embossed Gretsch design.

The Finishes

Satin Finish Colrs: Mahogany (SM), Dark Ebony (SDE), Tobasco (ST), Emerald Green (SEG)
Nitron (Wrap) Finish Colors: Vintage Cream Oyster (CO), Smoke Grey Oyster (GO), Ruby Red Oyster (RO), Royal Blue Oyster (BO)

Brooklyn Series Colors

Series Specs

Shell: Gretsch Maple/American Poplar 6-Ply
Bearing Edge: Gretsch Style 30-degree
Hardware: USA Custom drum hardware in chrome
Shell Interior: Gretsch Silver Sealer with serialized Brooklyn shell label
Hoops: “302″ double-flanged 3.0mm
Badges: Brooklyn Round Badge
Configurations: 6 total configurations
Finishes: 4 Satin, 4 Nitron
BD Hoops/Satin: Maple hoops finished in satin natural
BD Hoops/Nitron: Maple hoops finished in satin black with matching inlay
Drum Heads: Gretsch Permatone by Remo

Brooklyn Metal Snare Drums

Shell: Rolled 1.1mm brass with center knurl pattern or 1.1mm hammered brass
Finish: Chrome with chrome hardware
Hoops: Gretsch “302″ 3mm, double flanged
Throw-off: Lighting Throw-off / Butt plate
Snare Wires: 20 Strand
Heads: Permatone coated batter with white sound dot and clear snare-side heads
Features: Snap-in key holder

For all the details and more photos, please visit the GretschDrums website.

Dinah Gretsch began the lunch by thanking everyone for all their hard work during the year and acknowledged the very important role that they play in upholding the Gretsch tradition for quality and for creating “That Great Gretsch Sound”. Fourth Generation family member Fred Gretsch further demonstrated the long history of this tradition by showing images of some of the earliest Gretsch drums from the pages of a 1912 Gretsch catalog.

With demand for Gretsch USA drums growing all around the world, the factory has recently been expanding its production staff.  So the holiday lunch also provided a great opportunity for the Gretsches to get to know better the newest members of the drum-making team.

Front row:  Mrs. Dinah Gretsch, Tonya Munn, Lorena Ortuno, Juana Nunez, Emilia Ortiz, Maria Perez, Barbara Fennell, Harry Dailey, Paul Cooper.

Back row:  Mr. Fred Gretsch, Joshua Safer, Craig Johansen, Lee Vallier, Matt Collett, Adam Dycus.

]]> http://blog.gretsch.com/dinah-and-fred-gretsch-host-drum-makers-holiday-lunch/2011/12/feed/ 0 http://blog.gretsch.com/christmas-4-kids-concert-gretsch-guitar-auction/2011/12/ http://blog.gretsch.com/christmas-4-kids-concert-gretsch-guitar-auction/2011/12/#comments Mon, 05 Dec 2011 08:20:21 +0000 eKeffer78635 http://blog.gretsch.com/?p=2479 From the Christmas 4 Kids Organizers:

Santa & Mrs. Claus and the Gretsches pictured with a Gretsch Country Gentleman guitar.

This year was the 10^th Anniversary of the Charlie Daniels and Friends Concert benefiting Christmas 4 Kids (C4K).  The concert was held on Monday, November 21 at The Ryman Auditorium and was the 10^th consecutive sellout event.  With so much to celebrate, the Gretsches sent another amazing guitar to be auctioned off.  This year’s guitar has previously been exhibited at the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in Macon, Georgia, as well as at the Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta Airport in a Georgia Music Hall of Fame exhibit.  It has been photographed extensively and admired by musicians and the public alike.

The winning bid went to the Erickson family from Des Moines, Iowa.  They were on their way to spend Thanksgiving with their family and heard about the C4K concert on a Nashville event calendar.  Being avid country music fans, they decided to stop; however, the concert was sold out.  As they were discussing what to do, a gentleman overheard them and offered his tickets to the Ericksons.  Mr. Erickson offered to pay him, but the man said, “Go and enjoy – in the end, it’s all for the kids.”

Cole Erickson happily accepting his family's new Gretsch Guitar.

The Ericksons placed the first bid on the guitar and as the bidding was about to close, checked their status on the list and saw that someone had bid higher than they had.  So, at the last minute, they placed the winning bid.  Fred and Dinah Gretsch presented the Erickson’s son, Cole, with the prized guitar on the Ryman stage.  Clearly, an event this young man won’t forget.  Needless to say, the Ericksons have said that the Christmas 4 Kids concert is going to be a new annual Thanksgiving tradition for the family.

C4K wants to extend their deepest gratitude for the support that the Gretsch Foundation continues to show through their donation of guitars for the concert auctions.  Most importantly, Christmas 4 Kids appreciates Fred and Dinah Gretsch’s personal commitment to the children and their valued friendship.

For more information on Christmas 4 Kids, please visit their website.

For more information on the Gretsch Foundation, click here.

Ten years ago today, the world lost George Harrison–the Beatles’ “quiet” lead guitarist and spiritual explorer who added both rock ‘n’ roll flash and a touch of the mystic to the band’s timeless magic.

Harrison died on November 29, 2001 in Los Angeles following a battle with cancer.  “He left this world as he lived in it, conscious of God, fearless of death, and at peace, surrounded by family and friends,” the Harrison family said in a statement shortly after his passing. “He often said, ‘Everything else can wait but the search for God cannot wait, and love one another.’”

George accomplished much during his life.  He was a guitarist, singer-songwriter, actor, film producer, humanitarian, and avid gardener.  In the early 70s he grew “tired of people saying, ‘But what can I do?’” and organized hugely successful benefit concerts for Bangladesh.  George also had a keen sense of humor, as could be seen when he made a cameo appearance as the Interviewer in Eric Idle’s 1978 film, All You Need Is Cash, about a rock band called “The Rutles”.  According to George, the parody told the Beatles’ story “much better than the usual boring documentary.” Of course, at millennium’s end George–along with Paul and Ringo–took part in one of the biggest documentary projects ever with the Anthology film/disc/book series.

Among George’s other accomplishments was the formation of the successful group the Traveling Wilburys in 1988 with Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne, and Roy Orbison.  In 2001, he also oversaw the reissue of his great solo work, All Things Must Pass, marking its 30th anniversary. The double-disc included a new version of the classic “My Sweet Lord”, which remains a masterpiece today.

Earlier this year, Gretsch proudly introduced a special limited-edition instrument—the Gretsch Custom Shop G6128T-GH George Harrison “Tribute” Duo Jet—in his honor.  Producing the replica of George’s prized Duo Jet, the guitar he often referred to as his first truly good guitar, was a labor of love for those involved.  With only 60 pieces produced, the guitar meticulously replicated the all-black 6128 Duo Jet George purchased in the summer of 1961 and used with the Beatles through the spring of 1963.  Every scratch, ding, and rust spot of George’s guitar can be found on the tribute model including a black Phillips head pivot bolt on the Bigsby® B6C tailpiece arm and the offset strap button on the lower bout relocated to accommodate the Bigsby.

George and his Duo Jet can be heard on many early Beatles’ recordings.  And although George used other guitars during his career including a Gretsch Country Gentleman and Tennessean, when it came to deciding on a guitar to be pictured with on the cover of his 1987 album Cloud Nine, George selected his beloved Duo Jet.

George earned an Academy Award with the Beatles in 1970 and received the first Billboard Century Award given out in 1992.  He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004 and also given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2009.  His impact on music and the world will not soon be forgotten.

Upon learning of George’s passing ten years ago, the Gretsch family had this to say:
We sadly mourn the tragic loss of our good friend and brother. Thanks for making our world a better place, George.  We love you.

Cover of the new LIFE magazine commemorative book about George Harrison. Credit: LIFE Magazine

The Brooklyn Series kits will officially launch in 2012.

New Gretsch Brooklyn Series at PASIC 2011

Stay tuned for more details to come.

Check out Drum! Magazine’s report and video here.

Costumed Characters at Opening Ceremony

On October 14 and 15, 2011 the Bigsby Division of the Gretsch Company was honored to exhibit at the United States Patent and Trademark Office’s (USPTO) National Trademark Expo held at their headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia for a second time.

The annual event, with the goal of educating the public about the value of trademarks in the global marketplace, highlighted such themes as “non-traditional trademarks” and “brand evolution” and featured educational seminars and workshops suited for both adults and children. In addition, exhibits of authentic and counterfeit goods, children’s story time, and the always-popular costumed trademarked characters helped draw attention to the different types of trademarks and the importance of protecting trademark rights. Open to the general public, the Expo also drew enthusiastic groups of children from area schools and club groups who enjoyed the various exhibitor booths which were designed to be both educational and entertaining. This year’s Expo was the USPTO’s biggest to date with over 16,000 visitors attending over the two days.

Enrique Romero with Chubby Checker at the USPTO Expo Bigsby Booth

The opening ceremony on Friday featured special remarks, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and music by the US Air Force’s rock band Max Impact. A guest appearance by the legendary Chubby Checker and some new trademarked costumed characters including The Pink Panther and The Very Hungry Catepillar also helped kick off the event. A specially-arranged musical performance took place at the Bigsby and Gretsch booth both days. A young, local guitarist named Enrique Romero helped entertain Expo-goers as they made their rounds through the exhibition. On Friday Enrique was paid a special visit by Chubby Checker who listened attentively while he played and then offered his encouragement. Enrique’s performances became so popular that he played more frequently than originally scheduled—performing every hour during the afternoon on Saturday. The costumed trademarked characters joined in the fun and danced along during many of Enrique’s performances to onlookers’ delight.

Enrique Romero Performing at Expo

Another Expo highlight was when Deborah Cohn, the Commissioner for Trademarks, made a special point of introducing herself to all exhibitors and personally providing each with a copy of a Congressional Record honoring the Expo and exhibitors selected to participate in 2011. Bigsby was one of only 27 companies selected to exhibit this year. The distinctive trademarked shape of Bigsby’s famous vibrato tailpieces was in good company with other internationally-familiar trademarks belonging to other such notable exhibitors as Mattel Inc., Segway Inc., the U.S. Department of the Army, Bridgestone Corporation, Caterpillar Inc, Geico, and The Hershey Company.

Bigsby was able to demonstrate the practical use of trademarks and patents as applied to something as fun and universal as making music. Many in attendance were surprised to learn how much the Bigsby inventions have impacted popular music as created by artists like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. In fact, Gretsch guitars have featured Bigsby vibrato tailpieces for more than fifty years. This year’s Bigsby/Gretsch display demonstrated the importance of Bigsby trademarks and the impact they have as source identifiers in the marketplace. Like most effective trademarks, the very shape of Bigsby tailpieces identifies them—even at a distance, when the brand name cannot be read. This allows Bigsby-equipped guitars to be recognized on concert stages and video broadcasts around the world. The inherent distinctiveness of the Bigsby tailpiece design has aided the Gretsch Company in getting the protectable portions registered. This, in turn, has helped Gretsch to pursue its campaign (as part of the Electric Guitar Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition) to stem the proliferation of counterfeit instruments wherever they are manufactured.

For more information on the USPTO, go to www.uspto.gov

For more information on Bigsby products and the Gretsch/Bigsby connection, go to the Bigsby site.

Videos from the Expo can be viewed at Bigsby’s YouTube page.

The Annual Savannah Folk Music Festival began with a huge crowd in attendance at 7 pm on Friday, October 7, in Ellis Square with “FOLKFEST” showcasing Savannah Folk Music Society Members. The large audience, seated all around ELLIS Square and in the courtyard at City Market was entertained with a variety of different styles of music from the many genres that make up folk music. The Old Folkers, Jean Paul and Dominique Carton, Jamison Murphy, Hanson & Amburgey, Michael Maddox and Savannah Folk Music Society President Chris Desa performed for and were applauded by an appreciative audience of local area residents and out of town visitors who enjoyed the show.  The best part was the ticket price . . . FREE.

Chris Desa (left) and Fred Gretsch (right) on WTOC11

On October 5th, Chris Desa and Fred Gretsch were hosted by local TV station WTOC on “Mid-Morning Live” to promote the festival and acknowledge the continued generosity and support of the GRETSCH FOUNDATION, with their donations of guitars for the Noteworthy Art Auction, which is the largest fund raiser for the festival. The entire interview and an abridged version of Chris’s rendition of Chet Aktins’ favorite tune “I Still Can’t Say Goodbye” can be viewed here.

Noteworthy Art and More Auctions

Friday, October 7, and Sunday, October 9 (Ellis Square and Forsyth Park)

All 14 guitars, generously donated by the GRETSCH FOUNDATION were sold at silent auction during the Friday and Sunday events. One brand new playable Gretsch Historic Series guitar, signed by all performers at the Sunday concert, was auctioned and sold on October 9th at Forsyth Park.

Collage Created by Helen Weitz

Additionally, a special multimedia art collage, created by Helen Weitz, was sold to the highest bidder on Sunday.

Saturday Old Time Country Dance:  October 8th

Notre Dame Academy Gym was decorated with numerous colorful quilts in preparation for the Festival Dance, which was again very well attended by nearly 250 people, which also included a newlywed couple (regulars at SFMS dances) and their wedding party. The April Verch Band provided excellent music throughout the evening with veteran dance caller Janet Shepherd relied on to “call” and guide novices and veterans alike through a myriad of contras, squares, waltzes, and circle dances. April also gave the dancers a demonstration of her excellent dancing and fiddle-playing skills.

Sunday Concert at Forsyth Park: October 9th

Despite the threatening inclement weather, due to a developing gale offshore, the Festival began on schedule in Forsyth Park with Four Shillings Short, Boo Hanks, April Verch Band, and Tom Chapin each performing two sets for the benefit of audience members who could attend only a portion of the concert. It was a treat to see longtime fans of the performers position themselves on the grass in beautiful Forsyth Park, with small picnics and lawn chairs facing the band shell. Many others chose the steps in front of the fountain to gain a closer and better view. Every artiste gave a stellar performance to an appreciative and attentive audience scattered all over Forsyth Park

The wind and rain came down in full force for the latter half of the festival when Four Shillings Short and Boo Hanks took the stage for their second set, but many of the “die hard” folk music fans in rain coats and umbrellas stayed put. The remaining devoted audience members were invited onto the stage under the shelter of the band shell, for an up-close-and-personal concert for the second set of The April Verch Band and Tom Chapin.

Overall, the festival was a great success and next year we will be back in our usual location at Grayson Stadium, which was unavailable to us this year due to a previous commitment by the Sand Gnats said Chris Desa. The collective efforts of our SFMS leadership, members, volunteers, and numerous sponsors are greatly appreciated.

Major Festival Sponsors

City of Savannah Leisure Services Bureau:  Dept of Cultural Affairs

The Gretsch Foundation

Portman’s Music Superstore/ Brighter Day Natural Foods / The River-FM 98.7

For more information call (912) 355-7172 or visit www.savannahfolk.org.

Get exhibition details and see exclusive online content here. Educational materials for children, families, and teachers recently added!

^{iPHONE APP AVAILABLE HERE! ANDROID USERS, CLICK HERE.}

Schedule of Upcoming Special Programs: (All times are Central and subject to change)

Past Program Videos/Photos:

Photos from the October 1 concert in salute of Chet by Joe Robinson and Pat Bergeson can be viewed here.

The August 27 concert by Tommy Emmanuel, C.G.P., in salute of Chet Atkins can be viewed online along with photos from the concert.

A video of the August 13 standing-room-only panel discussion with Steve Wariner, C.G.P.; Billy Edd Wheeler; and Paul Yandell, C.G.P., can be viewed here.

Check out photos from the August 10 Opening Reception here.

CHRISTMAS 4 KIDS – 11/21
On November 21, Charlie Daniels Band & Friends held a sold-out benefit concert at the Ryman Auditorium. A Gretsch Chet Atkins Country Gentleman guitar was auctioned as part of their fundraising efforts.

BIGSBY AT PHILLY GUITAR SHOW – 11/12 & 11/13
The Great American Fall Guitar Show took place November 12-13 in Philadelphia at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center. Bigsby was there with a full line of products, demo guitars, as well as free installations and “pit-stop” program.  Read more.

BIGSBY AT GUITARLINGTON – 10/15 & 10/16
Bigsby, along with Tom “TV” Jones and Gretsch Guitars, exhibited at the GuitArlington guitar show on 10/15 & 10/16.  This one-stop GUITAR EXTRAVAGANZA included FREE Bigsby Installations (with restrictions) and guitar setups by TV Jones.  Also offered were Bigsby Pit-Stops–a “refresher” for Bigsby-equipped guitars where our Bigsby technician checked to ensure guitars brought in by show attendees were at their tip-top vibrato playing performance. Read more.

USPTO Trademark Expo – 10/14 & 10/15
Bigsby & Gretsch exhibited at the USPTO Trademark Expo held at their headquarters in Alexandria, VA. The annual event is designed to educate the public about the value of trademarks in the global marketplace.  This year included a special musical performance by a talented young guitar player named Enrique.  Enrique was joined by the legendary Chubby Checker on Friday and by a variety of costumed characters on Saturday. Check out photos and videos from the event here.

THE SAVANNAH FOLK MUSIC FESTIVAL & NOTEWORTHY ART GUITAR AUCTION – 10/7 to 10/9
The Gretsch Foundation—the charitable arm of The Gretsch Family—proudly supported the 2011 Savannah Folk Music Festival.  The Festival kicked off Friday, 10/7, with concert performances in Savannah’s Ellis Square and part one of the “Noteworthy Art” guitar auction and concluded on Sunday, 10/9, with more music in Forsyth Park along with part two of the guitar auction.  More information on the festival can be found here.

Fred Gretsch & Chris Desa, president of the Savannah Folk Music Society, appeared on WTOC11’s Mid-Morning Live on 10/5 to discuss the festival and Noteworthy Art guitar auction. Watch the program here. Immediately afterward, Chris performed a song on a beautiful art guitar he purchased at last year’s auction. Watch his performance.  WTOC11 also aired a story covering the festival’s opening night.

GRETSCH NASHVILLE ROUNDUP WEEKEND – 9/30 to 10/2
The Gretsch Nashville Roundup happened over the last weekend in September. Our friends at GretschPages.com facilitated live streaming for those who couldn’t attend. In case you didn’t catch it, check out some videos from the weekend here. It was another great Roundup that included a special visit from Duane & Deed Eddy.

FRED & JOE SHOW CANADIAN TOUR – 9/25 to 9/28
Fred Gretsch & Joe Carducci took their “Fred & Joe Show” to Canada beginning with GuitarWorks in Calgary on 9/23, followed by the Edmonton Fall Guitar Show on 9/25, and the WestEnd Rock Shop on 9/26. Gretsch artist Paul Pigat also conducted a guitar workshop and clinic on 9/28 at Avenue Guitars in Edmonton.  Check out some event pictures here.

GRETSCH AT ABBEY ROAD ON THE RIVER – 9/1 to 9/5
Another great event at Abbey Road on the River in DC took place over Labor Day weekend. The Fred & Joe Show brought standing-room-only crowds. A Gretsch guitar was also auctioned to help American Red Cross fundraising efforts bringing in $4,500.  A fun, spontaneous sing-along broke out in front of the Gretsch exhibit while attendees waited for the doors to open for the “LOVE” performance. Check it out here.

CHET ATKINS: CERTIFIED GUITAR PLAYER EXHIBITION OPENING – 8/10
A special exhibition opening reception took place Wednesday evening, August 10, at The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum in advance of the exhibit opening to the public on August 12.  During the exhibition opening weekend, the public was able to enjoy an exhibit introduction and talk by a Museum curator; a panel discussion featuring Ray Stevens, Steve Wariner, and Billy Edd Wheeler and illustrated with photos, film footage, and recordings from the Museum’s Frist Library and Archive; film screenings; and much more.  The exhibition runs until June of 2012.  Check out pictures from reception here.

CREAM CITY MUSIC – 7/23
July 23 was “All About Gretsch Day” at Cream City Music in Brookfield, WI. George Harrison Tribute Duo Jet display, door prizes, presentations, and a whole lot more! Check out a video of the display here.

SUMMER NAMM – 7/21 to 7/23
Summer NAMM 2011 included the Wanna Play Music public day on Saturday, 7/23.  The Bigsby booth was a hopping place featuring a display of all Bigsby vibrato models, handles, books, as well as guitars equipped with the appropriate vibratos. Get all the details here.

BALTO-DC ROUNDUP – 7/23
At the Harford Park Community Assoc Center in Baltimore on Saturday, July 23. Attendees were treated to a trivia contest, giveaways, and much more with live coverage that began at 4 p.m. Check out videos from this terrific event here.

CHET ATKINS APPRECIATION SOCIETY CONVENTION – 7/13 to 7/16
The 27th Annual “CAAS” (Chet Atkins Appreciation Society) convention took place at the Sheraton Music City Hotel in Nashville from July 13 to 16. Folks from around the globe once again gathered to pay homage to Chet Atkins at this annual event. Gretsch Guitars and local Gretsch dealer, Broadway Sound, had a magnificent display honoring Atkins with his signature model Gretsch guitars, rare vintage photos & memorabilia.  More info here.

SWEETWATER GEARFEST – 6/24 to 6/25
Gretsch Guitars was at Sweetwater’s GearFest 2011 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Fred Gretsch, Joe Carducci, and Paul Pigat attended with a special presentation at 1:30 p.m. on June 25. Check out a video of Fred & Joe talking with Mitch Gallagher here.

GRETSCH DAY AT STREETSOUNDS – 6/18
Gretsch Day at StreetSounds in Brooklyn, NY happened on Saturday, June 18. Included in the festivities were the Fred & Joe Show presentation, a performance by Gretsch artist Paul Pigat, an appearance by the lovely Kim Falcon, prizes, in-store sales, and a walking tour of the Williamsburg neighborhood by Fred Gretsch.  View videos from the event here.

Every so often fate aligns to bring major figures in music history together unexpectedly. Such an alignment occurred this past September 26.

Two Icons of The Music Industry: Randy Bachman and Fred W. Gretsch.

It happened when Gretsch Company president Fred W. Gretsch and Canadian rock great Randy Bachman (founding member of The Guess Who) met in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Fred was there—in tandem with Gretsch Guitars product manager Joe Carducci—for the pair’s popular “Fred & Joe Show”, Canadian tour edition. Randy was there to sign copies of his recently released book, Randy Bachman’s Vinyl Tap Stories.

“The Fred & Joe Show” is the only event of its kind in the music industry. Where else can guitarists and music fans learn about the history of Gretsch instruments, the Gretsch Company, and the Gretsch family—all directly from the man whose name is on the products? The show combines rare film clips and photos with Fred’s personal reminiscences and anecdotes, creating a direct connection between the past, present, and future of Gretsch guitars.

Guess Who Founding Guitarist Randy Bachman (Center, Left) and Gretsch Company President Fred W. Gretsch (Center, Right) are Flanked by Angela Owen and Al Dobish, Owners of Edmonton’s WestEnd Rock Shop.

Over the past four years Fred Gretsch and Joe Carducci have logged thousands of miles, taking their uniquely educational and entertaining presentation to music stores and guitar shops across North America. The Canadian tour included stops at GuitarWorks in Calgary, the Edmonton Fall Guitar Show, and Edmonton’s WestEnd Rock Shop.  These shows were extra special due to the addition of a George Harrison tribute–a traveling exhibit of George Harrison memorabilia commemorating the Gretsch G6128T-GH George Harrison signature Duo Jet guitar.  View more tour pictures.

Randy Bachman’s Vinyl Tap Stories features tales and anecdotes taken from Randy’s popular Saturday-night show on Canadian Broadcasting Company (CBC) radio. Included are stories about making music, discovering new guitar licks, and the often meandering route to achieving commercial success in the music business. Randy’s stories are told with humility and a folksy charm. Though a star in his own right, he describes the euphoria associated with meeting his own music idols, including Gretsch guitar great Chet Atkins. To bring the reader more closely into the musical context of the book, each chapter ends with a suggested playlist, while other individual cuts are referenced throughout.

Randy Bachman’s Vinyl Tap Stories is full of incredible stories about many of rock’s greatest artists—taken from the memory vault of one of the best-known among them.  Read a review.