Gretsch: 130 years and four generations of strummin’ and drummin’

The small forest of guitars is tucked into what Fred W. Gretsch calls his “studio.”

To anybody who can play even a few chords, it’s more a Shangri-la.

Colorfully decorated Gretsch Super Axes flank richly wooded acoustic guitars and stylish Thunderbirds. Renowned Chet Atkins models dot the rows.

One instrument in particular garners Gretsch’s attention. The banjo is perhaps the most unassuming of the lot. The strings and head reflect its great age — it is a 1920s model — and the aluminum rim doesn’t shine like the metal parts of its peers in the collection.

But to Gretsch, the instrument signifies what has sustained his family’s business for 130 years.

Innovation and dedication.

“We started using aluminum for banjo rims in the 1920s, and the advances we made from there we drew on in building drums in the 1930s and 1940s,” Gretsch said. “What we learned from drums we put into practice at the dawn of the rock and roll era in the 1950s and on and on. We are a company that’s consistently built on its past.”

The company is celebrating that history this year. Gretsch is the fourth generation of his family to head the Pooler-based business since his great-grandfather, German immigrant Friedrich Gretsch, opened a small music shop in Brooklyn in 1883.

The original shop specialized in banjos, drums and tambourines. The company grew as the accordion and other band instruments gained popularity in the first half of the 1900s. Rock and roll guitars and drums made Gretsch a household name starting in the 1950s.

Fred Gretsch expects the company to thrive for several more generations and continue to be renowned for the “great Gretsch sound” made famous by music legends such as Chet Atkins, George Harrison, Charlie Watts, Davy Jones, Bono, Bo Diddley and Brian Setzer.

“Antonio Stradivarius also made amazing stringed instruments and led a prosperous life,” Gretsch said of the famed violin maker. “But his family did not benefit from his name and his designs. I want to ensure that the Gretsch family remains a key part of this company for the next 100 years of business.”

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TIMELINE – 130 YEARS OF THAT GREAT GRETSCH SOUND!

1883 Friedrich Gretsch, 27, who emigrated from Germany at 16, opens a small music shop in Brooklyn, N.Y., making banjos, drums, and tambourines.

1883 - Friedrich Gretsch Opens Small Music Shop in Brooklyn.

1895 Friedrich Gretsch becomes ill while traveling in Germany and dies at age 39. Fifteen-year-old son, Fred Gretsch, Sr., takes over family business.

1916 Company moves to 10-story building at 60 Broadway in Brooklyn, N.Y.

1916 - Gretsch Opens Ten-Story Building at 60 Broadway, Brooklyn (sketch).

1918 Fred Gretsch, Sr. develops revolutionary multi-ply drum lamination process resulting in the world’s first “warp free” drum hoop.

1920 Gretsch’s manufacturing facility expands to become the world’s largest music instrument manufacturing factory.

1927 Company introduces historic Gretsch-American drum series, featuring the industry’s first multi ply drum shell. Gretsch uses its own name on guitars for the first time, rather than just selling to wholesalers.

1935 Broadkaster drum line introduced. Duke Kramer begins his 70-year career at Gretsch. Known as “Mr. Guitar Man,” Kramer would become pivotal in making Gretsch® electric guitars what they are today.

"Mr. Guitar Man" Duke Kramer

1937 Historic partnership with master drummer and inventor Billy Gladstone begins. The Gretsch-Gladstone drum line is introduced.

1939 Gretsch introduces its first electric guitar – the Electromatic – and the Synchromatic archtop guitar series. Jimmie Webster, guitar innovator and player, joins Gretsch. Distinctive triangle sound hole appears on Gretsch acoustic guitars.

1942 Fred Gretsch, Sr. retires from the company, leaving the day-to-day operations to his sons, Fred Gretsch, Jr. and William “Bill” Gretsch, both of whom had been active in the business since 1927. Gretsch stops instrument production to assist in war efforts. After a brief term at the company’s helm, Fred Gretsch, Jr. leaves the company to serve as a commander in the U.S. Navy. Bill Gretsch becomes president.

William "Bill" Gretsch and Fred Gretsch, Jr. pictured with Brother Richard Gretsch.

1946 Gretsch resumes instrument production. Phil Grant, master percussionist and innovator, joins Gretsch. Gretsch and Louis Bellson team up to introduce first production double bass drum kit.

Louie Bellson with his 1946 double bass kit.

1947 Gretsch forges relationship with legendary Birdland Jazz Club in New York, N.Y.

1948 Bill Gretsch dies from illness. Fred Gretsch, Jr. assumes control of the business, kicking off a new age of prosperity for the company–the age of rock ‘n’ roll.

1951 First cutaway bodies appear on Electromatic and new Electro II guitar models.

1953 Duo-Jet production starts, sparking the entire Jet line of Gretsch solid-body guitars.

1954 Jimmie Webster strikes a deal with guitarist Chet Atkins to develop a Chet Atkins-designed Gretsch guitar. Gretsch begins its eye-catching “color revolution” by introducing sparkling Silver Jet and famous Western Orange, Cadillac Green and Jaguar Tan finishes. First Bigsby® vibratos offered on Gretsch electrics.

1955 Gretsch introduces White Falcon and 6120 Chet Atkins models.

Gretsch White Falcon

1957 Gretsch begins production of Chet Atkins Country Gentleman guitar model. The model would soon rise to popularity with other legendary guitarists.  Twang is born: Duane Eddy purchases new 6120 at Ziggie’s Accordion & Guitar Studio in Phoenix, AZ.

The King of Twang Duane Eddy

1959 Project-O-Sonic stereo guitar system introduced. Gretsch builds Bo Diddley his futuristic Jupiter Thunderbird guitar. Gretsch drum endorsee Jimmy Cobb records “Kind of Blue” with Miles Davis.

1960 George Harrison buys a used ‘57 Gretsch Duo Jet, the guitar featured during The Beatles’ earliest recordings and tours. “Gretsch Drum Night at Birdland” is recorded by four legendary Gretsch drum endorsees: Art Blakey, Charlie Persip, Elvin Jones and “Philly” Joe Jones.

Harrison Tribute Duo Jet

1962 Double-cutaway Electrotone thinline series introduced.

1964 “Beatlemania” is born on The Ed Sullivan Show. George Harrison’s use of a Gretsch Chet Atkins Country Gentleman guitar ignites frenzy among aspiring guitarists.

1965 George Harrison adds a Gretsch Tennessean to his guitar collection.

1967 Fred Gretsch, Jr. retires and sells The Gretsch Company to Baldwin Music Company. His nephew, Fred W. Gretsch, vows to buy the company back.

1969 The Rolling Stones tour the U.S. with Charlie Watts playing Gretsch drums.

1970 Baldwin moves Gretsch drum & guitar production to Booneville, Ark.

1972 Baldwin moves Gretsch’s New York business offices to Chicago. Chet Atkins’ “Super Chet” guitar introduced.

1973 Baldwin signs over production duties to Bill Hagner and his newly formed Hagner Musical Instrument Corp. Two major fires damage Arkansas guitar & drum plant.

1977 Chet Atkins’ “Super Axe” guitars introduced.

1978 Gretsch drum & guitar production reverts from Bill Hagner back to Baldwin.

1979 Baldwin moves Gretsch sales and administration offices to Chanute, Kansas.

1980 An attempt by Baldwin to re-launch guitar production in Juarez, Mexico fails after only a handful of guitars are built. Baldwin shuts down Gretsch guitar production.

1982 Rockabilly returns with Gretsch guitar slinger Brian Setzer and The Stray Cats releasing their first U.S. single, “Rock This Town.” The group also features Slim Jim Phantom on Gretsch drums.

1985 Eighteen years after the company was sold to Baldwin, Fred W. Gretsch, great-grandson of the company founder, fulfills his promise to buy the company back and return it to the family fold. Gretsch establishes drum manufacturing center in Ridgeland, S.C.

1988 George Harrison collaborates with Gretsch to produce the unique Traveling Wilburys collector guitar.

1989 Modern Gretsch guitar production begins in earnest. Gretsch introduces professional line of Gretsch electric and acoustic guitars.

1993 Gretsch begins production of Brian Setzer signature guitar model.

Setzer Signature Guitars

1998 Gretsch announces budget-priced “Electromatic,” “Synchromatic,” and “Historic” guitar lines.

1999 Gretsch purchases Bigsby Accessories from owner and former Gibson CEO Ted McCarty. Bo Diddley signature rectangular guitar re-introduced.

1999 - Gretsch Acquires Bigsby

2000 Kaman Music (KMCMusicorp) becomes exclusive Gretsch Drums worldwide distributor.

2002 Gretsch grants Fender Musical Instruments Corporation exclusive rights to develop, produce, market, and distribute Gretsch Guitars worldwide.

2006 Gretsch teams up with legendary Bo Diddley and Billy F. Gibbons to design the “Billy-Bo” Jupiter Thunderbird guitar. Stephen Ferrone signature series drums introduced.

2007 Chet Atkins’ name once again adorns extensive line of Gretsch electric guitars.

2008 Gretsch celebrates 125th anniversary.  Endows scholarship at Berklee College of Music in honor of Jimmie Webster.

For Gretsch's 125th Anniversary in 2008, a Portrait of Four Past Presidents was Commissioned. Artist: Amy Hahn-Lind.

2011 Gretsch introduces George Harrison Duo Jet tribute guitar. Chet Atkins Exhibit opens at The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum.

Chet Atkins Exhibition

2012 New Brooklyn drum series, Rancher Acoustics, and Roots Collection introduced.

2013 Gretsch celebrates 130th Anniversary.  Iconic Round Badge returns to Gretsch Drums.

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Since 1883, Gretsch has proudly been making drums in the USA. For many, owning an American-made Gretsch drum set is a dream come true–a hard-earned return on the investment a drummer makes to become the best player they can be.

Gretsch Drums is proud to celebrate its 130th anniversary in 2013 with a limited run of commemorative USA made drum sets and snare drums that will be released throughout the year. Each drum will include a special 130th anniversary interior shell label that is numbered to signify its production sequence. Drum sets will also include a hand signed Certificate of Authenticity.

Anniversary Drum Sets and Snare Drums

The original Gretsch factories were located in Brooklyn, New York. It was there that a design formula was developed that would result in what drummers all over the world would come to recognize as “That Great Gretsch Sound.™” Today, Ridgeland, South Carolina is the home of Gretsch Drums and the craftsmen there are still using the same techniques and formulas to build the highly coveted Gretsch USA Custom Drums and Gretsch Brooklyn Series Drums.

130TH ANNIVERSARY LIMITED SATIN BIRDSEYE MAPLE

This classic five-piece USA Custom Drum Set features a breathtaking Birdseye Maple veneer. The wood was carefully hand selected for its unique figuring and its grain and color consistency. Only 30 sets will be produced world-wide. The shells are hand sanded and are finished with a clear, non-tinted Nitrocellulose Satin lacquer to preserve the wood’s natural beauty. The shells interiors are finished with Gretsch’s time-honored Silver Sealer and include numbered 130th Anniversary commemorative shell labels. The set also includes matching Birdseye Maple bass drum hoops and Gretsch Permatone drum heads by Remo® with 130th Anniversary logos. All drums are fully made to USA Custom specifications in Ridgeland, South Carolina.

130TH ANNIVERSARY LIMITED SILVER SATIN FLAME

Globally limited to only 35 sets, this USA Custom 130th Anniversary kit features a spectacular Silver Satin Flame Nitron. Silver Satin Flame is a classic finish used by Gretsch during the late 1960s. The kit comes with numbered and serialized 130th Anniversary interior shell labels and Certificate of Authenticity. All drums are precision made to Gretsch USA Custom specifications.

130TH ANNIVERSARY LIMITED SATIN VINTAGE CHERRY BURST

The Gretsch Factory in Ridgeland, South Carolina, USA developed one of the most stunning finishes ever to celebrate the company’s 130th Anniversary. Vintage Cherry Burst is a Nitrocellulose Satin Lacquer that is warm and captivating and, with only 30 sets being produced for worldwide distribution, this six-piece kit is sure to become an immediate collectable.

130TH ANNIVERSARY LIMITED GOLD SATIN FLAME

For those looking to go completely retro, this limited edition four-piece set has all of the classic styling to suit your taste. Built in traditional sizes, this USA Custom Anniversary kit features a Gold Satin Flame Nitron finish and truly quintessential hardware appointments. Shell interiors are finished with Gretsch® Silver Sealer and carry a numbered commemorative shell label. Only 35 of these incredible drum sets will be manufactured and each comes with its own Certificate of Authenticity.

130TH ANNIVERSARY BROOKLYN SERIES LIMITED PEWTER SPARKLE

The USA Factory has also created a celebratory limited edition of the Gretsch® Brooklyn Series. This incredible four-piece set is finished in a stunning Pewter Sparkle Nitron. This beautiful finish must be seen to be believed. The silver-gray Nitron flakes reflect ambient light in a fashion that produces subtle yet striking colors, ranging from a shimmering silver to a gleaming lavender. The four-piece configuration is a “playe’r’s” kit that drives strong grooves in a variety of musical styles. Each set comes with 130th Anniversary internal shell labels and signed Certificate of Authenticity.

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Limited Edition Snare Drums

Gretsch® has released three special limited edition snare drums to celebrate the company’s 130th Anniversary. The interior of each shell carries a commemorative label with the drum’s hand-written individual production number. These drums will only be offered in 2013.

130TH ANNIVERSARY SATIN BIRDSEYE MAPLE SNARE DRUM

6.5″x14″ Satin Birsdeye Maple snare drum; 6-ply Gretsch maple shell with Satin Nitrocellulose Lacquer Birdseye veneer; Silver Sealer with 130th Anniversary interior shell label. 30-degree bearing edge; Lightning throw-off and butt plate, batter side muffler, 16 lugs, Snap-in key holder, 42-strand snares.

130TH ANNIVERSARY CLARO WALNUT SNARE DRUM

6.5″x14″ Solid Claro walnut with Claro walnut reinforcement rings, finished in Satin Nitrocellulose lacquer; Natural interior with 130th Anniversary interior shell label; 30-degree bearing edge; Gretsch Round Badge; Lightning throw-off and butt plate, 10 lugs, 20-strand snares.

130TH ANNIVERSARY FLAT BLACK SOLID ALUMINUM SNARE DRUM

7″x14″ Flat Black Solid Aluminum snare drum; Black Hardware; 45-degree bearing edge; Gretsch Round Badge; Black Lightning throw-off and butt plate, Black Suede Ambassador batter drum head, 20 lugs, 42-strand snares.

For more information, photos, and specs on these and other Gretsch Drums, visit their website.

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