About Gretsch
AMERICAN SOUND & BEAUTY
For musicians, style is all about emotion. So, when Gretsch fans talk about the look and sound of our instruments, they’re really talking about how the music makes them feel. And while we could describe it, we’d rather you experience it yourself. Because your emotions, like a Gretsch, aren’t commonplace. They are personal.
THE GRETSCH STORY
More than a century after our Brooklyn beginnings, our refrain is still the same. Success isn’t an accident – it’s by design. And while we’ve grown from a small-scale maker to a world-wide brand, our grit and grace still define our sound, our sensibilities, and our story.
Gretsch Timeline Story
Modest Beginnings
From emigrant to entrepreneur, Friedrich Gretsch begins handcrafting banjos, drums, and tambourines in a small Brooklyn workshop.
Early Transitions
Friedrich Gretsch passes away, leaving the leadership of the company to his 15-year-old son, Fred Gretsch, Sr.
Onto the Next Level
A growing audience demands a larger venue, so Gretsch opens a 10-story factory in Brooklyn.
World’s First “Warp-Free” Drum Hoop
An innovator and an entrepreneur, Fred Gretsch, Sr. develops the multi-ply drum lamination process. This led to the creation of the world’s first “warp-free” drum hoop.
The Largest Instrument Manufacturer in the U.S.
Less than forty years after Friedrich Gretsch starts the company, Gretsch is recognized as the “largest musical instruments manufacturer in the United States”.
The First Gretsch-Branded Guitar
As the company grows and the business model changes, so does brand recognition with Gretsch selling branded-guitars for the first time.
Introducing the Broadkaster
Gretsch releases the iconic Broadkaster drum series, which was in production until the 1950s.
Partnership with the Legendary Billy Gladstone
Historic partnership with master drummer and inventor Billy Gladstone begins, leading to the introduction of the Gretsch-Gladstone drum line.
First Electric Guitar
Gretsch introduces the Electromatic – the company’s first electric guitar.
New Leadership For A New Era
After leading the company for nearly 50 years, Fred Gretsch, Sr. retires and names his son, Fred Jr., president.
A Moment of Silence
With the war consuming America’s attention, Gretsch pauses production. Soon after, Fred Jr. steps down to serve in the Navy, leaving his brother, Bill, in charge.
The Music Resumes
As troops return home from the war and families rejoice stateside, Gretsch resumes the work of crafting premium American instruments.
Gretsch Kicks Off the Double Bass
In concert with drumming legend Louie Bellson, Gretsch creates the first-ever double-bass drum kit.
A Veteran Leader
Bill Gretsch dies from illness, and his brother, Fred Jr., the former naval officer, reassumes the company’s presidency.
Be-Bop on the Rise
Inspired by the original Broadkaster drum kit, Gretsch releases the Broadkaster Be-Bop – a new instrument for a novel musical style.
Gretsch’s First Solid Body Electric
Gretsch introduces the Duo Jet – the company’s first solid body electric guitar.
“Mr. Guitar”
The start of a brand-defining creative partnership, country music icon Chet Atkins becomes the first signature Gretsch artist.
The Country Gentleman
At the Summer NAMM Show, Gretsch unveiled the still-famous Chet Atkins Country Gentleman guitar.
75th Anniversary
To celebrate 75 years of crafting premium American instruments, Gretsch releases four anniversary electric guitar models.
A Legendary Night
Art Blakey, Charlie Persip, Elvin Jones, and “Philly” Joe Jones record the “Gretsch Drum Night at Birdland” record.
Beatlemania
George Harrison plays a Gretsch Country Gentleman on “The Ed Sullivan Show.” Sales of the iconic guitar model surge immediately.
Guitar Production Breaks Record
Gretsch’s guitar production hits the highest point in company history.
As Seen On TV
Gretsch supplies guitars and drums for “The Monkees” television program. Although only airing for two years, the show was seen by more than 30 million people.
A Brief Interruption
With his decision to retire, Fred Gretsch, Jr. sells the family-owned business to Baldwin Piano Company.
The World’s Greatest Rock & Roll Band
Described as “history’s first mythic rock and roll tour,” Charlie Watts of The Rolling Stones plays on a Gretsch drum kit throughout their 1969 tour.
Dinah Joins Gretsch
Dinah Gretsch joins the Gretsch Company in Ridgeland, South Carolina during the banjo manufacturing era and then helps bring the company back to family ownership in 1984.
The Family Business
Seventeen years after the company was sold, Fred W. Gretsch, the founder’s great-grandson, buys back the company.
Gretsch’s New Venue
Gretsch establishes a drum manufacturing facility in Ridgeland, S.C.
Brian Setzer Joins Gretsch
Rockabilly guitarist Brian Setzer becomes the first Gretsch signature artist since Chet Atkins.
A Drumming Legend
Gretsch introduces the Vinnie Colaiuta signature drum series.
Gretsch and Bigsby
The next chapter in a long-term partnership, Gretsch purchases Bigsby Accessories, a premium maker of vibratos since 1951.
Gretsch Gives Back
The Gretsch Foundation launches GuitarArt, an initiative to repurpose used guitars as artwork that schools and other non-profits can auction off at fundraisers.
Chet and Gretsch Reunited
After 28-year absence, Chet Atkins’ name graces 28 new Gretsch guitar models.
Time-Tested Heritage
Gretsch celebrates 125 years of crafting premium guitars and drums for a worldwide audience.
Mrs. G’s Music Foundation
Dinah Gretsch establishes Mrs. G’s Music Foundation to help support the Gretsch family goal of Enriching Lives Through Participation in Music.
Revisiting Our Beginnings
While Gretsch no longer hails from Brooklyn, the brand’s birthplace still influences the company today. An acknowledgement of this heritage, Gretsch releases the Brooklyn drum series.
Ten Years of Custom
Gretsch celebrates the tenth anniversary of the Gretsch Custom Shop, the handcrafted line of Gretsch Guitars.
Reintroducing the Broadkaster
After years of sporadic and even halted production, Gretsch reintroduces the Broadkaster to the drum product line.
Celebrating Our Legacy
The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum opens the American Sound & Beauty exhibit, showcasing 75 vintage Gretsch guitars. This is the largest collection of stringed instruments ever displayed by the museum.
Fred and Dinah Gretsch School of Music Established at GSU
With a substantial pledge from Fred and Dinah Gretsch including their Gretsch Collection of historic drums, guitars, and company archives, Georgia Southern University established the Fred and Dinah Gretsch School of Music in February 2021.
That Great Gretsch Sound Museum Opens
Through a special partnership between the Fred and Dinah Gretsch School of Music at Georgia Southern University and The Kessler Collection, That Great Gretsch Sound! Gretsch Museum opened in November 2021 in Savannah.
Gretsch Celebrates 140 Years!
Gretsch drums and guitars have been the instruments of choice for anyone looking for the distinctive style, tone, and vibe only Gretsch can offer for the past 140 years! Our story continues . . .
THE MUSIC NEVER STOPS
As the audience evolves, so does the brand. And while music preferences may change and the product line may alter, That Great Gretsch Sound will stay the same.
GRETSCH DRUMS
When it comes to craftsmanship, for more than a century, we haven't missed a beat. That's why drummers around the world still prefer Gretsch drums.
GRETSCH GUITARS
While we've long since outgrown our Brooklyn beginnings, we've never stopped crafting premium guitars and cheering on the artists who bring them to life.