Gretsch is a U.S. musical instrument manufacturer currently being distributed by guitar company Fender and drum craft company Kaman. It is known primarily for drums and electric guitars such as the White Falcon and Duo Jet. Motto: (Out Of Many, One) (traditional) In God We Trust (1956 to date) Anthem: The Star-Spangled Banner Capital Washington D.C. Largest city New York City None at federal level (English de facto) Government Federal constitutional republic  - President George Walker Bush (R)  - Vice President Dick Cheney (R) Independence from... A musical instrument is a device constructed or modified with the purpose of making music. ... For other uses, see Guitar (disambiguation). ... It has been suggested that Fender Amplifier History be merged into this article or section. ... Bass drum made from wood, rope, and cowskin A drum is a musical instrument in the percussion group that can be large, technically classified as a membranophone. ... Kaman Music Corporation NASDAQ: KAMN is a part of Kaman corporation that was founded by Charles Kaman. ... For other kinds of drums, see drum (disambiguation). ... An electric guitar is a type of guitar that uses pickups to convert the vibration of its steel-cored strings into electrical current, which is then amplified. ... The Gretsch White Falcon is a visually distinct guitar commercially introduced in 1955 by Gretsch. ... The Gretsch 6128 (Duo Jet) is a solid body electric guitar manufactured by Gretsch since the mid 1950s. ...

One of the most iconic Gretsch guitars, the White Falcon.

Image File history File links Size of this preview: 348 × 599 pixelsFull resolution (419 × 721 pixel, file size: 36 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) Picture of a Guitar Poster. ... Image File history File links Size of this preview: 348 × 599 pixelsFull resolution (419 × 721 pixel, file size: 36 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) Picture of a Guitar Poster. ... The Gretsch White Falcon is a visually distinct guitar commercially introduced in 1955 by Gretsch. ...

History

Beginnings

Gretsch was founded in 1883 by Friedrich Gretsch, a young German immigrant. His Brooklyn shop was made for the manufacture of banjos, tambourines, and drums. In 1895, at the age of 39, Gretsch died, and the successful company was taken over by his son Fred. By 1916, Fred had moved the company into a larger 10-story building in the Williamsburg district, becoming one of the most prominent American musical instrument makers. This article is about the borough of New York City. ... For other uses, see Banjo (disambiguation) The banjo is a stringed instrument developed by enslaved Africans in the United States, adapted from several African instruments. ... “Buben” redirects here. ... Bass drum made from wood, rope, and cowskin A drum is a musical instrument in the percussion group that can be large, technically classified as a membranophone. ... Williamsburg is a neighborhood in the New York City borough of Brooklyn, bordering Greenpoint, Bed-Stuy, and Bushwick. ... A musical instrument is a device constructed or modified with the purpose of making music. ...

The "Best" years

G6122-1958 Chet Atkins Country Gentleman

Gretsch's "best" years started in the mid 1950s, after Fred's son Fred Jr. had taken the reins—and when the company introduced distinctive models of electric guitars, including the 6120 and White Falcon. Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 373 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (1088 × 1750 pixel, file size: 1. ... Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 373 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (1088 × 1750 pixel, file size: 1. ... the first thing that was invented was the automatic DILDO. Education grew explosively because of a very strong demand for high school and college education. ...

The single biggest contribution to Gretsch's success was the addition of Chet Atkins as an endorser. Atkins was one of the pre-eminent guitarists of his day, and it gave Gretsch a fighting chance against Fender's Telecaster and Stratocaster, and the Gibson Les Paul. The Gretsch Broadkaster line has the distinction of being the reason Leo Fender had to change the name of his pioneering solidbody electric guitar. He originally called it the "Broadcaster", but it became the "Telecaster"—and Fender's short run of intermediate, unlabeled guitars ("Nocasters") are extremely rare and expensive on the vintage market. Gretsch ultimately sold thousands of guitars with Chet's name on the pickguard, most notably the 6120 Chet Atkins model, one of which was purchased in 1957 by a young guitar player named Duane Eddy. The worldwide success of Duane's "twangy" instrumental records, television appearances, and extensive touring helped expose the Gretsch guitar to a huge new market, that of the teenage rock and roll fan. George Harrison, years later, was to refer to this model as "the Eddie Cochran/Duane Eddy guitar". Other Chet Atkins models were the Country Gentleman[1] (named after an instrumental hit for Chet) and the Tennessean [2], a lower cost version of the Country Gent. Chet Atkins Chester Burton Chet Atkins (June 20, 1924 – June 30, 2001) was an influential guitarist and record producer. ... It has been suggested that Fender Amplifier History be merged into this article or section. ... 1950s-style Telecaster with natural finish, with metal bridge cover removed. ... A Fender Stratocaster with rosewood fingerboard and three-tone sunburst finish. ... The Gibson Les Paul is one of the most recognizable solid-body electric guitar designs in the world. ... Image:Leo Fender tinkering. ... An electric guitar is a type of guitar that uses pickups to convert the vibration of its steel-cored strings into electrical current, which is then amplified. ... 1950s-style Telecaster with natural finish, with metal bridge cover removed. ... Duane Eddy (born April 26, 1938), is a Grammy winning guitarist. ... For other persons named George Harrison, see George Harrison (disambiguation). ... Ray Edward Eddie Cochran (October 3, 1938 – April 17, 1960) was an early American rockabilly musician and an important influence on popular music during the late 1950s and early 1960s. ... Duane Eddy (born April 26, 1938), is a Grammy winning guitarist. ...

Many rockabilly players following in the footsteps of Eddie Cochran, Gene Vincent's guitarist Cliff Gallup and Elvis Presley chose Gretsch guitars. Although Elvis's guitarist, Scotty Moore, played instruments from Gibson, Elvis himself owned a Gretsch Country Gentleman - now manufactured as "Gretsch Country Classic" - that he played on stage and in the studio. Gretsch quickly became a legitimate competitor to both Gibson and its main rivals, Fender and Rickenbacker. Gretsch's fortunes were greatly aided when, in the mid-1960s, George Harrison played a Gretsch Country Gentleman [3] on the Ed Sullivan Show. In the following 12 months, the number of Country Gentleman guitars sold in a 12-month period jumped from the mid-fifties to over 2,000. George Harrison also played a Gretsch Tennessean. John Lennon briefly used an orange Gretsch Nashville (model #6120), although he is usually associated with his Epiphone Casino. Beginning in 1966, Gretsch had weekly television exposure when the company supplied the guitars and drums for The Monkees. This had an effect analogous to Jimi Hendrix's adoption of the Stratocaster and Eric Clapton's of the Gibson Les Paul; Gretsch was unable to keep up with demand. Lou Reed of the Velvet Underground also used a Gretsch Country Gentleman frequently during the bands' lifetime, as did Stone Roses guitarist John Squire. Pete Townshend of the Who also used an orange Gretsch 6120 (given to him as a gift by friend Joe Walsh) on their 1971 Who's Next album, including their biggest hits, such as "Baba O'Reily" and "Won't Get Fooled Again." Neil Young also used many different Gretsches during his recording career, including White Falcons, 6120s, and Duo Jets. Rockabilly is one of the earliest styles of rock and roll music, and emerged in the early-1950s. ... Ray Edward Eddie Cochran (October 3, 1938 – April 17, 1960) was an early American rockabilly musician and an important influence on popular music during the late 1950s and early 1960s. ... ... “Elvis” redirects here. ... Winfield Scott Scotty Moore III (born December 27, 1931 near Gadsden, Tennessee) is a legendary American guitarist and member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. ... The Gibson Guitar Corporation, of Nashville, Tennessee, USA, is one of the worlds best-known manufacturers of acoustic and electric guitars. ... It has been suggested that Fender Amplifier History be merged into this article or section. ... Rickenbacker 330JG Rickenbacker International Corporation, also known as Rickenbacker (IPA pronunciation: ) [1]), is an electric guitar manufacturer, notable for having invented the first electric guitar during the 1930s. ... The 1960s decade refers to the years from 1960 to 1969, inclusive. ... For other persons named George Harrison, see George Harrison (disambiguation). ... The Ed Sullivan Show was an American television variety show that ran from June 20, 1948, to June 6, 1971, and was hosted by Ed Sullivan. ... For other persons named George Harrison, see George Harrison (disambiguation). ... John Winston Ono Lennon, MBE (October 9, 1940 – December 8, 1980), (born John Winston Lennon, known as John Ono Lennon) was an iconic English 20th century rock and roll songwriter and singer, best known as the founding member of The Beatles. ... Epiphone Casino VT The Epiphone Casino is a true hollow body electric guitar manufactured by Epiphone, a branch of Gibson. ... Year 1966 (MCMLXVI) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will display full calendar) of the 1966 Gregorian calendar. ... The Monkees were a pop-rock quartet created and based in Los Angeles in 1965 for an NBC American television series of the same name. ... Jimi Hendrix (November 27, 1942 – September 18, 1970) was an American guitar virtuoso, singer and songwriter. ... A Fender Stratocaster with rosewood fingerboard and three-tone sunburst finish. ... Eric Patrick Clapton CBE (born 30 March 1945), nicknamed Slowhand, is a Grammy Award winning English guitarist, singer, songwriter and composer. ... The Gibson Les Paul is one of the most recognizable solid-body electric guitar designs in the world. ... Lewis Reed[1] (born March 2, 1942) is an American rock singer-songwriter and guitarist. ... The Velvet Underground and Nico (from left to right: John Cale, Nico, Lou Reed, Sterling Morrison, and Maureen Tucker) The Velvet Underground (Affectionately known as The Velvets, or V.U. for short) was an American rock and roll band of the late 1960s. ... The classic line-up at the time of Spike Island The Stone Roses were one of the most influential bands to come out of Britain during the late 1980s and early 90s. ... John Squire (born John Thomas Squire on 24th November, 1962) is an English songwriter, guitarist and artist. ... Peter Dennis Blandford Townshend (born May 19, 1945 in Chiswick, London), is an award-winning English rock guitarist, singer, songwriter, and composer. ... The Who are an English rock band that first formed in 1964, and grew to be considered one of the greatest[1] and most influential[2] bands in the world. ... For other persons named Joe Walsh, see Joe Walsh (disambiguation). ... For the song by Tom Lehrer, see That Was the Year That Was. ... Baba ORiley is a song written by Pete Townshend, lead guitarist of the British rock band The Who. ... Wont Get Fooled Again is a rock song by the British rock band The Who, composed by band member Pete Townshend. ...

Gretsch electric twelve-string and The Monkees

According to the audio commentary by Michael Nesmith for the episode "I've Got A Little Song Here" on The Monkees: Season One DVD set, prior to The Monkees, Nesmith liked twelve string electric guitars. At the time, only Rickenbacker mass-produced them. Nesmith, however, preferred the bluesy twangy sound of a Gretsch over the distinctive pop sound of a Rickenbacker. According to Nesmith, there was a luthier in Los Angeles that converted six string electric guitars into twelve string guitars. Nesmith brought him a Gretsch Country Gentleman to convert into a twelve string, and that is the guitar he used in the pilot episode of The Monkees, "Here Come The Monkees". (Note: Upon close examination of the film footage, the guitar Nesmith identifies as a Country Gentleman is actually a Gretsch Tennessean. When the pilot episode aired, the music scenes were re-shot. As a result, Mike is holding the original Gretsch as the band is setting up, but has the famous blonde Gretsch once they start playing.) Once the pilot was sold as a series, and Gretsch made the deal to supply the group with instruments, Nesmith contacted Fred Gretsch, and asked if he could make him a twelve-string electric guitar. Gretsch agreed, and the result is the famous blonde electric twelve string that Nesmith used during the Monkees' entire run, on the series, in the recording studio, and in concert. Meanwhile, Fred Gretsch liked the finished instrument so much, he put the electric twelve string into production. One of the first was given to George Harrison and was later known as the "George Harrison Model" (Harrison, preferring his Rickenbacker twelve-string, gave the guitar to a friend). Robert Michael Nesmith, born December 30, 1942 ) in Harris County, Texas,[1] is an American musician, songwriter, actor, producer, novelist, businessman, and philanthropist, perhaps best known for his time in the musical group The Monkees and on the TV series of the same name. ... The Monkees were a pop-rock quartet created and based in Los Angeles in 1965 for an NBC American television series of the same name. ... The Monkees were a pop-rock quartet created and based in Los Angeles in 1965 for an NBC American television series of the same name. ... Rickenbacker 330JG Rickenbacker International Corporation, also known as Rickenbacker (IPA pronunciation: ) [1]), is an electric guitar manufacturer, notable for having invented the first electric guitar during the 1930s. ... Rickenbacker 330JG Rickenbacker International Corporation, also known as Rickenbacker (IPA pronunciation: ) [1]), is an electric guitar manufacturer, notable for having invented the first electric guitar during the 1930s. ... An engravers impression of Antonio Stradivari examining an instrument. ... Flag Seal Nickname: City of Angels Location Location within Los Angeles County in the state of California Coordinates , Government State County California Los Angeles County Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa (D) Geographical characteristics Area     City 1,290. ... The Monkees were a pop-rock quartet created and based in Los Angeles in 1965 for an NBC American television series of the same name. ... For other persons named George Harrison, see George Harrison (disambiguation). ...

From 1966 through 1968, Gretsch also produced the Gretsch 6123, which was a Monkees signature electric six string guitar.[4]

Sale, Gretsch family regains interest

Unfortunately, Fred never found an adequate successor, and in 1967 Gretsch was sold to Baldwin Pianos,^[1] becoming a subsidiary. Gretsch's name lost prestige as its models were seen as cheapening and their signature styles fell out of fashion. Factory fires in the early 1970s caused serious problems, and production was finally halted by Baldwin in 1981. In 1989, the Gretsch family once again acquired their namesake company, and production began anew. Models throughout the 1990s were high-quality but expensive, and mostly consisted of classic reissues. The Baldwin Piano Company is the largest US-based manufacturer of keyboard instruments, most notably pianos. ... The 1970s decade refers to the years from 1970 to 1979, also called The Seventies. ... Year 1981 (MCMLXXXI) was a common year starting on Thursday (link displays the 1981 Gregorian calendar). ... Year 1989 (MCMLXXXIX) was a common year starting on Sunday (link displays 1989 Gregorian calendar). ... For the band, see 1990s (band). ...

Resurgence

In the 1980s, rockabilly revival player Brian Setzer rekindled interest in the brand with his band the Stray Cats—he now has his own signature model. Although Chris Isaak explains that he never played a White Falcon, but a one of a kind white coloured Gibson,^[2] his emergence into mainstream rock & roll radio only added to the fuel. His band, Silvertone, boasted a signature Gretsch sound which attracted the likes of renowned film director David Lynch, who subsequently used Isaak's music in the films Blue Velvet (1986) and Wild at Heart (1990) as a soundtrack to Lynch's surreal '50s atmosphere. In 1997, the Australian punk/rockabilly band The Living End rose to popularity, with guitarist Chris Cheney using a number of Gretschs, including a White Falcon and a Duo Jet. This was not the first use of Gretsch guitars in punk ; Billy Zoom of X played a Silver Jet, while in rock, Malcolm Young of AC/DC played a double cut Jet Firebird (with the top finish stripped off and one pickup removed), and White Falcon (as seen in the video "Back in Black") during the band's career. In the 1990s, Chris Cornell of Soundgarden used a Duo Jet, and could be seen in the video for "Black Hole Sun". In the music video for "Malibu" by Hole, lead singer Courtney Love can be seen playing a Gretsch. Rancid frontman Tim Armstrong consistently uses a Country Club, which has been customized with various coats of black spray paint, at live performances. The 1980s refers to the years from 1980 to 1989. ... Brian Setzer (born April 10, 1959 in Massapequa, Long Island, New York) is an American guitarist, singer and songwriter. ... This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ... For the band, see 1997 (band). ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Christopher (Chris) John Cheney (born January 2, 1975) is the guitarist and lead vocalist in the Australian rock band, The Living End. ... X on the cover of their 1997 collection Beyond and Back: The X Anthology, with Billy on the center left Billy Zoom (born Tyson Kindell on February 20, 1948), in Savanna, IL. The son of a Big Band woodwinds player, he inherited his fathers love of music. ... For other bands named X, see X (band). ... Malcolm Mitchell Young, born January 6, 1953 in Glasgow, Scotland, is a founding member of, rhythm guitarist, backing vocalist and co-songwriter for the Australian hard rock band, AC/DC. Though his younger brother Angus is the more visible of the brothers, Malcolm has been described as the business and... This article is about about the band. ... Black Hole Sun is a song by 1990s grunge band Soundgarden. ... Please wikify (format) this article as suggested in the Guide to layout and the Manual of Style. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Courtney Love Cobain[1] (born Courtney Michelle Harrison on July 9, 1964) is an American rock musician and Golden Globe-nominated actress. ... Tim Armstrong is an American musician and songwriter best known for his work with punk rock bands Rancid, Operation Ivy, and Transplants, as well as his record label Hellcat Records. ...

John Frusciante playing a White Falcon at Slane Castle.

Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist, John Frusciante played a vintage 1955 White Falcon for two songs on the Californication album. Frusciante played his White Falcon on songs Otherside and Californication, he also used to use this guitar when these songs were played live, but has since used a Stratocaster. John's White Falcon can be seen on the Californication music video, Off The Map DVD and Slane Castle DVD. Being a big fan of the group Bow Wow Wow at the time of Californiacation since Mathew Ashman played a Falcon, he thought fit to buy one.Dave Grohl Uses a white falcon with the Foo Fighters in the video for Monkey Wrench and also uses a red Gretsch Fire Bird. U2 lead singer Bono's signature guitar is an "Irish Falcon", green in colour with the phrase 'The Goal Is Soul' printed on the pickguard in black text. Billy Duffy of The Cult has prominently used the White Falcon over decades. Depeche Mode guitarist Martin Gore plays a Gretsch in most live performances. Jack White of the White Stripes and the Raconteurs also uses Gretsch guitars. In the White Stripes he is now using a very rare 1957 Gretsch White Penguin. One of the rarest guitars in the world, it can be seen in the video for the song "Icky Thump." For the Raconteurs, he designed his own Gretsch called the “Triple Jet”. It is a double-cutaway Duo Jet with a third pickup added along with many other features including a solid copper top and headstock. It also has a Gretsch logo that was only used on a few guitars in 1912. The guitar was built by luthier Randy Parsons of seattle Image File history File links Size of this preview: 800 × 450 pixelsFull resolution (1024 × 576 pixel, file size: 77 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) Screenshot of a music DVD. This image is a screenshot from a copyrighted music video or promotional video for a music artist, and the copyright for... Image File history File links Size of this preview: 800 × 450 pixelsFull resolution (1024 × 576 pixel, file size: 77 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) Screenshot of a music DVD. This image is a screenshot from a copyrighted music video or promotional video for a music artist, and the copyright for... John Anthony Frusciante (IPA pronunciation: ) (born March 5, 1970) is an American guitarist, singer, songwriter and record producer. ... Red Hot Chili Peppers at Slane Castle Slane Concert (often referred as just Slane) is a concert held most years since 1981 in Slane Castle in Slane village, County Meath, in the Republic of Ireland. ... Red Hot Chili Peppers are an American alternative rock band formed in Los Angeles, California in 1983. ... John Anthony Frusciante (IPA pronunciation: ) (born March 5, 1970) is an American guitarist, singer, songwriter and record producer. ... Californication is the seventh studio album by American rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers, released on June 8, 1999 on Warner Bros. ... Single cover Otherside is a song by The Red Hot Chili Peppers. ... Californication is the Red Hot Chili Peppers fourth single from their seventh studio album, Californication. ... David Eric Grohl (born January 14, 1969, in Warren, Ohio) is an American rock musician and songwriter. ... This article is about the band. ... This article is about the Irish rock band. ... For other uses, see Bono (disambiguation). ... Billy Duffy (born William Henry Duffy, 12 May 1961, Hulme, Manchester) is best known as the guitarist of The Cult. ... The Cult is an English rock band. ... Depeche Mode (IPA: /dÉ›.pɛʃ moÊŠd/) are an electronic music group that formed in 1980 in Basildon, Essex, England. ... Martin Gore (born Martin Lee Gore, 23 July 1961, Basildon, Essex, England) is an English songwriter, lyricist, singer, guitarist and keyboardist. ... For other persons named Jack White, see Jack White (disambiguation). ... This article is about the American duo. ... The Raconteurs, also known as The Saboteurs in Australia, are a Grammy-nominated rock band, featuring four members previously known for other musical projects. ... This article is about the American duo. ... This article is about the album by The White Stripes. ... The Raconteurs, also known as The Saboteurs in Australia, are a Grammy-nominated rock band, featuring four members previously known for other musical projects. ...

Fender

Finally, in 2003, Gretsch and Fender reached an agreement giving Fender most control over production and distribution of guitars (although the Gretsch family still owns Gretsch Guitars) — and a foothold in the hollowbody guitar market traditionally dominated by Gibson. The Gretsch family continues its involvement in the drum business, which is now part of the Kaman Music Corporation of musical instrument companies. Year 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... “Fender” redirects here. ... The Gibson Guitar Corporation, of Nashville, Tennessee, USA, is one of the worlds best-known manufacturers of acoustic and electric guitars. ... Kaman Music Corporation NASDAQ: KAMN is a part of Kaman corporation that was founded by Charles Kaman. ...

Current models

Hollow body electric

The Gretsch White Falcon is a visually distinct guitar commercially introduced in 1955 by Gretsch. ... The Gretsch 6120 is a hollow body electric guitar with f-holes manufactured by Gretsch and first appearing in the mid-1950s with the endorsement of Chet Atkins. ...

Solid body electric

The Gretsch 6128 (Duo Jet) is a solid body electric guitar manufactured by Gretsch since the mid 1950s. ...

Acoustic

Drums

Gretsch Drums were/are also in high demand with drummers playing both jazz and rock. During the 1950s and 1960s, many renowned Jazz drummers, such as Elvin Jones and Max Roach, were playing the now classic "round badge" kits. Micky Dolenz also used Gretsch drums during the filming of the Monkees TV series. Phil Collins used a Gretsch drum kit for many years while touring with Genesis. Charlie Watts (the Wembley Whammer) of the Rolling Stones has played Gretsch drums for forty-five years. That Great Gretsch Sound! // In 1872, Friedrich Gretsch immigrated from Germany, and came to USA. In 1883, he set up his musical instrument business. ... Elvin Ray Jones (September 9, 1927 – May 18, 2004) was a jazz drummer. ... Maxwell Lemuel Roach (January 10, 1924 – August 16, 2007) was a bebop/hard bop percussionist, drummer, and composer. ... George Michael Dolenz, Jr. ... For other uses, see Phil Collins (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Genesis (disambiguation). ... Charles Robert Charlie Watts (born 2 June 1941) is the drummer of The Rolling Stones. ... This article is about the rock band. ...

Notable artists using Gretsch equipment

Main article: List of Gretsch players

This is a list of players of Gretsch guitars or drums; Bryan Adams Mark Arm – Mudhoney Tim Armstrong – Rancid, Operation Ivy Ron Asheton – The Stooges Chet Atkins Big John Bates Bono - U2 Simon Neil of Biffy Clyro Nic Cester – Jet Chris Cheney – The Living End Michael Guy Chislett – Hillsong United...

Notes

Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 162nd day of the year (163rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

External links

• Gretsch
• The Gretsch Pages
• Gretsch in the Drumming Database
• Gretsch Guitars (Fender)
• Gretsch Drums (Kaman)
• Gretsch at Harmony Central
• The History of Gretsch Guitars by Jim Miller