The Gretsch Company was founded in 1883 by Friedrich Gretsch, a twenty seven year old German immigrant recently arrived in the US. Friedrich Gretsch manufactured banjos, tambourines, and drums, until his death in 1895. His son, Fred, moved operations to Brooklyn, New
Yorkin 1916. Gretsch then became one of the most prominent manufacturers of American musical instruments.
Guitar production began in the late 1930s, and Gretsch guitars became highly sought after, most notably in the 1950s and 1960s. They lost favour with players during the 1970s and 1980s for various reasons, including a problematic relationship with the Baldwin Piano Company.
Gretsch eventually slid into bankruptcy, but it was revived by Fred W. Gretsch in 1989. Gretsch, who is great-great-grandson to Friederich Gretsch, and is sometimes referred to as Fred Gretsch III, remains president of the company to this day.
Most modern era Gretsch guitars are manufactured in the Far East, though US-made "Custom Shop" models remain available. In 2003 Gretsch entered into an agreement with Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC), under the terms of which Fred Gretsch III would continue to own the company, with FMIC handling most development, distribution and sales.
Yorkin 1916. Gretsch then became one of the most prominent manufacturers of American musical instruments.
Guitar production began in the late 1930s, and Gretsch guitars became highly sought after, most notably in the 1950s and 1960s. They lost favour with players during the 1970s and 1980s for various reasons, including a problematic relationship with the Baldwin Piano Company.
Gretsch eventually slid into bankruptcy, but it was revived by Fred W. Gretsch in 1989. Gretsch, who is great-great-grandson to Friederich Gretsch, and is sometimes referred to as Fred Gretsch III, remains president of the company to this day.
Most modern era Gretsch guitars are manufactured in the Far East, though US-made "Custom Shop" models remain available. In 2003 Gretsch entered into an agreement with Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC), under the terms of which Fred Gretsch III would continue to own the company, with FMIC handling most development, distribution and sales.
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TITLE:
GRETSCH : THE GUITARS OF THE FRED GRETSCH COMPANY AUTHOR: JAY SCOTT PUBLISHER: CENTERSTREAM DATE: 1981 PAGES: 288 COVER: SOFTBACK PHOTOS: COLOUR, BLACK & WHITE ISBN: 0931759501 |
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TITLE:
50 YEARS OF GRETSCH AUTHOR: TONY BACON PUBLISHER: BACKBEAT BOOKS DATE: 2004 PAGES: 96 COVER: SOFTBACK PHOTOS: COLOUR, BLACK & WHITE ISBN: 0879308222 |
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TITLE:
THE GRETSCH BOOK A COMPLETE HISTROY OF GRETSCH ELECTRIC AUTHOR: TONY BACON & PAUL DAY PUBLISHER: BACKBEAT BOOKS DATE: 1999 PAGES: 108 COVER: HARDBACK With DUST JACKET PHOTOS: COLOUR, BLACK & WHITE ISBN: 187154789X |
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TITLE:
GRETSCH 6120 THE HISTORY OF THE LEGENDARY GUITAR AUTHOR: EDWARD BALL PUBLISHER: SCHRIBER DATE: 2010 PAGES: 192 COVER: HARDBACK with DUST JACKET PHOTOS: COLOUR, BLACK & WHITE ISBN: 0764334840 |