The History of Gretsch Guitars
Gretsch guitars are some of the most distinctive-looking instruments on stages today. Their characteristic tones and classic looks make them highly desirable to performers looking to stand out from the pack. The Gretsch brand is one of America's oldest musical instrument brands. In addition to its guitars, the Gretsch company produces drums that are also highly respected. The Gretsch company has seen its ups and downs, but it is currently one of the most-recognized names in music.
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Founding
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The Gretsch company was founded in Brooklyn in 1883 by Friedrich Gretsch. Initially, Gretsch manufactured banjos, drums and tambourines but extended its lines to guitars as the instrument's popularity began to increase. At first, the guitar market was small, as guitars were not prominently featured in most bands of the day. By the beginning of the big band era, arch-top guitars, including the Gretsch Synchromatic, introduced in 1939, began to supplant the banjo as the pre-eminent stringed instrument of the day.
Early Success
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Production of Gretsch guitars ceased in 1942 in support of the war effort but resumed in 1946. Gretsch's first electric guitar produced after the war saw manufacture in 1949 and was called the Electromatic. Gretsch continued to produce electric guitars, in addition to its other instruments, for the next 5 years. In 1954, Gretsch's electric line greatly expanded to include semi-hollow and solid-bodied guitars, including the Jet, Country Club, White Falcon and the Chet Atkins 6120 and 6121 models. Many of the progenitors of rock and roll were known to play Gretsch guitars, including Duane Eddy.
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Popularity Waxes and Wanes
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Throughout the late 1950s and early 1960s, the Gretsch company distinguished its guitars among other competitors by offering innovative finishes and tones. An appearance by the Beatles on "The Ed Sullivan Show" boosted the popularity of Gretsch guitars because George Harrison was seen playing a Country Gentleman model. While Gretsch's designs were futuristic-looking for the early 1950s, the company did not change with the times. Competitors' instruments had characteristics not found on Gretsch instruments, which made the competitors' lines more desirable to new players.
Change of Ownership
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In 1967, the Baldwin Piano company purchased Gretsch and relocated the business and production locations several times. Throughout the late 1960s and 1970s, Gretsch's fortunes waned as its competitors' guitar lines became more popular. Quality control also declined. In 1981, production of Gretsch guitars by the Baldwin company ceased altogether. Attempts were made to reintroduce the instruments, but they were unsuccessful. Some instruments from this era of production are considered collectible by aficionados.
Return to Popularity
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In 1989, Gretsch resumed production, again under the control of the Gretsch family. Throughout the last part of the 20th century, Gretsch guitars were produced in lines that catered to both professional and entry-level musicians. In 2003, Fender Musical Instruments Corporation arranged to obtain manufacturing and distribution rights to the Gretsch brand.
Famous Gretsch users include Bo Diddley, Malcolm Young of AC/DC, Brian Setzer, Chet Atkins and George Harrison.
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