Information on Vintage Gretsch Guitars

For a time, Gretsch guitars were favored by famous rock and pop artists.

In 1883, German immigrant Friedrich Gretsch began manufacturing banjos, tambourines and drums in Brooklyn, New York. Upon Gretsch's death in 1895, his son Fred, at age 15, took over the family business. About 10 years later, the company became a leading importer and manufacturer of musical instruments in the United States. After market demand for the banjo waned during the Big Band era, Gretsch increased its guitar production. With Fred Gretsch's retirement in 1942, his sons--first William, then Fred Jr.--took over the company, ultimately leading to the production of vintage models of Gretsch guitars.

Post-war Production

Gretsch stopped guitar production in 1942 to assist America's military efforts during World War II. After the war, Gretsch produced an electric arch-top guitar--the Electromatic--that debuted in 1949. The company also produced Hawaiian-style steel lap guitars. Two years later, the guitar manufacturer released cutaway design versions of the Electromatic and the new Electro II. Next, it produced the solid body Duo-Jet model.

The Chet Akins Line

Gretsch's 6120 Chet Atkins guitar featured twin DeArmond pickups, a Bigsby vibrato, a large G logo on the top, and Chet Atkins' signature on the side. The model was released simultaneously with the smaller, semi-hollow 6121 in 1954. Both were decorated with western trim. Despite being originally marketed toward country music artists, now-legendary rock musicians such as Duane Eddy, Eddie Cochran and Pete Townshend of the Who favored the 6120 model. The western trim decor and G logo disappeared by 1957, and the DeArmond pickups were replaced with "FilterTron" pickups.

The White Falcon and Country Club

In 1955, Gretsch produced several new models: the hollow-bodied 6136 White Falcon and the Country Club (formerly the Electro II), which featured two pickups; the hollow-bodied, three pickup-equipped Convertible and Corvette model, and the Streamliner; and the black Duo-Jet, the Jet Fire Bird, the Silver Jet and the Round-Up. According to "The Gretsch Pages," the 17-inch-wide 6136 White Falcon (then dubbed "The Guitar of the Future") had four knobs, a switch, a Melita bridge, 24 karat gold plating, two DeArmond pickups and a "Cadillac G" tailpiece with a V-shaped crossbar, and a metal G suspended between two metal rods. Gretsch expanded the Chet Akins line in 1958 to four guitar models--the 6120, the 6121, the 6122 Country Gentleman and the 6119 Tennessean. The manufacturer stopped producing the Round-Up and released the White Falcon in both stereo and non-stereo versions.

Entry-level Models

With 6120 models retailing for $385 brand new and Falcons costing $600 at the time, vintage Gretsch guitars were beyond the financial reach of beginning musicians desiring to buy an entry-level instrument. However, consumers saw more affordable entry-level Gretsch guitar models by 1958--the Sal Salvador and the Clipper.

Overnight Response

During the Beatles' February 1964 performance on "The Ed Sullivan Show"--which drew an estimated 73 million viewers in 23,240,000 homes across America--lead guitarist George Harrison played a Country Gentleman Gretsch guitar. An instant sales frenzy for the model skyrocketed to the point that Gretsch fell behind in filling orders for a year.

Soured Reputation

With the company sold to Baldwin Pianos in 1967, which relocated production to Booneville, Arkansas in 1970 and offices to Chicago two years later, Gretsch stopped being the guitar of choice in the late 1960s and in the 70s. Baldwin-manufactured Gretsch guitars suffered from a negative reputation of poor quality. Rock artists--and millions of teenage fans following their lead--now preferred Stratocaster and Les Paul guitars. In 1979, Chet Atkins withdrew his endorsement of the Gretsch guitar.

References

• The Gretsch Pages: History
• Vintage Guitar Warehouse: Gretsch Guitar History