Gretsch
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| Private | |
| Industry | Musical instruments |
| Founded | 1883, Brooklyn, New York City, New York |
| Headquarters | Ridgeland, South Carolina, United States |
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Key people
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Friedrich Gretsch Friedrich Gretsch Jr. |
| Products |
Drum kits Banjos Mandolins Ukuleles Guitars Bass Guitars Lap steel guitars Guitar amplifiers |
| Parent | Drum Workshop |
| Divisions | Gretsch Drums |
| Website | gretsch.com |
Gretsch is an American company that manufactures guitars, basses and drums. The company was founded in 1883 by Friedrich Gretsch, a 27-year-old German immigrant, shortly after his arrival to the United States. Friedrich Gretsch manufactured banjos, tambourines, and drums until his death in 1895. In 1916, his son, Fred Gretsch Sr. moved operations to Brooklyn, New York where Gretsch went on to become one of the most prominent manufacturers of American musical instruments.
Most modern-era Gretsch guitars are manufactured in the Far East, though American-made "Custom Shop" models are available. In 2003, Gretsch entered a business agreement with Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC). Under the terms of that agreement Fred W. Gretsch would retain ownership while FMIC would handle most of the development, distribution and sales.
Gretsch was founded in 1883 by Friedrich Gretsch, a young German immigrant. His Brooklyn shop was designed for the manufacture of banjos, tambourines, and drums. In 1895, Gretsch died at the age of 39, and the then successful company was taken over by his son Fred Sr. 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.
By the mid-1950s, after Fred's son Fred Jr. had taken the reins, the company introduced several distinctive models, including the 6120 "Nashville," and the Duo Jet chambered "solid body", which was played by Bo Diddley. Chuck Berry also played the Duo Jet when he recorded his first major hit, Maybellene and is pictured on his LP After School Session. Two other models were introduced - the Country Club, and the White Falcon.
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Wikipedia