Gretsch It's crazy to imagine that in 2021 the Gretsch brand will be around for almost 150 years. Writing its rich history starts in 1883 when the 27-year-old German immigrant Friedrich Gretsch starts a small shop in Brooklyn New York where he starts building and selling Banjos, drums, and tambourines. Unfortunately, he dies after 12 years and leaves the company in the hands of his teenage son Fred Gretsch. Fred was a hard worker who felt what the audience wanted and Gretsch quickly grew into a flourishing company. As early as 1916, Gretsch distributed their instruments all over America and the company was already run out of a 10-story building at 60 Broadway in Brooklyn.Read more...

Gretsch history

At that time, Gretsch started producing their first guitars due to the increasing demand from the public. It started with acoustic archtops for jazz guitarists and acoustic flat top models for country and western players. A big moment in Gretsch's history was when in 1935 Charles "Duke" Kramer joined the team. Charles "Duke" Kramer, also known as "Mr. Guitar Man", was crucial in making electric guitars from Gretsch to what they are today. The first electric guitargretsch, the Electromatic, was introduced in 1939. The 1950s brought many legendary additions, such as the custom colors and the flashy high-tech hardware. The "Atomic Era" of the 1950s has given perhaps the most defining face to the Gretsch guitars as we know them today. Gretsch grew into an express train in the 1950s with the rise of the Rock & Roll and even left fender behind. Many great artists fell for the sound and charm of the Gretsch models including: Elvis Presley, Chet Atkins, The Beatles, The Roling Stones. Bono, Malcom Young, and Brian Setzer.

Development

Over the years, Gretsch has grown into a brand that has something to offer in all price ranges. In the past, every model was made in the United States, and as we know, it is a serious purchase and not for everyone. With the addition of the Electromatic and the Streamliner series, every guitarist has a Gretsch instrument at your fingertips. All models are made according to today's playing characteristics and development. But with the cosmetic looks of the heyday: the 1950s. And you can taste that atmosphere in all the instruments.

With us in the store

Would you like to experience how the instruments play and sound? Then we would like to invite you to visit our store in Noordwijk and play on the different models yourself. Should your product not be in stock? You can always call us and we'll take care of it for you quickly.