18 Jan Gretsch
Whilst better known for their iconic electric guitars, Gretsch also make a range of distinctive acoustics.
The Gretsch Company was founded in the US in 1883 by Friedrich Gretsch, a twenty-seven year old German immigrant, making banjos, tambourines, and drums, until his death in 1895.
Guitar production began in the late 1930s and Gretsch archtop guitars became highly sought after, most notably in the 1950s and 1960s. In 1967 the Gretsch Company was sold to Baldwin, a music industry giant. But without the family dedication that had driven the business for so many years the company began to falter. It was revived by Fred W. Gretsch in 1989 who is great-great-grandson of the founder.
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.
Most modern-era Gretsch guitars are manufactured in the Far East – the Professional series guitars are made in Japan, with excellent build quality, with the lower priced range being made in Korea.
Website: www.gretschguitars.com
Links to other pages
Gretsch Electric Guitars
Best Acoustic Guitars under £1000
Choosing an acoustic pickup
Tone woods explained
