History of Gretsch | Gretsch Guitars

This video features artists including Duane Eddy, the Cult's Billy Duffy, Jim "Reverend Horton Heat" Heath, Collective Soul's Ed Roland, Brian Setzer, Billy Zoom and others, as they take you on a guided tour of "That Great Gretsch Sound!"
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About Gretsch:
With its emphasis on hand-craftsmanship and commitment to quality over a storied 135 years and counting, Gretsch has pioneered new designs and manufacturing techniques, winning endorsements from some of the music industry’s most respected artists, including Chet Atkins, Eddie Cochran, Billy Duffy, Bono, Duane Eddy, George Harrison, Brian Setzer, Stephen Stills and Malcolm Young.
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History of Gretsch | Gretsch Guitars
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[@OtherMike5000]

*Billy Zoom. Punk Legend.*

[@promoted738]

As an added bonus -- when you play a Gretsch you get unbelievably great hair.

[@gerberbernstein7360]

+Promot Ed No wonder I'm a bald guy with a Strat.

[@diddydavid67]

lol!

[@jackbarlow4104]

My hair got thicker as soon as I got mine!

[@ibexthadevil3533]

Will it grow mine back ...lol

[@PaulBeard1990]

Gretsch are the absolute gods of the guitar world in my eyes. They have a unique look about them a great sound and feel and I could prob go on and on

[@justiceforall6412]

I avoided Gretschs for decades thinking it was a rockabilly one trick pony. Boy was I wrong! Now I have 4! Gretsch guitars are the best!

[@sirpercythrillington]

Indeed, I have no regrets purchasing my gretsch. Such a versatile guitar that you can pull so many sounds out of. I've played a strat, Tele, les Paul, and a Gibson sg but I would rank my gretsch above all those. The only guitar that has ranked close to my gretsch is a USA made epiphone casino.

[@BoyajianDon]

Duane Eddy makes an excellent point - Gretschs really are the best smelling new guitars.

[@josephhein9497]

Eh, I find that to be a bit subjective. My Gretsch stank of wood glue. My Martin, on the other hand, smelled like chocolate. No diss on looks or performance, though. I love my Gretsch to high-heaven.

[@davidorocks62]

It does smell great, that is true! Mine smells like vanilla, beautiful!

[@JellyrollHorton]

Now I gotta go smell my G5422.

[@savanaviolenta]

My G5420T still smells the same like new each time I take it out of the case,I'm in love in this smell,I want it to be there forever,well at least I'm alive :)

[@Teachering]

Agreed. But there's nothing like the smell of a brand new Martin. Hell, I love guitar smells, Gretsch or otherwise!!

[@thomassawicki2065]

Cool ! I am a Gibson and Fender guy, but gotta admit, these Gretsch players have something special .

[@DigitalViperGaming]

Just bought my very first Gretsch about a month ago...a G5420T hollowbody. I'd never even played a hollowbody guitar before. But at the ripe old age of 47 (and 30+ years of playing), I now wish I wouldn't have waited so long! Wes

[@JammyGit]

Exactly the same as me !! 47, never even held or been in the vicinity of a gretsch before and last week bought a used g5126 in silver sparkle with dynasonic pickups, fitted case and the previous owner had upgraded the tuners, the bridge & the bigsby as well as buying the case, and the guitar is in quite superb condition for 10 years old with not a scratch on it. It cost me £600, I don't know much about gretsches but the guy told me that it was made by samick which he claimed were the better quality instruments of the 2 different gretsches that came out of Korea but I haven't got a clue about that, nor am I sure how much they were when made, but the upgrades cost the guy as much as I paid for the whole guitar so I can't complain, and f**k me what a stunning guitar it is to look at and to play 👍

[@georgestrickland8538]

Iam..74.yrs.looking.for.a.used.grerch

[@savanaviolenta]

My first hollow body guitar was Gretsch G5420T in Aspen green,to date my favorite ,most versatile and beautiful guitar.I love all my guitars they're great,but the Gretsch is something really special.

[@vracan]

Same here . I've been a strat and gibson player all my life(I'm in my 50's) and just bought a blue 5420T a week ago after falling in love with it at music store. I have no idea why I never was interested for gretsch before, maybe it's my more refined taste developed over the years?

[@sh4rkbyt3]

Bought my first one (G5420TG) last month and topped it with one I've been saving for :D The G7593T-BD Billy Duffy White Falcon. Love them both and they each have their own sound. Sparkly high tones and deep bass like no other guitar! It ain't an old man guitar anymore !

[@johnsmith-so5do]

If my house was on fire I’d run back inside to grab my Gretsch!

[@mjs2016]

My sister asked me what I would grab and run with if the house caught on fire. I said my bible and my gretsch. My amps I will leave to the flames!

[@christianvance1614]

Shit Ima break my bedroom window out and start putting all my instruments in the back yard and then climb out the window and get my shit as far from the house as possible hahahaha

[@christianvance1614]

And yeah I just recently bought a Gretsch electromatic with a bigsby and I’m in love hahahaha!

[@mjs2016]

@@christianvance1614 Those electromatics are damn good guitars. I have a streamliner but I modded mine with chrome knobs and outer parts and am putting tv jones classic pickups on the neck and classic+ on the bridge

[@coaldoubt2879]

Why is it not with you?

[@dannyreyna2821]

Gretsch guitars always had that unique 50s sound and its still sounds greater ever since.

[@abanks917]

My Gretsch streamliner g2655t arrived today in imperial stain. She is an absolute work of art and sounds beautiful. I own an Ibanez, a Jackson and a Yamaha. The Gretsch is by far my favourite ♥️

[@popdufc4139]

Got mine 2 weeks ago. First guitar I have owned that makes me smile. Amazing value.

[@cashrex4326]

you all probably dont give a damn but does anybody know of a trick to log back into an Instagram account..? I was stupid forgot the login password. I appreciate any tips you can give me!

[@zahiraugust9493]

@Cash Rex instablaster ;)

[@sirpercythrillington]

Hey I purchased a Gretsch Streamliner g2622t with p-90s in the color gunmetal last year. Thing is an absolute beast amd has been my favorite guitar I've ever played. Only guitar that has ranked close to it is a USA made epiphone casino.

[@6410daniel]

just like weston down below , I just bought my 1st Gretsch. 3 days ago , I played 5 different guitars, 2 fenders crap, 1 kramer ugh, and 2 ibanez, looking for a special tone,, then i told the sam ash sales dude, let me try that gold top hollow body Gretsch .. he said its a good tone guitar, I plugged it in , and right then and there I knew ,that she is coming home with me, I have owned many different guitars in my days, but this one is smooth , and crunchy at the same time.. thx to Gretsch ,for changing my ideas on how guitars should sound.. so much wasted money and time... Dan Sarasota.. 6-30-20 / I purchased , Gretsch G5655T Electromatic Center Block Jr Electric Guitar Casino Gold . great price for a great tone.

[@cvalkmal1]

So proud to own and play my Electromatic!

[@chris-rg4hy]

i too just stare at my gretsch, hour after hour i can stare at it,,,then i get to play it!!!! the most beautiful guitar i will ever own!

[@jackbarlow4104]

I clean mine every day after I play it!

[@JimSwanson-eo2un]

LOVE Gretsch guitars and wanted one since I was about 12 years old and saw Stephen Stills with a white Falcon. FINALLY got the Falcon in 2012 as well as other Gretsch models. What great guitars!

[@Judas_1989]

I bought Gretsch G5435 Pro Jet from my friend just recently. I always liked Gretsch guitars but never actually owned one. And now I finally udnerstand all the love for these guitars. It's flawless, unique sounding and easy to play. Also pretty light! I love it so much!

[@Cascademenace]

I recently bought a G7593T in black. Wonderful, versatile work of art. Couldn't be happier.

[@kramusic]

I bought a Gretsch 5120 three years ago and, that is one of my go to guitars!

[@scottplaysguitar]

I got the chance to play the guitar shown @2:03 when I was 11 at guitar center Hollywood. Ever since then I knew I needed a Gretsch! I’m 20 now and I got the electromatic jet coming in the mail!! I know it might not even be close to that vintage guitar, but I’m still in love with it all.

[@jharsch3453]

Jim Heath and Chet Atkins are the two players that make me want to purchase a Gretsch next

[@30smsuperstrat]

I would like to hear more R&B artist playing Gretsch

[@HumGuitar]

Didn’t mention Matthew Ashman from Bow Wow Wow. He played a big white Gretsch like the one Billy Duffy plays. Before he passed away he gave his Gretsch to his friend John Frusciante of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Ashman was fantastic.

[@dmunman]

Magic.... Understatement.

[@Teachering]

I own a lot of Strats and Telecasters. I also own two very nice Gibson Les Pauls. About a week ago I bought the orange Gretsch 6120. My world is rocking!!

[@ColinStuart]

The only Gretsch I've had was an '80's Beast, that I traded a Telecaster for, back when Gretsch was retail dog meat! Best neck I've ever played!

[@bradnelson907]

I am five months into playing guitar and I bought this red Gretsch G2420T and I love it. I play Gretsch for that twangy rockabilly sound. Love that great Gretsch sound.

[@Southernguitar74]

Stick with it man. It is a lifelong journey, a marathon, but worth every minute. All the best

[@pohldriver]

Ed Roland was where I was a year ago, I'm not good enough for something so beautiful. $500 still is a lot for me. Then my wife got me a 2420t last year for my 40th birthday after seeing how much a Gibson like was used in Back to the Future costs. I heard the Gretsch name, but didn't know much about the brand, so I started researching. That's when I discovered that my most of my favorite songs and artists from Bo Diddly and Chet Atkins through to Brian Setzer all used Gretsch guitars! My wife got me a Martin 000 for Christmas, which was nice. But, for the same price I could have another Gretsch!? Off to Guitar Center we went! I swapped it for a 2627t, which is like an ATV with a blown big block! Whatever I feel like Playing, it will easily go there. My wife now knows it's Gretsch or nothing for me.

[@danreid6712]

Wowza ! What a line-up of great artists & axes !! I just bought a G5422 TG in white....with a Gold Bigsby, baby....Y E A H !

[@travgpeters1]

thats was a fun watch ! . just bought my first Gretsch 1 month ago . i bought a G6120TG Players Edition Nashville in orange stain . and now i am addicted to the "Gretsch" sound . awesome awesome guitar ! . i think i will buy another one this summer ! a falcon of somesort

[@Fuff63]

I don’t feel that I am yet worthy of playing a Gretsch hollow body, but oh they inspire me to keep trying to be.

[@alexbetty5896]

I can't afford the high end models, but have bought an Electromatic DuoJet, and a 5420t, I own many guitars, but the Gretsch sound and tone is the one I always go back to, I could sell everything else!! 3 Flying V's and a few strats anyone ?!?!

[@RobertWGreaves]

My very first guitar was a Gretsch Corsair back in 1965.

[@otamardecarvalho]

A different and very special sound. I love it.

[@genecraig9811]

I bought a used 6122 in '75. Turns out it was a 1962. I had to sell it in 1990; I cried on my way out of the store I sold it to. It was the finest guitar I have ever played, including the 6128 that was lost in a house fire 2 yrs ago. the Jet was the 2nd best guitar I ever played

[@sh4rkbyt3]

Also Roy Orbison.

[@lf2334]

This is why you never do drugs, kids.

[@_P0tat07_]

Stray Cat strut will always be my favorite song ever. I remember hearing it as a kid. And my dad would play it on his guitar and sing it to me. :')

[@IamtheActionman]

That was awesome! So nostalgic all of a sudden

[@lainebolton2896]

The absolute best ever hands down

[@Sabrinathefishinggirl]

I have always wanted one. Maybe that wil change one day.

[@michaelwertzy9808]

Do it to it! You need to J.J.!

[@andynew2]

I guess I'm one of the lucky ones with a Gretsch 6122-59. Just beautiful in every way.

[@bobaldo2339]

I love Gretsch guitars - so very nice to play.

[@Madmax-zc2gk]

Awesome video...I’ve got a 6118 Anniversary Edition, a professional series strat and a -335... I’m selling the Strat in the near future... I never play it anymore...and my Gretsch gets about 90% of my attention....Absolutely LOVE it...

[@miloshapiro1413]

Gretsch wouldn't exist without Chet Atkins

[@JDL0111]

Milo Shapiro SO TRUE!!!

[@glennso47]

Jeremy Lord AL Casey. The Monkees also

[@Flyingwithoutmings]

Jeremy Lord the Beatles probably wouldn't play gretsch without Chet

[@paperviewcast]

Gretsch wouldn't have survived until today without Brian Setzer.

[@bobaldo2339]

Chuck Berry played Gibson guitars ( from the ES series), not Gretsch guitars. BoDiddley, however, always played Gretsch guitars - except during his home-made guitar period when he was mad at Gretsch for not making an official BoDiddley Gretsch.

[@DoceVicioBlues]

Gretsch são incríveis ❤

[@zebdoz333]

iam getting a elctromatic jet pro limited edition next month i have played it at the store, they let me in a booth to do so, pretty versatile from little i have played, but when i get it, i am going to let it rip on it and make more videos of me playing it

[@ruckusfitnesd7505]

Absolutely love both my 2 Gretsch guitars i have a G2210 Junior jet streamliner and a G5410t Rat Rod and want more

[@maggieo]

My Duo Jet is a dream!

[@toms3664]

Somebody missing from this.... Cocteau Twins!

[@luthravin4774]

I thought my G5439T was wonderful .. then I tossed in a TV Jones Setzer in the neck and a Powertron Pro in the bridge.. WOW! Huge differences.. It’s perfect for my needs!! Thanks Gretsch!!

[@blackout8845]

You lucky's owning a Gretsch!

[@johnlanham4050]

Chet Atkins entered into an agreement with Gretsch in 1954 . He had considerable input in design of his signature model 6120 which was in the 1955 Gretsch catalogue.

[@fletcherglover6136]

Just bought a Gretsch guitar yesterday. It's some real heavy duty shit, haha. I could go on and on about it but what I'll say now is that it's like a wild horse you need to break in. It's smooth like caramel slice on the right hand but plugged in it bucks back and hits you back as hard as you hit it. Your hands can get lost and you can easily lose your way playing one. I'm still breaking mine in and it's also breaking me in but it's worth it. Every time I play it in the best possible way it's like eating a massive meal and I need a long rest afterwards because it physically and mentally exhausts you. Like I said, Gretsch guitars are some really heavy duty shit, haha! Totally worth it.

[@johnhosley5468]

Like Lawless33 I just purchased my first Gretsch G2655T Streamliner 3 days ago ………….. MY FINGERS HAVE NOT HURT THIS BAD IN YEARS.....LOL

[@deanbradley5499]

Gretsch is perfect.

[@micheleserkez5787]

Love my Gretsch!

[@Perfect2ATee]

Nice to see an honourable mention to Chris Cheney :)

[@stephencorfield7720]

Im from England so for me a Gretsch guitar is the Rolls Royce of guitars and Then theres Fender ,yes they play but i would rather drive a Rolls Royce than a Cadilac.

[@misteramx1]

Fender does not own Gretsch they have a Working deal together and FMIC is now the distributer.

[@johnhosley5468]

I have driven a Rolls Royce, I like the Cadillac better...…

[@sh4rkbyt3]

@Mad Dog Fifi Tell that to Billy Duffy.

[@jakubbielak7273]

All classic Depeche Mode riffs have been played on Gretsch. Martin Gore's favourite guitars.

[@savanaviolenta]

Yeah,I think he had played all these tunes mainly on his Anni model,but I know he has a few Gretsches.

[@samiam9059]

Some documentary I saw they use around 85% maple on a guitar. Quite a tone wood... No wonder always loved maple necks.

[@bondocfromdapillay]

The gretsch i liked was malcolm young's firebird '63

[@scaredypicker]

I bought a Gretsch 5420T off eBay about two months ago with TV Jones Classic pups in it. Sounds amazing, especially since I put a roller style bridge on it too! :D

[@savanaviolenta]

Yeah,but that's not a G5420 ts a special edition,the real G5420 is with BlackTops Filtertron,and boy do I love those pickups.

[@sh4rkbyt3]

I like both sets of Pups but the TV Jones is just wow with the tone!

[@jeffjacobson59]

Has Billy Duffy ever modeled? Dude looks like a vampire David Beckham

[@DA-eh9ce]

Good insight! Thanks! :)

[@greyoldgit8366]

Great film. They should have given Jerry Miller from Eilen Jewell's band a nod. He's the best Gretsch player I've seen and a damn fine chap he is too!

[@barryduff3047]

What about Poison Ivy - she is a genuine rock legend

[@startervisions]

one of the best, she influenced bands like Misfits and QOTSA

[@drbooks]

100%

[@Newwaver2007]

Must be a quite nice guitar how so many greats talk about it. I've seen a Gretsch close by last month but I didn't buy it or even tried playing it. I love them though. I'll try it when I am ready lol.

[@MrMAXITALLICA]

I recommend highly i play a duo jet electromatic and this company has made a customer for life you couldn't pay me to get something different now

[@billville111]

Pro tip - background music is supposed to be in the background.

[@JellyrollHorton]

Amen to that. I wanted to hear what the greats had to say. Should have interspersed more of that great Gretsch sound between commentary

[@kevin-wk7gg]

My dream guitar is the gretsch white falcon double cutaway

[@mamasboy7606]

my gretsch is coming in Tuesday. oh yeah.

[@grandnaguszek7417]

Gretsch 1883-1967 R.I.P

[@alnico983]

Gretsch are back, and better than ever. Check out my '57 reissue silver jet. Al Nico - Thats awesome video.

[@zurdoremi]

the ZERO FRET is what I always liked in ANY guitar.

[@bobaldo2339]

Amen to that, zurdo!

[@WeWereYoungandCrazy]

Yes! the zero fret makes so much sense. great way to start an argument though.

[@wilhelmtheconquerer6214]

Malcolm Young, George Harrison and Chet Atkins are the holy trinity of Gretsch players

[@DodgerFanAD_23]

Such a pretty guitar 😍

[@NullStaticVoid]

Wish they'd spoken on the history more. Like about Gretsch drums which are great drums. And why they still haven't made a bass as good as their guitars or drums?

[@wolfy9479]

"History of Gretsch guitars" Wants to hear about drums

[@NullStaticVoid]

and Basses. Get it right my guy.

[@davidshepack2484]

I record with Gibsons and Fenders sometimes.....Filtertrons most of the time.

[@harrisjon1]

I’m a beginner and I want to learn on the best!

[@strangersf]

The Charlatans (late 60's) Used a big ole' fat ass Electric 12 string on the opening of Alabama Bound. Looked like it was 4 inches deep . I've never forgotten that sound. Anyone here have an idea, with that inadequate description, what model that might be, There's a vid available so you can hear it.

[@michaelgonzalez7304]

I hope that someday that Gretsch will move back to Brooklyn someday but in a new facility. We can hopefully bring back guitar and drum manufacturing and building to my home New York City. #MAKEBROOKLYNGRETSCHAGAIN

[@Elainerulesutube]

The rockabilly guitar.

[@marcraygun6290]

No mention of their greatest model the astrojet

[@impalax327]

I miss my '59..sob sob...

[@doguecreek]

I miss my '59, too!

[@bobaldo2339]

Me too. I love the feel of a Gretsch neck. The pickups were never as versatile as some (IMO), but Gretsch guitars play sooo smooth.

[@mikemike8142]

Johnny Marr rocks this guitar

[@duffbaker9554]

Thought Marr was more of a Rickenbacker guy?

[@anodyneforever3996]

@@duffbaker9554 Also....Thought he was a Fender Jaguar guy?

[@TheHeater90]

Love gretsch guitars, but I cringe every time Billy Zoom says, "All the Rock 'n' Roll guys either used Fender or Gretsch"... yeah, all of them except for Chuck Berry, Scotty Moore, Carl Perkins, John Lennon, Grady Martin, Hank Garland, Keith Richards(early on), Joe Maphis, Franny Beecher(Bill Haley's guitarist), Danny Cedrone(Bill Haley's previous guitarist, who played on 'Rock Around the Clock'). So... Yeah And even some of the ones who famously used gretsch like George Harrison, also played Gibson, Rickenbacker and even Epiphone at various times.

[@RockandrollNegro]

Back in the fifties there were really only two players in the electric guitar industry: Gretsch and Gibson. Gibson was far more prevalent because it was more affordable than Gretsch. Then along came Fender, and it took a huge chunk of Gibson's market presence. Gretsch was more of a footnote at that time; the only people that could afford one were established musicians. The seventies and early eighties were a great time to be a Gretsch fan because all those 50s and 60s models were available on the used market for less than a vintage Gibson of the same era. Players were making Gretsch "cool" again, but players like Brian Setzer, Billy Zoom, Poison Ivy and all the others were all playing ancient Country Gentleman models, because again, nobody could afford a new model. So Billy Zoom is full of shit. 90% of rock and rollers played either Gibson or Fender. Gretsch was only popular when it could be bought cheaply at a thrift store. Those days are long gone. I would love to own a Reverend Horton Heat model but I'd never be able to play it without thinking "I shelled out $4500 for this" with each chord.

[@savanaviolenta]

I can hear you on that $4500 dollars guitar ,each time I play on it I will think and feel the same.To me Gretsches are the most beautiful guitars ever made.If I ever have a pro line model it will never leave the house,will be used only for recording.

[@carloscarias6276]

My dream is to own brian’s g6120tfm

[@Solomajik1]

Love Gretsch, Jus would like to know the release date for "G5022CWFE Falcon Jumbo Rancher" In Us??,hope I can BUY it soon..Just sAy1n

[@christianvance1614]

I’m dying to get a full hollow body though.

[@anoldmannameddave7455]

Y’all left out Neil Young on the list of players.

[@antischism92]

funny part is george harrison had an interview where he said he didn't like the tone of gretsch... still do not understand why =P

[@RealArtsMedia]

Where is that interview? would love to see it -- sounds incredibly odd, considering he played three different ones while in the Beatles!

[@antischism92]

Paul Shannon​ look up george harrison talks about his fender strat on youtube. He talks about a few guitars and makes the comment on how he didnt like his gretsch. i love these guitars they are fun to play. Considering i own a 1979 charlie christian gibson

[@MrLucozadeFTW]

How come he used multiple gretsch's not just in the beatles but after the beatles

[@TooCooFoYou]

He said he didn't like it because of the Vox amp, so the sound probably didn't come as he had expected.

[@justick]

Beautiful guitars, great players. No Jim Moginie? Hmmm, ok.

[@ericbrooks9293]

Electromatic 5120 _ Beautiful Quality - $600 or so? Buy 2 or 4. I did

[@nein4893]

+Eric Brooks Did that too man. Just a Beautiful Guitar!

[@Mission2Transition641]

whats that song in the intro>????

[@jdsmith5060]

whats the point robo hendrix will be bigger than jimi

[@hanskung3278]

"Smelled it"?

[@simonabsalon2600]

wheres george harrison?

[@PillsBuryDoughBoy_]

Sadly, dead

[@KingColomonsdisciple]

Dead

[@simonabsalon2600]

@@KingColomonsdisciple HAHAHAHAAHAHA 💀

[@crazycat1345]

I have tried many gretsch guitars and they have too much high screeching treble for me.

[@dimbulb53]

what's the song that starts 4:30 and runs out to the end?

[@GianniBuroni]

Chicken Feed by Cousin Harley (Paul Pigat).

[@NoCoverCharge]

I love Gretsch …you don’t play one you wear one …

[@aslamcader8946]

Where Malcolm young ???

[@PillsBuryDoughBoy_]

Dead

[@N64Guy]

Christopher walkin

[@right2armbears685]

What's the name of intro song?

[@cahilldrummer]

4 wheels 9 lives

[@mrredritehand]

So it's not just me