The MANY Sounds Of Gretsch Guitars (And The Icons That Played Them)

Chris takes a deep dive into the hugely versatile sound of the Gretsch guitar, through the lens of the players that played them
Understanding Gretsch Guitars:
• Understanding Gretsch ...
The Sound Of Grunge?! | Gretsch Vintage Select '89 Jets
• The Sound Of Grunge?! ...
SKIP LINKS:
0:00 - Intro
0:49 - Overview
2:58 - Early Years/Chet Atkins
6:00 - Gretsch in the 60s/George Harrison
7:53 - Rock N Roll and the Gretsch/Malcom Young
10:43 - 80s Decline & 90s Revival/Chris Cornell
12:58 - More Amazing Players of The Gretsch
16:41 - Outro
Guitars Featured:
Gretsch G5220 Electromatic Jet BT Single-Cut with V-Stoptail, Laurel Fingerboard, Midnight Sapphire
www.gak.co.uk/en/gretsch-g522...
Gretsch G5420T Electromatic Classic Hollow Body, Azure Metallic
www.gak.co.uk/en/gretsch-g542...
Gretsch G5422TG Electromatic Classic, Bigsby, Gold Hardware, Orange Stain
www.gak.co.uk/en/gretsch-g542...
Gretsch G5422G-12 Electromatic Classic Hollow Body, 12 String, Gold Hardware, Walnut
www.gak.co.uk/en/gretsch-g542...
Gretsch G5260 Electromatic Jet Baritone with V-Stoptail, Laurel Fingerboard, Imperial Stain
www.gak.co.uk/en/gretsch-g526...
AMP:
Fender '68 Custom Princeton Reverb
www.gak.co.uk/en/fender-68-cu...
Amp Mics:
www.gak.co.uk/en/shure-beta-5...
www.gak.co.uk/en/shure-ksm313...
Recorded into:
www.gak.co.uk/en/universal-au...
🎸💼👜 SHOP GAK MERCH
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#Gretsch #Guitars #Gretsch2022

[@nathanmarineau3993]

This guy always blows my mind when he plays.

[@fixedgear37]

Brian Setzer and Billy Duffy... Glaring omissions. both synonymous with Gretsch

[@pierreyveshuet1763]

Other iconic Gretsch artists you could have mentioned: Stephen Stills & Neil Young, The Cramps' Poison Ivy, The Cult's Billy Duffy, PJ Harvey and more recently GNR's Richard Fortus

[@joederosas5654]

And what about X's Billy Zoom???????

[@marcraygun6290]

Yes

[@NGRIMALT]

& Syl Sylvain's new york dolls, Reid bros from Jesus & Mary chain, Stone Roses, Stephen Stills, Steve Marriot & the best of them all CLIFF GALLUP!

[@teeze65]

Don't 4get Billy Zoom & Martin Gore bro

[@HellbillyHalloween]

Brian Setzer? When I think of Gretsch I think of Brian Setzer firey rockabilly revival style

[@JTroskaTV]

Gretsch makes a lot of sense for punk rock because their pickups sit in a similar range as P90s but cancel the noise.

[@sonjavasey5197]

What a great versatile player the dude with the moustache is also! Kudos Sir👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@pablo9364]

The semi hollows are unique sound and feel well made and better than I expected . Felt like I was getting more for my money than with other brands

[@BeyondDictation]

The living end were the first band I fell in love with when I was about 4 or 5 years old, Chris the guitarist always had Gretsch’s and the only picture I had on my wall as a kid was a one of a White Falcon, when I bought my first one many years ago it was the greatest day in my musical life…I can confirm you can play absolutely anything on that thing

[@williamwood958]

About 60 years ago, Chet inspired me to play electric guitar. Currently I have a Broadkaster Jr, a pro series Jet, a Electromatic double cut hollow body (G5422t), a Electromatic 12 String (G5422-12), and a Streamliner G2622. About the same time, the Rooftop Singers (Walk Right In) inspired me to play an acoustic 12 string, a Martin 12 String and 2 Martin 6 strings. I also have 4 Fenders, an Epiphone Uptown Kat ES, a Gibson ES-335, a Godin electric classical and 3 D’Angelico DCs. It all started with Chet.

[@mopeygoff]

Robert Smith (The Cure) has used a Tennessee Rose and a Chet Atkins in previous years. He has also used a Silver Falcon which honestly turned me on to Gretsch. I have two gretsch guitars now, both are solid body. I'll get a hollow body one day but man, I just love the sound that I can pull out of these guitars, even though I'm not very good (yet).

[@karltraunmuller7048]

Lovely video work 👏🏻👏🏻👍🏻

[@flyingcod14]

Brian Setzer deserves a bit more than a name check.

[@armend316]

great sounding guitar love it! 🙂❤

[@tomstegall1346]

I’m getn one, I’ve been thinking about a Les Paul. After hearing these Gretsch guitars I’m simply astounded, really! Love Les Paul guitars but after listening to these Gretsches made my jaw hit the floor…. Ive had my new single cut PRS 594 goldburst for about 2 months and love it so it will fill the Les Paul void for awhile along with my three tele’s and my strat and my Alvarez artist series….. never enough guitars. Great video demonstrating,…

[@switchyard2456]

I fell in love with Gretsch and its a love I'm faithful too. Thanks for this.

[@WayneStLouis-cy4ln]

I am a Gretsch fan. Always have been. But only now, being retired, and reviving my guitar enthusiasm to another level, I'm saving for the guitar I want, having already purchased a new amp. I've just had my 69th birthday, and fortunately, I have great finger motion and stretch. My picking is almost as quick as back in my 20's. Anyway, I've always been well aware of the musicians and great guitarists who have used Gretsch guitars, and the vast myriad of people who just play at it with Gretsch. Chet Atkins of course, to me, was the Gretsch sound King. And over all the rest, the next is Brian Setzer. So I was surprised when you mentioned him as a gloss over. When I think of making an instrument 'sing', the name is Brian Setzer.

[@benlogan430]

I play Mississippi hill country blues on my 5420t. Lots of crunch and no feedback issues.

[@continentalaquatics2725]

Bono has played the guitar on certain live songs from 1992-1998. However, he mostly used a Gibson ES-175. His guitar was more of a prop before and after this period. His Gretsch guitar, which was seen on stage from 2000-2014, was dubbed the “Irish Falcon.” It was (predictably) green and had a sticker on it that read “The Goal is Soul.” Bono hasn’t played guitar at all since 2015 when he sustained serious injuries from a bicycling accident. Three fingers on his left hand won’t close. The Edge played a White Falcon on a couple of tracks from 1984-1988. From 2004 to present day, the Edge uses two 1964 Gretsch Chet Atkins models on about a dozen songs or so.

[@KeeperOfPoops]

when i think of Gretsch i think of Stray Cats' Brian Setzer, Reverend Horton Heath, Eddie Cochrane, Rancid's Tim Armstrong, Fall Out Boy's Patrick Stump, The Cult's Billy Duffy, Royal Blood's Mike Kerr and of course the big ones like Chet Atkins, Malcolm Young etc.

[@trevordillon1921]

Wait, Kerr plays a Gretsch? When does he play a Gretsch?

[@ramsay2234]

Not having Setzer in here is just straight up wrong. His 80s rock’n’roll/rockabilly revival really kept Gretsch going.

[@positivelynegative9149]

I just bought my first guitar; a G2622-P90 Streamliner Center Block, Double-Cut, P90, V-Stoptail, Claret Burst. 😃

[@kevinbridger2989]

Outstanding playing....great guitars too!.. George H...Still one of my all time favourites 😍

[@TheSkarocker56]

The first Gretsch electric guitar was the Electromatic released in 1939. Way before the 6120

[@yodasecondave]

Chris Chaney, The Living End. The guy shreds.

[@zachelmquist4932]

Hal Lindes of dire straits rocked Gretsch.

[@jordantaylor1988]

Gretsch tone screams rock! Awesome guitars

[@dreamchasergarage690]

Stunning that Brian Setzer barely gets a mention. You highlighted my Imperial finish baritone nicely though so there's that at least.

[@randyt04]

Yes, Gibson 'applied' for a patent on the Humbucker about week before Gretsch 'applied' for the patent on the Filter'tron, however just because you apply for a patent doesn't mean you will always get one. Gretsch was the first to actually receive a patent on their design almost a month before Gibson received theirs.

[@trevorashworth7307]

My Gretsch is my go to guitar .Love it and Chet.

[@mikewood6071]

Don’t forget “The Cult” Great sounds

[@erpelax8880]

Don't forget Jim Heat, the Reverend!

[@calebcroy07]

I wasn’t expecting him to be mentioned or anything, but one of the first people I think of when I think of Gretsch guitars is Martin Gore of Depeche Mode. Once DM adopted guitars into their sound with ‘Violator’ he’s played Gretsch’s almost exclusively since

[@jeremybaker195]

16:31 Mud Honey's Mark Arm does use Grestch (among others) however in the picture he is using a Guild guitar. ( Another older guitar brand that doesn't get enough attention.)

[@sambethune]

The late Dolores Riordan of the Cranberries was overlooked in your discussion of Gretsch guitars. She frequently played a White Falcon.

[@Walks-With-Pride]

Every guitarists should own at least one Gretsch in their arsenal. Gretsch guitars are available in every price range, so they are available for every budget. For me, Gretsch sits right up there with Fender, Gibson, and Rickenbacker. Do yourself a favor and check out a Gretsch. In all likelihood, you will love it.

[@billbiddy9083]

Hoodoo Gurus where huge in the 80s in Aus and used a combo of Gretsch and teles. There are just heaps of people who use Gretsch.

[@rlk54]

I am fortunate enough to own one, a solid Les Paul type with Bigsby.

[@marcraygun6290]

For me it was William Reid of jesus and mary chain, Martin gore of Depeche mode and poison ivy so maybe not usual suspects , got myself a 64 anniversary and then much more recently a 64 astrojet

[@garysutherland8327]

Poison Ivy Rorschach The Queen Of Rock n Roll

[@rostokmcspoons]

Kavus Torabi played a Gretsch White Falcon through his stint in Cardiacs and now with Gong. So that's your psychedelic / punk / prog covered off!

[@user-kl7ug9dr2k]

Also David gilmore played a gretsch duo jet in 1979 and 2002 at the meltdown concert ...was used to play the comfortably numb solo ...see robert wyatts meltdown comfortably numb

[@leonardcanter4596]

Awesome Videos !! Please demo the Gretsch G6136 140th Anniversary Double Platinum Guitar (Rockabilly If possible). Thinking about purchasing one, but I’d like to hear more before parting with $4K. My first Gretsch is a 1992 G7594T DCT White Falcon & last is a 2022 Gretsch G6229TG Turquoise Sparkle Jet, with 6 or 7 Gretsch in between. Just want one more before I quit buying guitars. Thank you Very Much !!

[@ScacchistaEquilibrista]

16:21 that's a guild starfire

[@hr2186]

I prefer a Gretsch over Fender or Gibson. Thick twang. I have owned and own many brands.

[@andyglamrock]

Loved the video and playing but how could you forget Billy Duffy, he's even got his signature Falcon model

[@GakCoUk]

ohhh there are so many I had to leave out! I keep thinking of ones I missed even now. Thanks for the kind words though

[@pohldriver]

My wife got me a 2420t last month for my 40th birthday. Because she never tuned a 3x3, she got lost and cranked the D string until it snapped. So I never got to hear the factory strings. So I put some flat wounds on it and...was disappointed. The pickups are low output and don't work very well with the cheap amp I have. So, since it's a Fender, I got a Mustang 25 and it sounds wonderful. It sounds nice even unplugged. And it plays so easily, allowing me to play for hours without my hands getting tired. Unfortunately, I don't have a case yet. So, I can't take it with in the semi until then.

[@pohldriver]

@@keithclark486 I had a cheap guitar that was just in a gig bag and it quickly got worn just laying on the bed. These new short trucks don't ride near as nice as the old trucks. I have a case for the Fender acoustics I have because they're nicer. While the Gretch is the cheapest hollow body, even as far as the G 2420t goes, I'd be terrified it would slip out of my hands getting in and out of the truck. Drivers getting together and playing is a great idea. I've seen drivers sitting by themselves in their trucks playing, one guy had a dreadnought, mandolin, and a double O out. I don't know if there's another driver musician page on Facebook, so I just started one named Gear Jammers. Maybe it'll catch on.

[@TheTjoconnor]

Forgot Jack White. He used a custom Triple Jet with The Raconteurs

[@joshgreen7944]

It’s a crime the cramps was not mentioned here.

[@owenhamilton6594]

I'm guessing they don't make a sound between Chets clean and Malcolm's dirt...

[@Wildmutationblu]

Richard Hawley is the guitarist for the band Pulp and also has a solo career.

[@halletscove6529]

Excellent playing -- particularly the Chet Atkins section. Would have used a Country Gentleman, Tennessean or Duo Jet for the George part. Also, Neil Young and Steven Stills -- two icons that should have been referenced. But keep them coming.

[@freddiebowers1125]

Did I miss it Brian Setzer wasn’t mentioned?

[@leotrejos1802]

What about centre block lines?

[@joshuamckinney7107]

nathan kicks ass

[@NGRIMALT]

in fact 'grunge' contribution to gretsch popularity is anecdotal or even close to none. the brand came back in demand in the early eighties after the Stray Cats & their strong 'vintage look' appeared!

[@somebodyelseuk]

Yep, and in the UK at least, a fair few lads were buying them because they could get used (vintage) ones a lot cheaper than they could get a Gibson. Roddy Frame, Edwyn Collins, Johnny Marr, Nick Heyward all played them early on. Marco Pironi, Matthew Ashman, Neil Finn and Keith Scott played them. Pete Townsend used a 6120 on most of his recordings since the early 70s.

[@joeljenkins2618]

Need to google who Chris Cheney is! Not only one of the most talented players on the list but also ticks off rockabilly

[@jeryrushing]

BTO made this sounds infamous

[@sambethune]

You’re absolutely right. Just a few years ago Randy Bachman was reunited with his Gretsch (I think it was a Country Gentleman) that was stolen from him during a BTO gig in the 70s. It ended up in the hands of a collector in Japan who graciously returned it to Bachman in exchange for an identical guitar Randy had in his collection. You know how we guitarists get sentimental over a particular instrument!

[@arthurnawrath6701]

Brian Setzer is missed! The greatest Gretsch Player ever!!!

[@pg123ab]

You forgot two great Brits guitar players: Billy Duffy from the Cult and the amazing Martin Gore from Depeche Mode.

[@scottleonard6651]

**Jim Heath of The Reverend Horton Heat plays everything from clean country to "70s metal in the same set with the same guitar and amp. He defines (lack) of Gretsch versatility range limits in a single show!!

[@MusicWeRemember]

While it's mentioned several times that "these guitars are used for jazz..." no jazz players are actually cited. Why is this? Well, I guess because none of them play Gretsch guitars.

[@patrickruiz3100]

They are a few ones. Sal Salvador was playing a 6199 Gretsch archtop. Julian Lage plays a luthier handcraft copy of Duo Jet with Dynasonic pickups.

[@aitken1965]

This video shows that you don’t need the top-of-the-line pro models to sound great. You do need top-of-the-line skills though!

[@justiceforall6412]

I have 3 Gretsches. They're fantastic guitars. My semi hollow is my current go to.

[@HellbillyHalloween]

Brian Setzer? Chuck Berry? Roy Orbison?

[@TheSkarocker56]

Chuck was more of a Gibson man. And not forgetting Bo Diddley & the great Cliff Gallup.

[@craigh5156]

Erm... Gretsch + 80s = Billy Duffy anybody?

[@gravm]

Poison ivy

[@itsjavaman]

You left out Prince and Robert Smith, Porl Thompson.

[@justtomA89]

you forgot Martin Gore from Depeche Mode, who have big collection of Gretsch guitars

[@areareare9953]

Appreciate all the guitar porn shots interspersed with the tech stuff!

[@davidpack4867]

NUDESWIRL used hollowbody Gretsch guitars pretty much exclusively.

[@joshsocket694]

Picking a Gretsch in bed as I watch this

[@Daniele-ez7eh]

How good are gretsch guitars with heavy metal? For example Megadeth, Iron Maiden or Saint Vitus

[@ericwolfe7930]

You show Steve Turner from Mudhoney playing a Guild Starfire. As far as I know he plays no Gretches.

[@ericwolfe7930]

Mark Arm however does play one.

[@sonjavasey5197]

That neck pick-up on the blue sparkle jet looks awful! Awesome demo apart from that! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@Faygo33]

the guitarist of TSOL plays gretsch guitars

[@Marquel_Lucas]

Who is this guitar player

[@badcatsebastian]

Robert Smith

[@clemdog76]

Tiger Army? Nick 13…. I mean, he currently has a signature model 🤷🏻

[@jameskalka3224]

How do you talk about the history of who played Gretsch guitars and not include one of the Grand Fathers of R&R, Bo Diddley who played them through his early career in many different designs that he created.

[@chester777ful]

The guitarist who played in the video has a weird sound he didnt sound like any of the guitarists mentioned certainly like Chet Atkins

[@positivelynegative9149]

4:10 "pay-tent" 🤣 Silly Brits.

[@Kianquenseda]

Ibanez ?

[@taufanmochamat7119]

Are you the same guy who talk about Sadio Mane is the best football player in the world?

[@somebodyelseuk]

"In 1954, Gretsch teamed up with... to produce their first electric guitar..." a year after they produced the Duo Jet... er... electric guitar. The reason Bono and Edge have signature Gretsch and Fender models is because they're both on FMIC's board. C'mon now, do your research.

[@marccarter1350]

you mean Fender. That have the biggest nut. Owned a few, always first out of the door to make room

[@wardelliot3102]

6:30 talking about duo jet and showing a les paul

[@TheSkarocker56]

Nah, that was a black Duo Jet

[@wardelliot3102]

​@@TheSkarocker56 i looked it up, you're right, but me to, actually Gretsch it self is wrong. Duo jet is the name of a shape (the double jet little sister), I guess they called them duo jet's to to not have problems with Gibson or Epiphone's les Paul rights. And i mean it's obviously a les paul shape so i am not that wrong. c:

[@TheSkarocker56]

@@wardelliot3102 Similar shape but completely different guitars. LP is solid & tht Duo Jet is chambered. Different pups & wiring. I have both and they are nothing alike.

[@wardelliot3102]

@@TheSkarocker56 i get that but that's not the point, when i said that first thing (and you rightfully proved me wrong) I was talking about shapes, you know Les Paul is a copyrighted shape, Duo Jet same, I didn't know at first that there were Les Paul bodies under the name Duo Jet, that's all.

[@TheSkarocker56]

@@wardelliot3102 The Duo Jet has a larger, longer body with a different shaped cutaway. Similar but no copyright breach. This vid is explains it quite well. The Gretsch is a modern G5230 but the same body as a Duo Jet. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nnipZYSKhbuahLs

[@pierreartaux772]

Bonjour, vous oubliez poison ivy une grande guitariste rock ‘n’roll .dommage.

[@ratedrrr]

I'm surprised that you mentioned Elle Goldings guitarist who plays with a Gretsch but not Alex Turner from the Arctic Monkey's, and you're also English. Come on dude

[@jimmyhansen5842]

Don't they like noise in punkrock bands😂😂😂

[@beavisvalenzuela332]

Brian setzer, poison ivy, Jim heath, all the bands from the rockabilly revival, psychobilly 🙄

[@johnnynangle6336]

This child knows nothing

[@jeremybaker195]

Gretsch started making electric guitars in 1939. The Chet Adkins model was not the first Gretsch electric. Do some research man. 🤦‍♂️

[@jeremybaker195]

Not their first guitar. One of their most popular. They started making guitars in the 30s So many mistakes in this video. Dude needs to do a little research. Just a little.

[@jeremybaker195]

Fred Gretsch Jr. The founders son sold Gretsch. Fred W. Gretsch A great grandson of the founder and a nephew to Fred Jr. bought back the Gretsch name. This guy makes it sound like the same Fred Gretsch sold then bought back Gretsch. Again do a little research.