The Rides Stephen Stills Talks Gretsch | Artist Interview | Gretsch Guitars

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young at Woodstock were Stephen Stills experience. Watch more as talks about his relationship with Gretsch andso much more in this interview.
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Gretsch's biggest fans are some of your favorite Artists. Gretsch asks them questions about their favorite Gretsch Signature Guitars and Bases and how they like to rock out on Gretsch. Check it out as Gretsch chats with your favorite performers that share a love for Gretsch.
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The Rides Stephen Stills Talks Gretsch | Artist Interview | Gretsch Guitars
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[@rongersten2598]

When I was living in Boulder, Colorado, I stepped into a pawn shop in the foothills above Denver. There was Stephen Stills messing around with a cheap pawnshop 12-string. Recognized him right away and was in awe. Shopkeeper asks him, "what band do you play in"? Crosby, Stills & Nash was his reply. I was dumbfounded that the guy didn't recognize Stills.

[@mikey-domagala]

Amazing story! What year was this?

[@rongersten2598]

@@mikey-domagala Probably 1971 or 72.

[@mikey-domagala]

@@rongersten2598 incredible

[@thestrengthwithin4249]

That’s great 😃 thank you for sharing 👏👏👏👏👍

[@tootiejamba]

That Manassas double LP could be the best thing Stills was ever involved with. What a fantastic record.

[@gregmock6808]

Great record but to me..his first solo album is a desert island record...his production and playing on Deja Vu is as good as anything out there as well.

[@johncrace911]

One of my fondest memories is seeing Buffalo Springfield.They started out all acoustic took a break, curtain opened Marshall stacks. Young and Stills. Les Paul's and Marshall playing Mr Soul and trading licks on Bluebird. It was awesome and unexpected. I was surprised.

[@petertrout8140]

Rock on, saw them at the Whiskey years ago. Was also privileged to see them at Monterey. One of the all time best!

[@terrycarthy4433]

@@petertrout8140 ; respect to you ! Fine recollections.

[@jesterwalsh9714]

Genius is overused these days, BUT Mr. Stills is a genius... One of a kind

[@jperryfan]

Stills is one of the most underrated guitar players ever because he could write songs , sing play bass and organ and produce records. Long may he run!

[@firecat-dy9go]

I totally agree! Have been a fan of Stephen Still since Buffalo Springfield days.

[@erintaylor5856]

I never understood the term underrated. Did someone give him a 3 or something? He's always been highly rated :)

[@duaneddymunster4848]

I was never aware of how goo he was until I got to see CSN back in the 1980's. He was playing a flying V and really tore it up on Love the one your with. One of the best shows I will ever see.

[@martigrant3707]

I agree with you 100 percent.

[@koshersalaami]

I saw him touring with Judy Collins. He wasn’t in the greatest voice but I had no idea he could play that well and I’d seen him with CSN.

[@johnrusso8849]

Stephen Stills has been nothing short of amazing. He moves me...

[@thumperrusty4570]

I'll never forget hearing Wooden Ships for the first time. I Played it so much I had to buy another album. But Manassas is my go to music to this day.

[@davemiller6884]

Go ahead, listen to the guitar work on Wooden Ships, each note rings like a pearl on a string of pearls and of course Stills plays the organ and base on that cut- pure genius. Don't get me started on 49 Byes Byes!

[@buddysteele7624]

49 Bye Byes wow. Really that whole first CSN album is a Stills masterpiece. It’s like he was possessed or something

[@CooManTunes]

I could listen to Stills fiddle around on a guitar anytime.

[@vance7274]

Stephen Stills... His songs burned into my soul as a young man... and they are still there today.

[@robertjohnson3855]

Stephen Stills is definitely one of the most talented finger pickers and guitar players of all time. The,sound of a Gretsch is so beautiful and unique for certain types of music. I,don't like,them,so much,for lead guitar licks, but rhythm guitar and accompaniment absolutely. Stephen can switch,from the Stratocaster and the Gretsch white falcon knowing the idiosyncrasies of each guitar for each,song he chooses like the back of his hand. I love that about great musicians/guitarists. That's surely why he always has about 10-15 guitars on stage when he plays. Hell, you'd have to make a ton of cash to carry so many different types/brands of guitars on stage with you, but I'd hate to be a roadie to keep them all in tune and set up😘🧐😎😳. However when you hear this man perform, he's obviously worth every penny. Thank you,STEPHEN,FOR YOUR RAW TALENT AND BEAUTIFUL MUSIC. GOD BLESS. Hope to hear you again at least once more in Salt Lake City, Utah before one of us passes. Being 65 I'm not far behind. Maybe you,can teach me a few songs in heaven if we both make it. Here's to hope and prayer🤫😎👍🏼

[@monkmchorning]

My impression of the Gretsch tone is a headful of slightly nasally midrange snot. Best played on the verge of overdrive with flatwounds. Cliff Gallup, early George Harrison, early Brian Setzer, Jeff Beck channeling Cliff Gallup had this sound.

[@janetwebster1387]

been a big Stephen stills fan for many years. I was 16 when I first heard him. it was love at first sight and sound.GREAT music I am 63 now and still love him as much as I did then I am going to see next week cant wait. ROCK ON STEPHEN........JAN XXXX

[@gregmirr]

Stephen Stills the real deal .. he can play acoustic & electric masterfully with feeling / soul !

[@jamesha175]

"you don't want to play very fast leads (on this Gretsch)" Brian Setzer: "hold my beer..."

[@frederikdegooijer9729]

Stephen is not Brian.

[@jamesha175]

@@frederikdegooijer9729 stephen stills is a great guitar player and can whip out lightning fast leads on any guitar

[@davidbright7145]

Stills has so many great gifts that are sometimes overshadowed by his OTHER great gifts. For example, he's written so many great folk songs that some people don't realize what a great bluesman he is.

[@pauldebacker9022]

Stephen Stills one of the rock greats. Thank you Mr Stills.

[@fuzzballzz36]

I love Stephen Stills! A great guitar master.

[@lawrencerasmus]

Our bass player had a Gretch cello bass and it had the stand that pulled out of the bottom . We played all over in Hollywood in the 60's. What a time it was for music

[@dlees5895]

Stills and Young. Great musicians and song writers. Love to see them with their White Falcons!

[@shakeystearoom]

Love this. Stills' genetic hearing loss is a challenge for him as it would be for anyone, but it in no way diminishes his genius.

[@ImaCaMan]

I got to see him in Wash., D.C. around '74 and Neil Young came out at the end and they did a couple of old Buffalo Springfield songs. I remember Bluebird was one and I think Rock and Roll Woman was one. The next night I was in a small hole in the wall bar in Georgetown ,The Apple Pie, and they came in and stayed for a couple of hours. Those were the days.

[@janetragan-woessner3882]

I have loved him since the 60’s.

[@MattHarrisBand]

The White Falcon is a truly beautiful guitar.

[@antarctic8560]

There's a really cool old black and white video of Buffalo Springfield on some tv show, I forget which one, but I love the way Stills kind of shuffles to the side when he's singing. This guy has been through the mill in more ways than one, that's for damn sure. We're very lucky he's still with us and active!

[@ultraroadmap]

antarctic Love Stephen...what a great songwriter.

[@CooManTunes]

'Black and white' means something different, these days, with all the mentally ill, self-absorbed sjw's.

[@michaellittlewood3032]

Stills and Young, " Down by the River". Magnificent

[@ikkenhisatsu7170]

Still is too often forgotten, but he’s just one of the most talented musicians around, ever. He just has the Midas touch. What he did with Joni Mitchell’s Woodstock was genius.

[@sttarch5150]

I have the dbl cutaway Country Gent. I use it almost exclusively for recording, whether it is clean or dirty. My Setzer is a load of fun. Hanging on my wall like a work of art.

[@bluesman97]

Dude.. thank you for filling my days of a lonely heart back in the day with the grace of your music. Really Cool and would love to sit and jam someday.

[@diannemacgillivray960]

Stephen Stills, Best guitarist ever.. keep it up.. Love to play guitar like you!!

[@Johngonefishin]

Steve, Neil & George Harrison put Gretsch on the map stateside, Steve has probably owned and played more cool Gretsch & Martin guitars than anyone out there, and written many classics on them. He still tours, his band played here last week, and he's coming back this summer with Crosby & Nash. A guitar STUD!!!!!

[@tomandshel]

you forgot Chet Atkins, who influenced all of them.

[@ervinthompson6598]

He used to be big on Gibson Firebirds also.

[@Tubes12AX7k]

I love that little tiny bit of Thoroughfare Gap that he plays around 50 seconds in. He is a real treasure.

[@fenderjag114]

Thanks to the Laurel Canyon documentary, I've spent the weekend listening to Buffalo Springfield. Naturally I had to pull out my 6120, which I use for jazz, rock 'n' roll...and it can also do country. Steve is right. A Gretsch can do anything.

[@cosmicrancher2169]

He always made a collaboration better. A master.

[@rivett310]

So much fun to see a man in his element❤️🌺

[@willburrito9710]

Never forget he played the organ on Humble Pie’s “Hot ‘n Nasty.

[@laj043]

Hendrix' estate is releasing an album on March 9th called "Both Sides of the Sky" of Jimi jams which includes one song with Stills.

[@larryhall2805]

Hey! I didn't know that he played organ on that song. Ty.

[@CooManTunes]

Ok, I won't.

[@willburrito9710]

@@laj043 Hendricks played on “Old Times, Good Times” from Stills self titled 1970 album.

[@PatdavolioinNH]

Thanks for posting....love hearing him talk "guitar". He's a genius!

[@MrGuitar1458]

Wonderful video segment. Nice to hear Stephen talking guitars, Lord knows he's got one or more of each...

[@StephenS-2024]

Absolute pure poet genius.

[@BCRSIX]

The Whiskey-Au-Go-Go, the club where they used to all hang out at.

[@TheGuitarMan71]

A badass. Such a legend.

[@s.greasey7654]

One of the all time greats!

[@hoyavp2236]

This is so badass. I want one now.

[@DanielLDees]

love you stephen...thanks for the great music!!!!!!

[@Balonious_Crunk]

One of my favourite players!

[@bennyjazzful]

I agree 100& These bloody people just want perfection. Wonderful musician & great clip.

[@charlesdarrell6911]

Heard Stills and company play live at least three times in the very early 70's. Always loved the Gretsch sound. Covered way too many CSN&Y songs.

[@lisacipriani6105]

you are lifesaver

[@thefilmandmusic]

Stills.... awesome .. Manassas ,,,,,,

[@thefilmandmusic]

One of the greats..

[@ivanmay7890]

Stephen Stills did a good job playing Gretsch guitars. I think Buffalo Springfield albums are a good example of Stills and Neil Young playing their prized White Falcons.

[@xanadu150]

the channel owner should delete the negative/critical comments. Stephen is a legend, I'm sure the commenters are not, thus not in a position to judge him. People are not perfect, and it gets worse as you get older. Wait until you get older, you'll see. It's practically a miracle that such a great talent like Stephen is even still with us.

[@peterzang]

Well put. Peoples' loyalty and memories get shorter all the time. Steve was my first Rock hero (The Springfield and Super Session). He's got dentures and serious hearing loss, but he plays great. And Heinrich, how well would you deal with those scary problems? I bet not so good. Stills is a brave guy.

[@prydonian460]

I am a guitar player and I am older and you are correct. It gets harder to do the things you want to do as your hands age. I saw Stephen a few years back at the TLA in Phillie and he was amazing. But more than that he was so personable and made the audience feel like he was in their living room playing at an intimate gathering. What a rare gift he is to music.

[@TheGman858]

Agreed alot of judgment I think comes from guitar players who are more interested in shredding and being a "star" or showman. stills first and foremost is a songwriter Something most modern day shredders know little to nothing about chords melodies and licks specifically crafted for the song and creating your guitar parts around your vocals stills has all of these things 22 year old hotshots who want to play as many notes as they can as quickly as they can simply will not get it until they mature as musicians only when the ego is tamed can one create something than even somewhat resembles the kind of things stills did

[@judetheneilyounggirl2358]

Baby, you said it ALL, PERFECTLY!! I've loved the man for 54 yrs and counting. THANK YOU!!!

[@iansnyder274]

@@prydonian460 well said. My hands are slowing down too....when you are young, you don't imagine you will ever get old....they will learn!

[@peterzang]

Love ya Stephen.

[@redduketeleman]

I was lucky enough to purchase the Gretsch White Falcon Stephen Stills signature model from John at Peach Guitars in the UK 2 years ago for a very good price. Thanks John - much appreciated. It sounds really good even just looking at it! A visit to Peach Guitars is very dangerous as you can easily end up having open wallet surgery :-))

[@fishingsam]

In a biopic, Jeff Bridges could portray him really well!

[@hutch_hunta]

Jeff Bridges is 70 years old man... i doubt he could play a young Stephen Sills in his prime

[@kaboomerty1638]

@@hutch_hunta alex jones looks like a fat stephen stills lmao that would be funny to see

[@sttarch5150]

Stephen wants brad Pitt

[@edwinearl4584]

Brilliant guitar 🎸 player.

[@Jan7941]

Just love him

[@oxcarthabu]

1or 2 strokes and a congenital hearing problem. I saw CSN 3 years ago in Richmond, and saw him solo 2 years ago. His voice was hoarse at the solo gig, but his guitar playing was awesome as usual!!

[@devon_backlanes1916]

Does anyone know if Steven Stills ever had a white custom made Tama acousic guitar? I saw a white Tama once in Italy in the 1970's, a stunningly beautiful instrument. The owner said it had previously been used by Steven Stills but I've never been able to find out if that was a true story. I have been a lifelong fan of Tama guitars since though.

[@bobcampbell9900]

“When I Go Back Home”, “Black Queen”, “Tree Top Flyer”, 4 +20, “Carry On”, and of course Suite: Judy Blue Eyes”. The entire first Manassas album. Unbelievable. CSN&Y should receive Kennedy Center tribute. They are that worthy. All 2-3 time Rick & Roll HOF Members.

[@zorroonmilkavitch1840]

Yeah I went to see Manassas what the hell year was that I don't remember but I saw them in a small theater in New Jersey actually it was in Passaic New Jersey and let me tell you that then seem to lift the stage off the ground somehow and spin it of course I'm not sure what part of that was imagined or what part was the Afghanistan opiated hash

[@studiobencivengamarcusbenc5272]

This guy is a wonderful player 🤗

[@georgetabberrah5423]

GRETCH ARE THE BEST ELECTRIC GUITARS.. PERIOD.

[@davesparks9503]

Overlooked ....underrated.....

[@daviddawson1718]

Nope, and fuck no, the man is a beast. If you're friends underrate Steve Stills, you need new friends

[@kathyfoucaud940]

Awesome musicien guitarist composer singer producer

[@petersheely7246]

Unreal 👍

[@BreadLightPray_EWFMgtr]

🔵 Gretsch are obviously gorgeous guitars ❕ just freshly discovered them [electromatic] after ignoring their beauty for years cause i was an acoustic only player ❕ 🔵 now own a resale black 5120 , new walnut stain 5622 , and a new snow white 5422tg ❕💙

[@geekay1349]

he's rock royalty

[@blackdogleg]

swiped at the whiskye hahaha classic

[@HungryH1951]

Lots of musicians have had equipment stolen from them at gigs. Gordon Lightfoot said he had 3 guitars stolen on the road. Martin pictured on his first album was one of them.

[@timallbritton7329]

As great a guitarist as he's always been, remember he's the one who took Joni Mitchell's Woodstock (and I'm a HUGE fan of hers, but her original version is dreadful), and saw the potential in it, making it one of the most iconic songs ever. An other-worldly talent.

[@stillastillsfan]

Tim Allbritton Her version of Woodstock is terrific. Listen to it on Miles of Aisles.

[@hippydippy]

@@stillastillsfan No Kidding! What a stupid comment. There would have never been there version without too obviously. Some People...🙄

[@martysherwood8853]

Agree

[@walterfechter8395]

For Eddie Cochran (RIP)

[@zorroonmilkavitch1840]

When I lived in Aspen Colorado I lived with a girl who was Stephen Stills house cleaner and I had a chance to sort of meet Steve and I forget what happened but it just never transpired I always was kind of bummed out cuz now the chances are nil.

[@youngmangrand9331]

Good guitar

[@GodInTheMachine]

i won't be greedy. i just want ONE of his hands. left or right, makes no difference.

[@judetheneilyounggirl2358]

Love your comment. I just want the same thing, except for 1 tiny little change. Instead of "hand", I want a testical. Then I can make my own Stephen, to have exclusively forever and ever and ever..............ahhhhhh.

[@crlguitar1]

@@judetheneilyounggirl2358 How to tell if a girl is ticklish... Give her a test tickle.... Hey....YOU started it!

[@tulelazule6914]

@@judetheneilyounggirl2358 I can relate.

[@sarobinson56]

he can afford it....he's Captain Manyhands!

[@saffojo1]

Classic... great guitar... I also prefer a mid 50's Country Club to any guitar out their. You would have to feel the neck to understand - the reissues do a great job emulating, but if you get chance to handle a '55 Country Club, I would highly advise it... So would Mr Stills, thanks for posting!

[@dggydddy59]

I almost bought a 58 Cadillac Green Country Club in 1992 for $1500. Like an idiot, I didn't do it. I also almost bought a 58 Duo Jet for $500 in 1986, but like an idiot ... well, you know. What a dumbass!! Lol!

[@TheZurul]

he's had the same hair since 1970

[@CooManTunes]

Wrong. His hair was long in 1990.

[@greenvelvet]

What is that second guitar?? The darker one

[@Jeffcatbuckeye]

6120

[@crlguitar1]

Love to hear him talk music....But his speech is difficult now.... Did he suffer a stroke or something?

[@skeymoson]

+6 String Fan Not a stroke that I know of . He has suffered serious hearing loss .. not so much due to the music , but a degenerative condition he was diagnosed with when very young ... that would effect speech .

[@11Sparky111]

+Brian Calvert He's had two strokes. One in 2009 and one in 2011 that affected his brain's connection to his tongue. He also had an operation for prostate cancer in 2008.

[@sgtpepper1138]

Geez, poor guy, a trifecta of shit.

[@ladyblackstardust390]

Yeah. I he released a new album this year. Was touring. He just loves music and performance. Hope he stays well.

[@gerhardriedl5319]

@@skeymoson do you make up things???never heard about 2 strokes!!reveal your 'source' please

[@pegreenwood]

1:06 The incomparable Bigsby

[@blackdogleg]

yeah i know, but who else can say that and put it in such succient words...

[@aaronbeltrancabron79]

Buffalo Springfield! !!!!

[@Bliggick]

Too bad the audio for this video is so poorly miked and recorded because it doesn't do Steve's skill as a guitarist any justice.

[@BopWalk]

He was a powerful and crafty songwriter, almost as craft as Neil Young was, was a much better guitar player than Neil was and he could play multiple instruments. And his voice was always so unique sounding.

[@garybrinker4522]

Neil still IS..

[@joecrowaz]

Chet did finger picking, like we ALL wanted to 🤣

[@GlendaJasperMaidenhair]

Stephen Stills knows who he is an unconditionally best guitarist on the Planet )0(

[@alan4sure]

Lol. Don't think so. Billy Strings is better.

[@sgt.thundercok4704]

Why does everyone always have to turn everything into a dh1ck w@veeng contest?

[@martigrant3707]

I want you Stephen.

[@Powertuber1000]

They forgot to mic the guitar.

[@user-tm9vr6fo9p]

🤝👏👏👏👍✊🇺🇸🇺🇸❤️

[@spoonido]

Fun video, but uneven sound quality.

[@nickg1601]

Stephen prospered in his time - well, he may and he may decline. Did it matter? Does it now?..

[@JimboG72]

Stephen would answer if he only knew how.

[@jammer3618]

Great player. I assume hes had a stroke. God bless him .

[@TheGuitarMan71]

jammer3618 Amen.

[@PreacherAtArrakeen]

Too bad his singing voice is gone. I saw CSN in 2015 before they split (again). They were good, but the weak link was Stephen's voice.

[@robertwmassey]

Neil Young is still a Richard

[@Hughvet]

Still enjoy his music....his politics remain as obtuse today as they were 40 years ago.

[@georgelester385]

So what, it's way better then the alternatives. Gibson could own them!

[@rperry450]

No. Stills has a hearing issue in one ear that has progressively gotten worse over time.

[@tommagnum6302]

I love your guitars, but you got to make more of them in USA. It is an American guitar, Not Chinese or Korean nor Japanese. Do you think Yamaha would make their guitars here? No.

[@randyscott9034]

I’ve always wondered if he has a speech defect or does he just talk like that ?

[@NoDontBugMe]

Randy Scott i believe he had a stroke

[@ThanasiManoli]

Fender owns Gretsch

[@Southernguitar74]

Old comment, but no they do not. They handle the importation/exportation red tape for Gretsch. They do not own them.

[@liquidsunshine]

A vid about a guitar with no proper sound of it. Why not.

[@mikekorzek9056]

Jesus is just all right and God forgive me Stephen Still is all right too....

[@VanHalenMan5]

You can do anything with this...except play like a fender. Lol..