120thAnniversaryIssue

2003-2004

120thAnniversaryIssue

2003-2004

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History of Gretsch Drums

Friedrich Gretsch immigrated to theUSA from Germany in 1872 and set up hismusical instrument business in 1883.Friedrich died young and his son Fred GretschSr., still a teenager, took over in the 1890s.Fred Gretsch Sr. built up the Fred GretschCompany in Brooklyn, New York, supplyingdrums and other musical items throughoutthe world. By 1916 the Gretsch Company hadoutgrown its factory, and re-located to a new,larger building in Brooklyn. Fred Gretsch Jr.took over the reins of Fred GretschManufacturing Company in 1942, but shortly

afterwards leftto serve withdistinction as Navy Commander in the Pacificduring World War II. At that point, his youngerbrother, Bill Gretsch, took over as President ofGretsch and continued the companysleadership in drum manufacturing andinnovation. In 1985, Bill Gretschs son, FredGretsch, became President of the GretschCompany, and along with his wife Dinah,oversees the company today. Gretsch Drumsare now manufactured in Ridgeland, SouthCarolina, after the factorys re-location there in1986.

The Gretsch Company wasresponsible for many groundbreaking drummanufacturing techniques and technicalinnovations that have become the standard ofmodern-day drums. Just consider what drumswould be like today without:

The multi-ply drum shell Lacquer (wood grain) finishes Die-cast hoops Smaller-sized bass drums

As a result of its drum manufacturingleadership, superior sound and aestheticqualities, Gretsch has always enjoyed greatrelationships with some of the worlds mostrenowned drummers. Pioneering drummerssuch as Chick Webb, Dave Though, Mel Lewis,Max Roach, and Art Blakey were some of thebig names playing Gretsch throughout the 30sthrough the 60s. Today, modern day legendssuch as Vinnie Colaiuta, Phil Collins, HarveyMason, and Charlie Watts, to name a few,choose to play Gretsch; we are also proud thata new generation of cutting-edge drummerssuch as Cindy Blackman, Rob Bourdon, andStan Frazier have also discovered That GreatGretsch Sound.

A new generationof players brought newinspiration that led to thedevelopment of RenownMaple, Catalina andBlackhawk Series drums.These series take their cuefrom the top-of-the-lineGretsch U.S.A.-made drums, tomeet the needs of drummers atall playing levels and budgets.As you can see as you readthrough the catalog, our newseries carry on Gretschs 120-year legacy of drum makinginnovation and passion, andset the stage for GretschDrums continued growth inthe new Millennium.

Friedrich Gretsch

Fred Gretsch, Sr.

Fred Gretsch, Jr. Gretsch Factory 1905, Brooklyn, NY

We are extremely proud that the Gretsch name has adorneddrums for 120 years through five generations of ownership bymy family. Gretsch is the oldest U.S.-made drum brand name;is highly sought-after by drum aficionados and collectors;has a history of innovation and firsts that are found on mostdrums today; and has been used by some of most prominentdrummers in the world during the 20th, and now 21stCentury. It is a name that conjures up images of smoky jazzclubs, swing dance halls, recording sessions everywhere andsold-out arena rock concerts. There simply is no other drumbrand like Gretsch. No other company makes drums like wedo. No other drums sound like Gretsch Drums. Try a Gretschdrum set and find out why so many drummers around theworld hold a special place in their heart for Gretsch. Why ourmotto,That Great Gretsch Sound, rings so true.My family and our family of employees invite you to discover

what five generations and 120 years of drum manufacturingexpertise has taught us: you dont inherit a reputation, youlive up to it. So, please join us in our celebration of Gretschmanufacturing from 1883 to 2003, become one of themembers of the exclusive family of Gretsch Drum ownersaround the world.

Sincerely,Fred Gretsch

Bill Gretsch

Fred & Dinah Gretschat the Gretsch 120th AnniversaryCelebration, 2003

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Gretsch U.S.A. Professional Drums Features

The Standard of the World set byGretsch over the past 3 centuries of drummanufacturing is evident in every aspect ofGretsch Professional Drums. Handcrafted quality,classic features and 120 years of manufacturingexperience all contribute to the magic that isThat Great Gretsch Sound.

The Drum ShellThe soul of every Gretsch U.S.A. drum, oursix-ply Maple shell design has been around forthe past fivedecades and is anexclusive featurethat will not befound on anyother brand in themarket today. Theone thing we hearover and overfrom drummersis that the greatGretsch sound isthe same as it hasalways been.

The Bearing EdgeAll professional Gretsch U.S.A. drums featurea 30-degree bearing edge that is unique toGretsch and contributes to our legendarysound. This edge design maximizes thewarmth of the Maple and focuses the tone andprojection of the shell. All shells are sealed inthe interior with our special formulated silversealer that we have used since the 1960s andmake them unmistakably Gretsch.

The Drum HardwareTo create the optimum sound, you must startwith quality materials or your sound justwont measure up. All Gretsch U.S.A. metalparts are made the same way they were madein the 1930s, using heavy-duty zinc alloy andthen die-cast. After casting, the parts aretriple-plated with copper, followed by nickel,and finally chrome,then polishedto a brilliantluster.

Toms andsnare drumsare finishedoff with heavygauge die-casthoops. Allmountedtoms includeGTS suspensionsystems for maximum resonance, and all 8",10" and 12" toms feature Gretschs unique 5-lug configuration. The combination of thesecomponents contributes to the sound that hasdefined Gretsch for so many years.

The Drum FinishGretsch is proud to be the worlds only majordrum manufacturer that uses nitro-celluloselacquer on its U.S.A. drums. There are far easierways of painting drums, including using polyester-based products, but a companylike Gretsch that hasbuilt its reputationnot only on its sound,but its appearance,will not compromisewhen it comes to itslacquer finishes.

For players whoprefer a moretraditional drumlook, Gretschs Nitroncoverings, includingeasily-identifiableGretsch sparkle and vintage patterns, not onlyprovide an alternative to lacquer finishes, but aredurable and as individual as the drummer thatplays on them.

The Drum HeadsGretsch Permatone heads used on all GretschU.S.A.-made drums are manufactured to our exactspecifications and areavailable in bothcoated and clearversions. Bassdrum batterheads arepre-muffledfor greatsound rightout of the box.

19391939

Rob BourdonLinkin Park

Cindy BlackmanLenny Kravitz

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USA Custom

Rosewood Gloss Lacquer (WR)SIZE MODEL16" x 22" Bass C-1622B9" x 10" Tom w/GTS C-0910T10" x 12" Tom w/GTS C-1012T14" x 14" Floor w/Legs C-1414F5" x 14" 8-Lug Snare C-05148S

HARDWAREGT-STCL Tom Arm x 1GT-STCR Tom Arm x 1

Outfitted with Gibraltar 9600PK hardwarepack and additional components

19421942

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Walnut Gloss Lacquer (WW)SIZE MODEL18" x 20" Bass C-1820B8" x 8" Tom w/GTS C-0808T9" x 10" Tom w/GTS C-0910T10" x 12" Tom w/GTS C-1012T12" x 14" Tom w/GTS C-1214T5" x 14" 8-Lug Snare C-05148S

HARDWAREGT-STCL Tom Arm x 2GT-STCR Tom Arm x 2

Outfitted with Gibraltar 6600PK hardwarepack and additional components

Millennium Maple Gloss Lacquer(GMM)SIZE MODEL18" x 22" Bass C-1822B8" x 10" Tom w/GTS C-0810T9" x 12" Tom w/GTS C-0912T11" x 14" Tom w/GTS C-1114T13" x 16" Tom w/GTS C-1316T5 1/2" x 14" 10-Lug Snare C55141S

HARDWAREGT-STCL Tom Arm x 2GT-STCR Tom Arm x 2

Outfitted with Gibraltar 6600PK hardwarepack and additional components

19481948

Phil CollinsSolo Artist

Brad WilkAudioslave

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USA Custom

Black Marine Nitron (BMP)SIZE MODEL16" x 24" Bass C-1624B6" x 8" Tom w/GTS C-0608T8" x 12" Tom w/GTS C-0812T14" x 16" Tom w/GTS C-1416T6" x 14" 20 Lug Black Brass Snare C-06142BS

HARDWAREGT-STCL Tom Arm x 2GT-STCR Tom Arm x 1

Outfitted with Gibraltar 9600PK hardware pack and additional components

19491949

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Silver Sparkle Nitron (SSP)SIZE MODEL18" x 22" Bass C-1822B7" x 8" Tom w/GTS C-0708T8" x 10" Tom w/GTS C-0810T9" x 12" Tom w/GTS C-0912T11" x 14" Tom w/GTS C-1114T13" x 16" Tom w/GTS C-1316T5" x 14" 8-Lug Snare C-05148SADDITIONAL DRUMS:6" x 13" FFS 2by4 Maple-Brass Snare S-0613-FMB5 1/2" x 8" Mighty Mini Steel Snare S-5508-SST

HARDWAREGT-STCL Tom Arm x 6

Outfitted with custom Gibraltar Road Series Racksystem and additional components

White Marine Nitron (WMP)SIZE MODEL16" x 20" Bass C-1620B8" x 12" Tom w/GTS C-0812T14" x 14" Floor w/Legs C-1414F5" x 14" 8-Lug Snare C-05148S

HARDWAREGT-STCR Tom Arm x 1

Outfitted with Gibraltar 5600PK hardwarepack and additional components

19501950

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Gretsch U.S.A. Signature Drum Sets

Harvey Mason Signature Kit (GBRHMSS2K)Satin Ebony Lacquer w/ Gunmetal Hardware (SEB)SIZE MODEL22" x 22" Bass H-2222B8" x 10" Tom w/GTS H-0810T8" x 12" Tom w/GTS H-0812T8" x 13" Tom w/GTS H-0813T14" x 14" Tom w/GTS H-1414T14" x 15" Tom w/GTS H-1415T5" x 14" 8-Lug Snare H-05148-SEB

Outfitted with custom Gibraltar Road Series Racksystem and additional components

Vinnie Colaiuta Signature Kit (GVS0622K)White Wash w/ Black Hardware (VSW)SIZE MODEL18" x 22" Bass V-1822B7" x 10" Tom w/GTS V-0710T8" x 12" Tom w/GTS V-0812T14" x 14" Floor w/Legs V-1414F16" x 16" Floor w/Legs V-1616F5" x 14" 8-Lug Snare V-05148W

Outfitted with custom Gibraltar Road Series Racksystem and additional components

Two of Gretschs top endorsers and drumming legends haveteamed up with Gretsch to put their own personal touch onThat Great Gretsch Sound.

The Vinn