Gretsch Guitars at Total Guitar Buyer

Gretsch was established in 1883 as a manufacturer of drums, tambourines and banjos. In 1933 it started producing guitars in the form of archtop and flat-top acoustics followed by its first archtop electric in 1939.

After the Second World War Gretsch concentrated on supplying quality guitars to professional musicians and eventually saw the potential of the growing electric guitar business. Following the lead of Fender and Gibson, Gretsch launched its own solidbody, the Duo Jet, in 1953 and this was to pave the way for a lengthy period of Gretsch success.

Typical of the innovative approach favored by Gretsch was the imaginative use of colors and the acquisition of Chet Atkins to endorse their guitars. Gretsch made good use of this approach during the rock 'n' roll years signing up big names like Eddie Cochran and Duane Eddy.

In common with many other guitar manufacturers Gretsch found it necessary to relocate its operations to Japan in the mid 1980's although it has since recommenced building Custom USA Classics in the US again. Despite a period of significant difficulties Gretsch is still regarded as a premier manufacturer of quality guitars mainly due to their excellent sound, distinctive looks and superior playability.

Gretsch Guitar Catalog

The Gretsch guitars currently available are as follows:

Professional Collection:

• Brian Setzer Black Phoenix
• Brian Setzer Nashville
• Brian Setzer Hot Rod
• Chet Atkins Country Gentleman
• Chet Atkins Hollow Body
• Chet Atkins Solid Body
• Chet Atkins Tennessee Rose

Professional Collection Hollow Bodies:

• Black Falcon
• White Falcon
• Country Club
• Anniversary
• 120th Anniversary
• Anniversary HT
• Anniversary Jr
• Spectra Sonic
• Spectra Sonic C-Melody

Professional Collection Solid Bodies:

• Duo Jet
• Power Jet
• Silver Jet
• Sparkle Jet
• Jet Firebird
• Power Jet Firebird
• White Penguin
• Black Penguin

Professional Collection Artist Signatures:

• Billy-Bo Jupiter Thunderbird
• Bono Irish Falcon
• Jimmie Vaughan Syncromatic
• Keith Scott Nashville
• Malcolm Young I
• Malcolm Young II
• Reverend Horton Heat
• Stephen Stills White Falcon

Professional Collection Double Necks:

• Duo Jet Double Neck
• Nashville Double Neck

Syncromatic Collection:

• Syncromatic Archtop

Electromatic Collection:

• Hollow Body
• Corvette
• Pro Jet
• Double Jet
• Special Jet
• Junior Jet
• Jet Baritone
• Jet Double Neck