In 1883 Friedrich Gretsch established the Gretsch musical instrument business in a small shop in Brooklyn and a heritage was born. Over the past 125 years, Gretsch Drums has blossomed to develop a musical legacy featuring industry innovations, a hall of fame endorsement roster and - of course - 'That Great Gretsch Sound'. Check out the125th Anniversary models and all of our new 2008 items below:
125th Anniversary Limited Edition: Rock Legend
Inspired by features and style from Gretsch’s most prolific rock drummers, the Rock Legend 125th Anniversary drum set is a tribute to rock music’s legendary players. The Rock Legend set features classic 6-ply USA Custom drums, the same Gretsch shell formula that was used back when rock music was developing and defining a culture all its own. Other classic features include vintage rock sizes, mounted tom, Gretsch Round Badge and Millennium Maple finish. To celebrate Gretsch’s 125th anniversary, other subtle appointments have been included..
125th Anniversary Limited Edition: Progressive Bop
Modeled after Gretsch’s eternally classic Be-bop configuration, this set conjures the essence of the many great Gretsch jazz masters. The Progressive Bop kit features classic 6-ply USA Custom shells, the same shells Gretsch has been using since the late 1950’s. Also included: Traditional be-bop sizes, mounted 12” toms, Gretsch Round Badge, Cadillac Green finish. The bass drum is finished with silver sparkle inlay and vintage T-rods and has a silver 125th logo affixed to the shell underneath the lacquer.
125th Anniversary Limited Edition: Progressive Jazz
Gretsch’s Progressive Jazz kit is modeled after the classic Gretsch “Birdland” kit from the 1950’s. The Birdland kit was used by some of Gretsch’s past master drummers – most notably Max Roach – and kept as the house kit at the renowned New York City jazz establishment. The Progressive Jazz kit features classic 6-ply USA Custom shells, the same shells Gretsch has been using since the late 1950’s, and features gold-plated drum hardware.
125th Anniversary Limited Edition: Curly Maple Snare
The Curly Maple snare has an exotic curly exterior veneer and includes chrome hardware, 8 tube lugs, vintage orange/white internal shell label and silver 125th anniversary exterior shell logo. Each drum is constructed from the USA Custom snare shell with 30-degree bearing edges and Silver Sealer interiors. Each is also equipped with die-cast hoops, vintage Gretsch Round Badge and Lightning throw off. These snare drums will be produced in limited quantities -- only 125 of each will be made in 2008.
125th Anniversary Limited Edition: Silver Mist Snare
The Silver Mist snare features gold-plated hardware, 20 lugs, vintage orange/white internal shell label, gold 125th anniversary shell logo and gold-plated Gretsch drum key. Each drum is constructed from the USA Custom snare shell with 30-degree bearing edges and Silver Sealer interiors. Each is also equipped with die-cast hoops, vintage Gretsch Round Badge and Lightning throw off. These snare drums will be produced in limited quantities -- only 125 of each will be made in 2008.
New Classic S483 Bop Kit - Merlot Sparkle
Rich, regal and retro, Gretsch’s exclusive Merlot Sparkle finish adds a timeless vibe to the New Classic bop configuration. In addition to the its distinctive appearance, the New Classic series includes proportionate shells which increase in thickness as shell diameters increase to give a full, balanced tonality across the entire drum set. Classy appointments include vintage styled tube lugs, the very low mass “ITS” integrated tom suspension system and 9025 hinged tom and floor tom leg brackets.
New Classic F604 Groove Kit
The New Classic Groove Kit is designed to offer working drummers a versatile kit that can perform in a vast array of styles. The 16 x 20 bass drum speaks with a punchy and penetrating tonality that cuts well on any size stage. The 10” and 12” rack toms sing with tonal clarity. The 14 x 14” FT rounds out this set’s flexibility with a strong low-end fundamental pitch that supports a wide range of musical styles. Proportionate maple shells increase in thickness as shell diameters increase to give a full, balanced tonality across the entire drum set.
Renown Maple F605 Groove Kit - Deep Inca Gold Sparkle
In response to meeting the needs of the active drummer, Gretsch is pleased to offer this multi-purposed Renown configuration. Featuring a tight, yet explosive 16”x20” bass drum, this 5-piece set excels in diverse musical spectrums. The 10” and 12” rack toms combine with the 14”x14” floor tom to project a wide array of full-bodied tones. The 5”x14” maple snare drum provides a classic deep groove voice. Versatile as satellite radio programming, the Deep Groove kit is at home in styles ranging from Rock to Jazz, Country to Funk - and beyond. The Renown series carries on the classic Gretsch look and feel, but with a presence and sound all its own.
Catalina Ash E825PT6 - Liquid Black
This Gretsch Catalina Ash drum set that is powerful sounding and wrapped in a stealthy black design. The full and penetrating tones of the 10” and 12” rack toms are complemented by the deep growl of the 16”x16” floor tom and clear, articulate tone of the 5x14 ash wood snare drum. Included for 2008 is a FREE 8” tom with mounting hardware. This size combination contributes to excellent tonal separation around the drum set and emphasizes a lower fundamental tonality.
Catalina Club Jazz CC-J484 Rustic Pearl Finish
Featuring traditional bop sizes in vintage wrap finish, this Catalina Club Jazz set continues to showcase the Grestch heritage. Great in a traditional jazz setting, this kit also performs well as a second kit for practice, rehearsals or smaller live music venues. Whether you’re looking for a classic jazz kit or small kit for gigs/rehearsals, the Catalina Club Jazz kit projects a retro sound, vibe and spirit.
Catalina Club Mod CC-M024 Silver Tattoo Finish
Gretsch’s tattoo design was developed to project a visual vibe as distinctive as the Gretsch Catalina Club Mod tonal vibe. To enhance the Tribal tattoo pattern aesthetic, the lug placement on this kit is positioned in a straight line, not in the typical Club Mod offset lug design. Each drum has a different sized tattoo that is proportionate to shell size, a subtle feature that adds to the overall boutique appearance. Drum hardware is black.
Catalina Club Mini Mod CC-M00412T Black Widow Finish
This set features compact sizes with a wicked “Black Widow” blood-red stripe over satin midnight black finish, the same color combination found on the back of the potent Black Widow spider. The compact sizes – featuring a deep and tight sound from the 20”x20” bass drum and 6x13 snare - are excellent for the tight grooves of modern dance and funk. Black hardware and offset lug design complete the compelling visuals.
Catalina Club Rock CT-R845 Silver Sparkle over Black Lacquer
Gretsch’s Catalina Club Rock kit is packed with features that are made for the rocker within. This kit’s “one up, two down” tom configuration fully projects classic looks and acoustics. The 18”x24” bass drum kicks with a boisterous bottom-end to deliver a saturating sonic assault. Toms resonate with thunderous tones; the 16” and 18” “double trouble” floor toms provide a meaty texture for tribal tom patterns and fills.
Blackhawk BH-E605H Metallic Blue Finish
Gretsch’s Blackhawk series is designed for the aspiring drummer and includes a sturdy hardware package. New for 2008 is a 5-piece set that features a 20” bass drum. This bass drum produces a tight, punchy sound and can be used in a wide variety of music styles. It also allows drummers to position their mounted toms in a lower position, which improves tom access and playability for younger drummers. The 5.5x14 metal snare drum produces a very cutting tone and super-quick snare response.
New Full Range Chrome Over Steel Snares
New additions to the Gretsch Full Range Snare Drum series include three metal snares with classic looks and function. Attributes include straight steel shells with smooth chrome finish, triple flanged hoops, 20 strand snares, traditional style throw-off and vintage Gretsch “T-Roof” badge.
New Full Range Retro Mahogany Snares
These snares produce full, rich tones and are available in classic Gretsch finishes. Featuring Mahogany shells with 30-degree edges, diecast hoops, traditional throw-off and vintage Gretsch “T-Roof” badge, they provide a classic sound and have a vintage appearance.