Gretsch

Whilst Gretsch electric guitars and acoustic models put the iconic US company on the map, they also make wonderful bass guitars, folk instruments and accessories.

Gretsch Electric Guitars

Gretsch electric guitars come in a variety of shapes, sizes and price points. Whether you’re a rocker, a jazzer or a country picker, there’s an electric guitar that’s bound to inspire you. We proudly stock all Gretsch models, including feedback-resistant Centre Blocks, traditional hollow body models, best-selling Gretsch Streamliner guitars and the iconic White Falcon. Our range includes models at all levels so whether you’re just starting out or an experienced shredder, we’ve got the instrument for you.

Gretsch Acoustic Guitars

Gretsch acoustic guitars build upon the pedigree of their electric guitars and call back to their roots. Within the range is the old-school Roots Collection as well as more contemporary acoustic models such as the Rancher. Enjoy the vintage look and fantastic playability of the acoustic models in our range.

Bass Guitars

Gretsch bass guitars fuse the gorgeous looks, smooth playability and sweet tonal clarity of their electric guitars with a powerful low-end presence. We stock a complete range of everything from short-scale Junior models perfect for future musical icons to retro-looking Electromatic basses that are sure to capture the audience’s attention.

Folk Instruments

Gretsch folk instruments give you their trademark build-quality and resonant tone in an ultra-portable form. Perfect for strumming on the couch, at the beach or by the campfire. Our stock of Gretsch ukuleles and banjos is perfect for musicians that want to add a traditional flavour to their instrument collection.

Guitar Accessories

Gretsch offers an array of quality accessories to complement their top-notch instruments, including road-ready hard cases, rugged gig bags and comfortable straps. If you are a die-hard Gretsch fan, you can show your dedication in style with our range of accessories.

The line-up of musicians who have played Gretsch guitars is long and full of music icons. You’ll find the “Great Gretsch Sound” on landmark recordings across a diverse range of genres, including country, jazz, rock, blues and punk.

Chet Atkins was the first artist to collaborate with the manufacturer and even had the Country Gentlemen series named after him.

Since Atkins, many stand-out musicians have favoured Gretsch guitars above all others, including Eddie Cochran, Duane Eddy, George Harrison (The Beatles), Bono (U2), Malcolm Young (AC/DC), Pete Townshend (The Who), Neil Young, Bill Gibbons (ZZ Top), Mike Kerr (Royal Blood) and many more.

The line-up of musicians who have played Gretsch guitars is long and full of music icons. You’ll find the “Great Gretsch Sound” on landmark recordings across a diverse range of genres, including country, jazz, rock, blues and punk.

Chet Atkins was the first artist to collaborate with the manufacturer and even had the Country Gentlemen series named after him.

Since Atkins, many stand-out musicians have favoured Gretsch guitars above all others, including Eddie Cochran, Duane Eddy, George Harrison (The Beatles), Bono (U2), Malcolm Young (AC/DC), Pete Townshend (The Who), Neil Young, Bill Gibbons (ZZ Top), Mike Kerr (Royal Blood) and many more.

Gretsch’s heritage can be traced all the way back to the 19th Century. The iconic guitar brand was founded in 1883 by Fredrich Gretsch, a German immigrant who arrived in New York in 1873 at the tender age of 27. After working as a drum and banjo manufacturer, Fredrich Gretsch altered his name to the American-friendly “Fred” and formed the Fred Gretsch Manufacturing Company. In a small workshop in Brooklyn, Gretsch would begin to handcraft banjos, drums and tambourines under his own name.

Tragedy would strike only 12 years later. Fredrich Gretsch would suddenly pass away, leaving control of the company to his wife and 15-year-old son Fred. Despite the weight of responsibility being thrust upon Fred at such a young age, he stepped up to the plate and managed to help grow the company into a leading importer and musical instrument manufacturer. Operations would eventually move to a vast 10-story building in 1916 and by 1920, the company had become the largest musical instruments manufacturer in the country.

The first Gretsch-branded guitar was built in 1926 after Fred Gretsch noticed the growing demand for guitars. Early Gretsch guitars were acoustic archtops for Jazz-orientated players and flat-tops for Country & Western performers. Gretsch’s first electric guitar, the Electromatic, was created in 1939.

Fred Gretsch Snr. retired in 1942, leaving control of the company to his sons - Fred Jr. and William (also known as Bill). During wartime, production at Gretsch was paused whilst Fred Jr. served in the Navy. After Bill’s passing in 1948, Fred Jr. took over as president and oversaw Gretsch’s emergence as a leading guitar builder. Fred Jr. took advantage of the post-war economic boom and began to transition the Gretsch company from subcontract work to a fully-fledged manufacturer of high-quality instruments.

The '50s marked the beginning of Gretsch’s Golden Age. 1953 saw the introduction of the first Gretsch solidbody - the Duo Jet. The Duo Jet was created as a reaction to the Stratocaster, Telecaster and Les Paul. What separated the Duo Jet from the competition was its chambered construction, which gave it a distinctive tone that stood out from the pack. Notable Duo Jet players include Hank Garland and Cliff Gallup (whose incendiary solo on “Race With The Devil” would inspire many future guitar heroes, including Brian Setzer and Jeff Beck).

Legendary picker Chet Atkins became the first Gretsch artist in 1954 and his Country Gentleman model was introduced in 1957. The Country Gentleman would go on to become one of the most popular Gretsch guitars and was notably used by George Harrison during the Beatles’ iconic performance on the Ed Sullivan Show. The association with George Harrison as well as other high-profile artists such as Eddie Cochran and Duane Eddy helped Gretsch to outsell Fender during the '50s.

Helmed by Fred Gretsch III today, the company continues to stay true to what makes their instruments unique by sticking to the recipes they developed during the '30s, '40s and '50s.