Various drummers use Gretsch drums because of their high quality. In addition, the build quality and sound of Gretsch drums are phenomenal. Even though every drummer is aware of their quality, most are confused about where they are made. So, to clear the confusion, where are Gretsch drums made?
Gretsch drums are made and will continue to be manufactured in Ridgeland, South Carolina. In addition, they are also manufactured at the DW drum factory in Taiwan. Gretsch drum series like The Broadkaster, Brooklyn, and USA Custom is made in the US, and Catalina, Renown, and Energy lineup are manufactured in Taiwan.
Undoubtedly, Gretsch drums will continue to be the go-to choice for drummers of different skill levels. However, now that we know where Gretsch drums are made, it’s time to go over their brief history and complete the picture regarding drum production. Keep reading below to learn more about where Gretsch drums are made.
Where are Gretsch drums made?
The man behind Gretsch is Friedrich Gretsch. Friedrich was a German immigrant who opened Gretsch musical shop on 128 Middleton Street, Brooklyn, New York. The official year of the opening was 1883, and after 10 years, he decided to move the shop to South 4th Street in 1894.
The unfortunate event in 1895, the death of Friedrich Gretsch, made young Fred Fritsch Sr. take over the family business and continue to expand it further. Young Friedrich managed to open 5 more business properties and to make a brand that would stay even 100 years later. After World War II, drums and guitars were manufactured, and they wanted to expand further.
For the first time, in 1967, the company was sold to Baldwin Piani Co. two years later, Baldwin decided to move Gretsch manufacturing operations to DeQueen, Arkansas. However, in 1985, the Gretsch company was bought back by Fred W. Gretsch, one of the Gretsch family members and, more precisely, the son of the late William “Bill” Gretsch.
Since one of the family members bought back the family business, they decided to relocate to Ridgeland, South Carolina, where they remain until today. In 2000, an agreement between Gretsch and Kaman Music was made, and Kaman Music manufactured Gretsch USA Custom and Signature Drums until 2014.
One year later, in 2015, the Lombardy Family publicized that Drum Workshop had officially become an exclusive manufacturer and worldwide distributor of Gretsch drums. Furthermore, the distribution would be furthered by Hal Leonard, who would join the Gretsch Drums Team as the distributor of the Catalina, Renown, and Energy series manufactured in Taiwan.
Today, Gretsch Drums are manufactured in Ridgeland, South Carolina, and Taiwan.
Is Gretsch and Gretsch Drums the same thing?
Gretsch is an American company that manufactures different musical instruments like drums and guitars.
Gretsch Drums is a division of instrument manufacturer Gretsch.
Gretsch is a parent organization of Gretsch Drums.
Gretsch headquarters are in Savannah, Georgia, United States, and Gretsch Drums’ headquarters are in Bloomfield, Connecticut, United States.
Both Gretsch and Gretsch Drums were founded in 1883 by Friedrich Gretsch.
Is Gretsch a good brand for drums?
Gretsch is among the oldest and most respected drum brands and manufacturers.
With a history of more than 140 years in manufacturing drums, Gretsch has perfected their drums and made them accessible worldwide. Gretsch manufactures high-quality drums, and most professionals use them.
Their most notable drum series is Cataline and one of the best as well. The fact that both beginners and professionals use Gretsch drums simultaneously speaks of their versatility and quality.
Gretsch drums sound great, and their hardware is sturdy and built to last a long time. Also, they look fantastic, and their design keeps improving yearly.
What drummer use Gretsch Drums?
Some of the artists and band members that use Gretsch drums are Tony Williams, Max Roach, Vinnie Colaiuta, Art Blakey, Mark Guiliana, Charlie Watts, Phil Collins, Mitch Mitchell, Taylor Hawkins, and Steve Ferrone.
Does Gretsch use Keller shells?
Keller makes the shells for Gretsch Drums. In addition, Keller shells are used for Brooklyn and USA Custom series that are made in the USA. However, The Renowns and Gretsch’s other lines are made overseas with Asian wood.
Best Gretsch Drums
Gretsch has many great drum sets, all of which are made of high-quality material that will last longer and keep the quality of the sound over time.
In addition, they all produce beautiful sounds and are easy to tune. Furthermore, all their drums, looks-wise, are just stunning.
The best Gretsch drums sets are the Gretsch Renown Maple drum set, Gretsch Drums USA Custom Drum Set, Gretsch Catalina Maple drum set, and Gretsch Catalina Club Jazz Drum Set. all these drums sets are of great quality.
You can’t choose the wrong one since all will meet your expectation as both a beginner and professional drummer.
Why Are Gretsch Drums Expensive?
One of the reasons why Gretsch Drums tend to be on the expensive side is because they never compromise the quality of their drums for the sake of quantity and selling more drum sets.
However, if you are on a budget and looking to buy their drum set, then you should choose Catalina since it is affordable.
Also, all Gretsch drums are built from premium quality materials and are definitely worth the price they tag they have. In addition, most professionals openly say that the quality of these drums is worth thr price you pay.
Conclusion
Gretsch drums are made in Ridgeland, South Carolina, and at the DW drum factory in Taiwan. Some of the Gretsch drum series, like Broadkaster, Brooklyn, and USA Custom, are made in the US, and Catalina, Renown, and Energy lineup are manufactured in Taiwan.
Gretsch has a long history of more than 100 years of manufacturing drums and is one of the leaders in the industry of drum manufacturing. In addition, most of their drums are good for beginners and professionals. Moreover, their drum sets are built of high-quality and premium materials that ensure the drums last longer.
Most Gretsch drums are expensive compared to the other drum brands due to their long brand history, high-quality materials from which they are made and focus on quality, not quantity.