In 1883, Friedrich Gretsch, just 27 years old, an immigrant from Germany since age 16, opened up a small music shop in Brooklyn, N.Y., making banjos, drums and tambourines. While on a trip to Germany, Friedrich struck ill and passed away at age 39. His 15 year old son, Fred Getsch, took over the company and built it up to the worldwide company that it is today. Gretsch guitars are extremely popular, most notably, in the rockabilly scene, with the likes of guys like Brian Setzer and Reverand Horton Heat's Jim Heath. Some of other biggest users are Chet Atkins, Bono, Charlie Watts, Neil Young and Phil Collins. The guitars have been around for over 100 years and you can still spot "That Great Gretsch Sound!”
