Gretsch, founded in 1883 by German immigrant Friedrich Gretsch in Brooklyn, New York, began by manufacturing banjos, tambourines, and drums. After his death in 1895, his son, Fred Gretsch Sr., expanded the company, eventually focusing on electric, acoustic, and resonator guitars, basses, ukuleles, and drums.

The company’s prominence grew in the 1950s, especially after collaborating with guitarist Chet Atkins, which led to the development of the Gretsch 6120 hollow-body guitar and the innovative Filter’Tron humbucker pickup. The popularity of Gretsch guitars soared in the mid-1960s, partly due to George Harrison’s association with the brand.

In 1967, Gretsch was sold to Baldwin Pianos, which struggled with management issues, leading to a decline in the brand’s popularity. The Gretsch family regained control in the 1980s, and by 2002, they formed a partnership with Fender Musical Instruments Corporation, allowing Fender to handle the marketing and distribution of Gretsch guitars while the Gretsch family retained ownership.