Gretsch Drums: A Firsthand Look at Premium Craftsmanship 140 Years in the Making

In 1883, Friedrich Gretsch opened a humble instrument shop in Brooklyn, New York. Now, nearly 150 years on, the company has become a global powerhouse of premier instrument design, with Gretsch Drums employed by countless world-class musicians. Sweetwater recently had the privilege of being invited to visit the source of “That Great Gretsch Sound,” and who did we send? Our own rhythm royalty Nick D’Virgilio, of course! Down in Ridgeland, South Carolina, Gretsch Drums have been designed and built with exacting precision in the same factory for nearly 40 years. NDV got an up-close and personal look at the company’s uncompromising craftsmanship, sitting down for an in-depth discussion with two of Gretsch Drums’ masterminds: Paul Cooper, director of operations for 25 years, and Fred Gretsch, owner, visionary, and great-grandson of founder Friedrich Gretsch. Check it out!

For more from Sweetwater, follow us:

#Sweetwater #GretschDrums #FactoryTour #NDV

[charliecontrino]

AWESOME! I was born and raised in NYC and I have a Brooklyn made 60's Gretsch round badge so I too have always been a Gretsch fan! Glad they are still making great drums!

[paulgiacalone]

Great video, thanks for posting. I’ve been a Gretsch player my entire life. I was fortunate enough to have a father who was a professional drummer and played Gretsch. I’m still playing his 1971 kit til this day. I also have a Brooklyn kit and a half dozen snare drums including Vinnie colaiuta God Bless America snare drum.

[michaelanderson]

Man, I live less than an hour from there, I would have taken you to Hall's Steakhouse for a mere two hours of your time, wisdom, and funny stories! Maybe next time.

[backcountryonthefly]

I purchased a 7 piece Gretsch Catalina maple shell pack about a year ago from Sweetwater for our band. Absolutely a fabulous kit!! They sound awesome, very easy to tune! Matt Emick the sales engineer there is awesome! Great companies Gretsch and Sweetwater

[CornerStoreDrums]

Sweetwater always brings top notch quality. Thank you!!

[drumjedi]

I've been there! Met and got a personal tour from Paul Cooper. It was an awesome experience!

[BeatsAndGuitars]

Sweetwater, a good chunk of my total income last year went directly to you!!! Keep it up you’re killin it!!

[i_needausername]

Love love LOVE Gretsch drums!

I have 2 Brooklyns, one in satin black metallic and one in abalone nitron. They sound AMAZING in any room in any conditions.

[smithshaven]

Great job Sweetwater and Nick. Really great! Thank you.

[Pure_KodiakWILD_Power]

I love gretsch drums ( especially their snares ), and I never knew til now there was a Fred Gretsch ( very oldschool 1700's look 😂 ), or that their shop is in Georgia.

[MD-wkgj]

Paul pushing to get all the employees to sign the 140th Anniversary paper is very cool.

[dmdrum]

Finally was able to buy a USA Custom set last year- best drums I’ve played…the feel and vibe is just amazing

[stevenabi]

Gretsch drums just sound "right". Dream drums. Great inside video Nick! Awesome tour and interview!

[tomhalbouty]

For me this is the best of the many great videos you have created. Thanks so much!

[edisonhill]

Great video into the history of Gretsch!! Thank you Sweetwater!!

[terrydrums]

Amazing. I am proud to say I finally, FINALLY was able to purchase my long-dreamed of set of Broadkasters from Steve Maxwell. Maybe I should start growing my sideburns like that… 😊

[gordgibson]

Nick this video is so sweet, thanks a million!

[allenmitchell]

Man I'm from SC and didn't realize Gretsch was made here, which I'm from the Upstate, and Ridgeland is in the Lowcountry, but still cool to know.

[RobertSaxy]

What a great video about one of my favorite music instrument companies both the drums and guitars. I really like the different directions the sweetwater bodies are going in these days

[progression_decibel]

I just moved to Georgia a year ago - I need to check that place out!!!