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Featured Guitarist

Billy Zoom

Although best known as guitarist and founding member of punk rock band X, Billy Zoom has also worked with rockabilly legend Gene Vincent, The Blasters, Etta James, Big Joe Turner, Mike Ness, and dozens of other major recording artists. He is known for his grinning stage presence and tendency to make eye contact with audience members.

In June 2008, in honor of his longevity in the world music community and contribution to the legacy of Gretsch guitars, Gretsch unveiled the G6129BZ Billy Zoom Custom Shop Tribute Silver Jet.

In 2007 he was listed as one of the greatest guitar players of all time in Guitar Player magazine.

Billy is also a world class specialist in vacuum tube audio equipment. Since opening his original Custom Amp Shop in 1970, Billy has designed, built, modified, and repaired literally thousands of guitar amplifiers, as well as all types of vacuum tube Hi-Hi and studio recording gear.

Billy and X are currently on tour in the US with dates through the end of May. They'll be touring throughout Europe in June and July with Pearl Jam.

To learn more about Billy, click below.

Omar Tavarez

Born in New York City and raised in South Florida, drummer/programmer Omar Tavarez has used the important support of his parents and his first drum instructor to help fuel his passion for success. With a sound combining Tony Williams’ no-holds-barred-attitude with Mitch Mitchell’s flashy fills and drive, Omar knows no boundaries.

In 2006 Omar recorded drums for Cash Money Records artists “Lil’Wayne” and “Birdman” for their “Like Father Like Son” release which peaked at #3. He is currently touring extensively with Miami-based rapper/entertainer “Pitbull” and is first on-call session drummer for "T-Pain". Although Omar was groomed by his teachers to be a classical percussionist, he chose to mature as an artist and attend the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami. Omar ultimately landed his first touring gig with two-time Latin Grammy nominee, singer/songwriter J.D. Natasha. Omar has since shared the stage with the likes of Arturo Sandoval, Diana Krall, Lil Jon, Ying Yang Twins, Baby Bash, LMFAO, and many more.

When he’s not bashing out songs for "Pitbull" or "T-Pain", Omar is programming and producing urban (anglo/latino) tracks for Reddlyne, an independent music production company in South Florida.

To find out where you can see Omar, click below.

Greg Gretsch Appears On CNN News

Greg Gretsch—son of Gretsch Company president Fred W. Gretsch and managing director of investment firm Sigma Partners—was featured on CNN News this past Tuesday, May 15. Greg’s expertise was sought regarding the status of social network giant Facebook versus its competitors.

Gretsch Introduces the New Roots Collection

Gretsch is proud to introduce its new Roots Collection of acoustic instruments. This exciting new family of banjos, mandolins, resonator guitars and ukuleles feature classically authentic Gretsch designs that transport players to a bygone era well before rock 'n' roll blasted off in the 1950s.

CHET ATKINS EXHIBITION

The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum is paying tribute to one of country music’s most versatile and visionary artists, Chet Atkins, with Chet Atkins: Certified Guitar Player, a biographical exhibit which opened August 12, 2011 and EXTENDED THROUGH JULY 15, 2012.

Special programs are scheduled throughout the duration of the exhibition. Click HERE for upcoming program details and exhibit information.

UP NEXT:

Saturday, May 19, 2:00 p.m., CDT - Community Outreach: Intro to Thumbpick Guitar at the Nashville Public Library, Goodlettsville.

Saturday, June 9, 2:00 p.m., CDT - Concert: Steve Wariner, CGP.

Sunday, June 10, 1:00 p.m., CDT - Guitar Demonstration by Mark Thornton.

OTHER NEWS, EVENTS & HAPPENINGS:

Chicago Guitar Show - This Weekend!

Bigsby Vibratos will at the Chicago Guitar Show on May 19 & 20 at the DuPage Expo in St. Charles with installation demos, "pit-stop" service checks of your Bigsby-equipped guitar and more. Stay tuned to the Bigsby website for more details.

Abbey Road on the River

Catch the Fred & Joe Show with Fred Gretsch & Joe Carducci at Abbey Road on the River in Louisville. The world's largest Beatles-inspired festival runs May 24 through 28. Fred & Joe Show scheduled on May 26 and 27.

Gretsch Day at StreetSounds NYC

Gretsch Day hosted by StreetSounds in Brooklyn takes place on June 2. Lots of great activities planned including a presentation by Fred & Joe. Don't miss the fun. Stay tuned for more details!

Gretsch Rancher Giveaway!

Enter by June 6 for your chance to win a Gretsch Rancher Cutaway Electric from the new Gretsch Roots collection. Details HERE.