Gretsch at Winter Namm 2004

Anaheim, CA January ’04

With 1,340 companies exhibiting, this year’s Winter Namm Show was the largest attended ever. The allure of new gear and warm weather, made sunny California the place to be during a monumentally cold January. Music Industry people packed the convention center floor for the four-day event.

This year, Gretsch Products were on display throughout the convention center. The much sought after Gretsch Guitars hung upstairs in the Fender Room. Among the many new and updated models issued for 2004 was a beautiful US Custom Shop White Falcon. Very Pretty! Gretsch Drums were featured at the Kaman Music Booth in Hall B. Several new model variations and color combinations were on display as well as the impressive new Catalog for 2004.

Gretsch Booth 3540, situated in the heart of drum country, was busier than ever. Gretsch has begun taking Leedy Snare orders since re-introducing the much valued line back into the market in 2003. Leedy head man, Sam Bacco, showed both production line snares as well as custom models to the many percussionists anxious to own one of the new Leedy’s. Buyers marveled at the instruments clear sound and un-equaled beauty. As part of the display, Gretsch collaborated with custom chopper maker, Surgical Steeds from Scottsdale Arizona. The idea was to show the similarities of two mediums: fine instruments and the elegance of speed. The hand made custom bike looked right at home, nestled in a sea of Leedy’s. Namm-goers and rock-n-rollers lined up to take pictures of the display.

The Gretsch booth also featured the complete line of Bigsby Vibratos. Bigsby has always gone hand in hand with Gretsch, however the famous whammy is increasingly available as a “special option” on most of the top guitar brands. With all the added interest and praises about Bigsby, it was clear to us that more and more guitar players prefer a Bigsby. TRUE VIBRATO.

Gretsch Gear apparel and merchandise was on view too for dealers and enthusiasts. All clothing and collectibles for Gretsch, Bigsby, Leedy, and the newly added Sho-Bud; was on display for those in need. The new drum and guitar limited edition license plates were in high demand, as was the Gretsch Hot Rod Shirt and Round Badge Drum Hat.

Go Gretsch!