Nashville Shows Gretsch Good Time as Summer NAMM Bids Farewell!

Summer Namm 2004

The Gretsch Company made its annual trip to Nashville one more time as part of Summer NAMM 2004. Next years Namm Show is scheduled for Indianapolis, Indiana. Gretsch has always had a special kinship to the Music City and all the fine artists that call “The Home of Country Music”, their home. From the inspired songwriters to the Grand ole Opry to the music printers down the “Alley” and the pickers on Broadway; Nashville has enjoyed the ultimate music tradition. In its own way, Gretsch too, has been part of that tradition.

Knowing that this was the last show in Nashville made for a bitter-sweet, however productive, Summer Namm. All the fine Gretsch instruments were on display throughout three booth locations. Our exclusive worldwide drum distributors, KAMAN, offered information and samples on all the latest Gretsch Drum lines including USA Maple and Custom Series, Renowned, Signature, Catalina, and BlackHawk. Also featured were LTD 70’s and New Duco finished Limited Kits from Gretsch.

Guitars typically headline the Summer show and this year, Gretsch Guitars were the featured act. These beautiful six strings got the look, feel, and sound that performers crave. Those that appreciate unique American styling and fine craftsmanship were in the Gretsch Booth. The Gretsch commitment to the classic features and time tested materials has proven enormously popular; which was evident by the amount of orders filled at the show. US. Custom models, White Falcon and Nashville Western were on display for all to admire, as well as the complete collection including: Falcon, Nashville, Country Club, Tennessee Rose, Anniversary, Round-up, Penguin, Jet, and Rancher.

Booth 1003 had the complete line of Leedy Snares. After re-introducing the brand last year, Gretsch is building these historic drums at their South Carolina manufacturing facility. Built to a high mark of efficiency and beauty, the current models are: Broadway Standard, Elite Standard, and Elite Brass. Bigsby Vibratos were here too. The complete Bigsby line-up was perfectly displayed as to accent their simplicity of design, feel, and functionality. The only “True Vibrato”. From this central location, much of the Gretsch Gear could be seen. This growing merchandise now provides Leedy, Bigsby, Sho-Bud, and Gretsch fans all the apparel and accessories they want The New FilterTron and Space Control shirts got much attention.

A bonus to the Gretsch/Fender display was a custom painted 6120 Victory Guitar by Sara Ray. This magnificent instrument was created as a tribute to the airmen and “flyboys” of WWII. Completed on June 6th, the 60 anniversary of D-Day, the guitar and matching amp were styled after the Eighth Air Force bombers that flew from 1942 to the end of the war. This combo was purchased by Fred Gretsch personally for donation to The US. Eighth Air Force Museum which just happens to be located near the Gretsch offices in Savannah.

This final show in The Music City marked another season of “That Great Gretsch Sound”.

Thank You Nashville.