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NEWS
PRESS RELEASES
December 14, 2006
GRETSCH ADDS 3-PC BOP KIT TO NEW CLASSIC OFFERING


Gretsch New Classic Bop kit in Ivory Marine Pearl finish.

Of the many distinguished chapters during Gretsch’s 124-year heritage, the story of Gretsch and Be-bop music is a well documented and respected one. Gretsch was the originator of what is now the standard “bop” drum kit configuration – 14”x18” bass drum, 8”x12” tom, 14”x14” floor tom. This drum set configuration is often referred to as the “classic” Gretsch set-up and has long been the preferred set-up of the most notable Be-bop drummers in music history.

Gretsch proudly introduces this classic configuration in the New Classic line. The NC-S483 shell pack includes a 14”x18” bass drum, 8”x12” tom and 14”x14” floor tom. This set will be available in three colors – Vintage Glass, Deep Cherry Gloss and – exclusive to the NC-S483 model only – Ivory Marine Pearl. Featuring proportionate Gretsch-formula maple shells, this drum-set offers a classic Gretsch tonality while giving these drums a uniquely distinctive voice. The 12” tom is 6 plies, 5.7mm thick; the 14” floor tom is 6 plies, 6.6mm thick and the 18” bass drum is 6 plies, 7.5mm thick.

With the introduction of this New Classic bop set Gretsch once again offers a new voice to a new generation of leading players; this set is destined to become the embodiment of its name. Retail: $2615 Also available in Vintage Glass finish. Retail: $2769

FRED GRETSCH PERSPECTIVE


As direct 4th generation Gretsch family descendant, and with over 40 years of diverse music industry leadership, Fred W. Gretsch has cultivated a singularly unique perspective and vision. Here, Fred shares his rich and varied experiences, including his involvement with current activities as well as personal reflections.

December 15, 2009
Not Fade Away
A few days ago I happened to hear one of The Rolling Stones’ early hits: the Buddy Holly classic “Not Fade Away.” Besides making me appreciate, as always, the great drumming of long-time Gretsch endorser Charlie Watts, that song, and its title, brought to mind a question that drummers have asked me many times over the years: "Why do some drum finishes fade or lose color over time, and what can be done about it?"

At Gretsch, we take great pride in the beautiful lacquer finishes on our drums. We think our unique nitrocellulose covered finishes are pretty nifty, too. So it's just as important to us that those finishes look good for many years as it is to the drummers who own the kits.

The single biggest cause of drum-finish “fade” is light—specifically, ultra-violet rays. That’s right: The same rays that can give you a nasty sunburn can make a drum's finish lose its color over time.

Additional culprits include environmental agents like cigarette smoke and the kitchen fumes common in clubs that serve food. Not only do these agents settle on drums and create a dulling film, they also contain chemicals that can penetrate a finish and bleach out its color. Fortunately, many clubs and other performance venues have become smoke-free in recent years. But a lot of drumkits spent long hours in smoke-filled rooms before this environmental advancement took place.

Once a finish has faded, it's virtually impossible to bring it back to its original condition. So prevention is the best course. Fortunately, it's also very easy. You just need to protect your drums from the fading effect of UV rays and environmental agents.

This can be accomplished by covering your drums with a cloth sheet or dropcloth when they're set up, and casing or bagging them up when they're not. And this doesn't just apply to gigging situations. You’d be surprised how many drums have “fade spots” on one side from being set up or stacked near a window at home!

Take these simple precautions, and your Gretsch drums should retain their beautiful appearance for many years to come.

ARTIST NEWS
February 02, 2010
NAMM 2010


It was a busy show for Gretsch drums! Check out our video section to listen to our various Gretsch artist interviews!

Here are a few of the artists that stopped by to say hello!
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As part of our commitment to improve design and quality of our instruments, Gretsch Drums reserves the right to change pricing and specifications without notice.

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