From its beginnings as a maker of drums in 1883, the Gretsch company has developed and expanded into one of the best recognized makers of drums and guitars in the world. This selection of highlights showcases the company's legacy, featuring a diverse array of electric and acoustic guitars made by the company over the last 100 years.
Please enjoy exploring this carefully curated collection of instruments that have shaped the sound of popular music for generations. Every instrument you will see here tells a story of craftsmanship, innovation, and the enduring appeal of "that great Gretsch sound!"
For more information about the artifacts in the Gretsch Collection, please contact Dr. Matthew Hill, Curator at mhill@georgiasouthern.edu.
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711 Songbird guitar, model Custom
Gretsch Company
Sam Goody Custom
"16" wide, bound double-cutaway body, 2 HiLo'Tron pickup, 2 'G/Arrow' knobs and one switch on lower treble bout, one knob on upper treble bout, two switches at the top bass bout, roller bridge, chrome hardware with Gretsch v cut Bigsby Vibrato, Gretsch pickguard, Neo Classic inlay with T-zone tempered treble- end fingerboard with dot inlays from 15th fret, zero fret, Special "G" sound holes, Gretsch T roof logo on headstock with "711 Songbird" plate. Original case."
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Astro Jet guitar, model PX6126
Gretsch Company
"Solid asymmetrical double cutaway, and unique body shape with beveled edges, 2 chrome Super'Tron pickups, 3 knobs, 3 switches, roller bridge and Burns vibrato, Neo-Classic inlay,4 tuners on the bass side of headstock 2 on the treble side. With original case."
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Atkins Axe guitar, model 7685
Gretsch Company
"Solid body with pointed cutaway, 2 humbucking pickups, 4 knobs on the lower treble bout, switch on the top bass bout, bound style headstock, silver/ gray pickguard with black Gretsch logo, bound ebony fingerboard with small square inlays, chrome terminator bridge. Chrome Schaller 3 on a side tuner, Gretsch t-roof logo."
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Broadkaster guitar, model 7609
Gretsch Company
16" wide bound double-cutaway body, 2 chrome humbucker pickup, 4 knobs on the lower treble bout, 1 knob on the upper treble bout, one switch on the upper bass bout, terminator bridge, dot inlays, Gretsch T roof logo. Original case
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Chet Atkins Country Gentlemen guitar, model 7670
Gretsch Company
"17" wide double cutaway bound body, simulated black f holes, ebony fingerboard with Neo Classic inlays on fingerboard, Gretsch T roof logo with no plate on the headstock, gold Grover tuners, 2 Filter'Tron pickup, metal bar bridge, V cut Bigsby vibrato, gold pickguard with 'Gretsch' in black. No mutes. Original case. This is an all stock guitar. First year of model number change from 6122 to 7670, no name plate on headstock and no mute."
