Gretsch is giving away a one-off anniversary guitar in celebration of Fred W. Gretsch’s 50th year in the music business.
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One lucky fan will be taking home a one-of-a-kind museum-worthy instrument for free, the Gretsch G6118T-FG50 Anniversary guitar which features premium specs and appointments.
The guitar to be given away is based on the 6118 instrument that was designed back in 1958 for the company’s, a favorite model used for their commemorative releases. The company says that they have updated the design for today’s players and is meant to be a versatile all-rounder instrument that can handle pop, rock, jazz, blues and more.
Unique to this one-off guitar is its elegant gold top finish, contrasted by black finish back, sides and neck. The guitar will come with an exclusive pickguard that bears Fred W. Gretsch’s signature, and the headstock will have an unmistakable headstock plate that marks Fred’s 50th year. The G6118T-FG50 follows the specs and build of their popular Falcon guitar line, updated to meet the needs of today’s players.
Fred recalled a major turning point in 1964 when George Harrison strummed his Gretsch Chet Atkins Country Gentleman guitar on the Ed Sullivan Show. He said, “At that point in time, rock ‘n’ roll was less than 10-years-old and it was a very exciting time for young people. I felt a lot of pride on behalf of my family’s company, and because I was working at the factory during the summer and holidays, I was experiencing it on the inside [of the company] too.”
The Beatles’ 1st US live TV performance impacted music in general, and thanks to George, significantly increased the demand for Gretsch guitars. It is said that orders probably doubled within the following year after that one TV appearance. Rather than just making guitars, the once small family musical instrument company founded by German Immigrant Friedrich Gretsch, has become part of the sweeping music movement of the time.
George Harrison was just one of the long lists of artists that are known for playing Gretsch, other notable musicians include Chet Atkins, Brian Setzer, Bono of U2, Bruno Mars and many more.
Another important turning point for Fred Gretsch is when this family’s business was sold to the Baldwin Piano Company in 1967. Since he was in no position to financially take back and control the company, he promised that he would one day get it back. And after 17 years, he successfully bought back the company, although the brand was no longer as influential as it was back in its heydays. Fred then proceeded to grow the brand again, which led to them being noticed by Fender. Their partnership with Fender continues to this day, and is credited for bringing back the Gretsch guitar brand back into music stores and the hands of guitarists worldwide.
Fred said, “Our goal was, and still is, to partner with the best in everything we do,” Gretsch said. “And since our deal with Fender, the business has grown tremendously.”
In his 50-year career Fred Gretsch has seen musical genres come and go, and has been inducted to the Georgia Music Hall of Fame, been featured on the cover of Georgia Magazine, climbed to the top of Japan’s Mount Fuji and even congratulated in Congress. He acknowledges that being able to enrich lives through his participation in music is one of the highlights of his 50 year career.
The 50th Anniversary guitar giveaway honors the remarkable work and dedication that Fred W. Gretsch has put on the brand. To be in the running to win the guitar, all you have to do is Gretsch Guitars and fill in the contest submission form.
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Hello there.
Can somebody please advise why Australians are banned from entering this competition?
Thanks.
The rules did not mention Australia, try sending a message to Gretsch via their social media accounts, hopefully they will clarify why.