Gretsch Drums Marks 135th Anniversary With Limited Edition Drumsets & Snare Drums

Gretsch Drums Marks 135th Anniversary With Limited Edition

Drumsets & Snare Drums

Iconic American Drum Manufacturer Celebrates 135 Years of ‘That Great Gretsch Sound’ with USA-Made, Playable Pieces of Musical History

(April 5th, Ridgeland, SC) Founded by Friedrich Gretsch as the Gretsch Musical Instrument Company, in Brooklyn, New York in 1883, 2018 marks the 135th Anniversary of one of America’s oldest drum manufacturers, Gretsch Drums. Celebrating more than a century of “That Great Gretsch Sound,” the venerable musical instrument brand has released a limited number of meticulously hand-crafted, USA-made 135th Anniversary drumsets and snare drums.  

Designed by Gretsch master drum builder, Paul Cooper, the 135th Gretsch Drum Sets features a Broadkaster series shell with Exotic Ribbon Mahogany outer ply, finished in Dark Emerald or Classic Mahogany nitrocellulose gloss lacquer, Gretsch Round Badges, as well as limited edition, 135th Anniversary Remo Permatone Drum Heads. Single-flange 301 hoops with vintage-style claw hooks complete the retro look and add to its signature tonality. Hand-crafted at the Gretsch USA factory in Ridgeland, South Carolina and available in two 4-piece configurations: 5x14”/8x12”/ 14x14”/ 14 x 18” and 6.5x14”/8x12”/16x16”/14x22”. Only 135 of these highly prized drumsets will ever be produced.

Each Gretsch Drums 135th Anniversary 5" × 14" 8-lug Solid Aluminum Shell Snare Drum is hand engraved by master engraver Eric Sooy with a delicate engraving pattern encircling inspired by the 4160G Gold Plated engraved Metal Snare Drum (introduced in 1968). Assembled with 301 single flange hoops with mini-claw hooks, Lightning Throw-Off and snap-in key holder, each USA-made snare drum is complimented by a limited edition 135th Anniversary Permatone Drum Head. Only 135 of these unique collector’s items will ever be produced. (Deluxe carrying case included)

“In 1883 my great Grandfather Friedrich Gretsch founded Gretsch Drums in Brooklyn, NY. It is with an incredible sense of honor that we mark 2018 as the 135th Anniversary of Gretsch Drums’ and we share this pride in accomplishment with the artisans, artists and Gretsch fans worldwide who have contributed to the history, longevity and the American tradition of handcrafting Gretsch Drums and inspiring “That Great Gretsch Sound,” said Gretsch Drums’ President, Fred Gretsch.

GRETSCH DRUMS

Founded in Brooklyn, New York in 1883, Gretsch Drums is an iconic American drum brand manufactured in Ridgeland, South Carolina. In 2015, Oxnard California-based, American drum designers and manufacturer Drum Workshop (DW Drums) acquired the rights to develop, produce, market and distribute Gretsch Drums. For 135 years, this award-winning company has been providing "That Great Gretsch Sound” to drummers around the globe. Noted artists include Phil Collins, Charlie Watts, Vinnie Colaiuta, Cindy Blackman and Taylor Hawkins among others. For more information, visit

www.gretschdrums.com