Rainbow Guitar
2550 N. Campbell Ave
Tucson, AZ 85719
520-325-3376 www.rainbowguitars.com
Next Gretsch Greats Concert!
"Big Event" Concert in New York City
On Nov. 18 at the Highline Ballroom in Manhattan, The Gretsch Company hosted its "Big Event" concert with performances by new and veteran Gretsch artists who epitomize That Great Gretsch Sound.
Gainesville, Fla., rockers, Colourslide, the grand prize winner of the Next Gretsch Greats Unsigned Artist Competition, opened the show, followed by a psychobilly rock performance by David Lee & His Mercenaries. Then international pop-rock stars Fountains of Wayne, the Grammy-nominated band best known for its hit single "Stacy's Mom," entertained the crowd with their distinctive brand of power pop.
Stephen Ferrone, drummer for Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers; G. E. Smith, former Saturday Night Live guitarist and musical director; Tim Ries, touring pop and jazz saxophonist for The Rolling Stones; Andy Hess, former Gov't Mule bass player, and guitarist extraordinaire Bob Sabellico rounded out the evening's performances. Chuck Leavell, touring keyboardist for The Rolling Stones, served as the house band's musical director and lead vocalist.
"These class-act musicians are some of the best in the industry and represent the bright future and colorful history of The Gretsch Company," said event host Fred W. Gretsch. Co-host Dinah Gretsch also remarked, "The magical evening of performances not only celebrated 125 years of That Great Gretsch Sound, but also kicked off another 125 years of supporting great musicians."
The makers of Wente Wines, also celebrating their 125th anniversary this year, commemorated the shared milestone by offering a selection of vintage wines to Gretsch concert guests.
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Two other pillars of the musical manufacturing industry co-sponsored the event: D'Addario & Company, Inc., and Remo, Inc. D'Addario & Company, the world's largest manufacturer of guitar strings, celebrated its centennial anniversary in the U.S. in 2005. Drumhead specialist, Remo began its legacy shortly after WWII when Remo D. Belli discovered that Mylar, a polyester film used during the war for nighttime reconnaissance flight, was the perfect material to produce drumheads. Sabian Cymbals, a well-known cymbal maker founded in 1981, also served as an event sponsor.
Gretsch marketing partners, Kaman and Fender, joined the night's festivities. Other special guests in attendance included Gretsch drummers and jazz greats, Bill Stewart and Cindy Blackman; bass guitar star Will Lee; new Gretsch artist and The Rascals guitarist, Gene Cornish; and the second prize winner of the Next Gretsch Greats Unsigned Artist Competition, London Egg.
2008 marks the 125th anniversary of The Gretsch Company and "That Great Gretsch Sound." Since 1883, musicians worldwide have created some of the most celebrated and groundbreaking music with a little help from their Gretsch instruments.
This year, we honor the musicians, partners, dealers, distributors and Gretsch lovers everywhere who have helped the Gretsch family continue to bring to life the 125-year-old vision of company founder and my great-grandfather Friedrich Gretsch.
We are proud of this incredible milestone in our family business and invite you to celebrate with us as a member of our extended Gretsch family. We are planning a number of exciting events and contests throughout the anniversary year, so please take a look around the site and come back often for updates on anniversary news.
Thank you for joining us as we gear up for another 125 years of "That Great Gretsch Sound!"
Sincerely,
Fred Gretsch
President and CEO
The Gretsch Company
"My affinity for Gretsch guitars started when I was about eight years old and I saw a Beatles poster where George Harrison was holding his up with the neck underneath the other three guys. I thought to myself, 'That's how they must get that sound!' My next big Gretsch moment came when I discovered Eddie Cochran. I wanted to be just like him—the clothes, the hair, the attitude and that guitar. At 16, I was really starting to get serious about playing and I had scraped together a hundred bucks and bought my first '59 6120 through an ad in the Penny Saver. From that moment on, I've played Gretsch. Of course I tried out other guitars over the years, but I always seem to come back to the 6120. The tone, the feel, the look…..there's truly nothing else like it."
Brian Setzer
"Just an observation--If you think you're going somewhere in this business, why not take what you'll need when you get there? My Gretsch drums are always there for me."
Jimmie Fadden, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Est. 1966
"Congratulations to Gretsch Drums, my favorite drum company, for 125 years of making the absolute best drums and, for setting the standard of excellence in the industry. Dinah and Fred- you are the best and I wish you another 125 years in the business!"
"Thank you for the Great Gretsch Sound!"
Cindy Blackman, drummer for Lenny Kravitz
"I believe it's a well known industry "secret" that even if a drummer endorses another brand of drums, he still secretly covets the sound of his Gretsch drums. We all have some. And if we don't, we WANT
some! They're kept at home, safe and protected and never taken out. Like a favorite old bathrobe or pair of slippers, they just FEEL warm and comfortable.....like home. The magic and mystique of
Gretsch make everyone want them but the SOUND is what makes us all own them! I feel so fortunate and grateful to be on the short list of lucky drummers who get play MY Gretsches every night!"
"To me, Gretsch drums sound like the sound I hear in my head.....when I imagine what the ultimate drum would sound like, the closest any drum gets to that sound is Gretsch. Continuously imitated yet never duplicated, Gretsch drums just sound like drums are SUPPOSED to sound. No other drum has ever come close in my mind.
Congratulations to the Gretsch Company on 125 years of making the finest instruments in the world! Here's to many more!"
Pat McDonald, drummer The Charlie Daniels Band
"When I first started playing at 12 years old I had no idea what constituted a good drum or a bad one. I asked the big kids in the band (18 years old) what they thought the best kit in the world was. They told me that they had heard Gretsch made the best drums. So when The Rolling Stones took England by storm, and I was thoroughly impressed by Charlie Watts' sound, it was with envy I saw the Gretsch logo on his kit. Then came Max, Elvin, Tony, and Art. All Gretsch players are the princes of modern drumming.
When Average White Band first had success in 1974, I was fortunate enough to be asked to play with them. The first thing I did was to order my first Gretsch drum kit. I used those drums on all those classic AWB recordings, and many other sessions in New York. I still have that kit today, and they sound fantastic. That was 32 years ago, and the same quality and pride in the craft of making drums continues to be a part of Gretsch today. To have my name next to the logo that has typified the standard of quality drums for 125 years on my signature kit is a dream come true. I am truly honored. Congratulations on 125 years of Great Gretsch Sound."
Stephen Ferrone, drummer for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
"For as long as I can remember Gretsch drums have always epitomized 'class.' I remember prowling round the drum shops of London in the 60's gazing at the beautiful drums in the windows. More often than not it was the Gretsch kits that made my mouth water. I even thought the logo was cool. Then I started to notice which drummers played what drums....Charlie Watts played Gretsch.....so did Tony Williams.....many more of course, but those two were enough for me.
Before playing Gretsch drums I had played many other makes. Because honestly, I never even thought Gretsch would consider me as an endorsee. When I DID get the chance I had no hesitation in 'signing up' and have been with the company now for many, many years. To have survived in this music business where fashion and trends change weekly, and where the instrument you play has to be 'cool', is a testament to their commitment to quality. I congratulate Dinah and Fred on the anniversary of one of the greatest drum companies in the world. Thank you for all you've done for me......
love....Phil Collins"
"Very simply, Gretsch has always meant quality. This is certainly not my estimation alone; it is widely understood. And in this case, 125 years is a lot of quality. I'm always happy to sit behind Gretsch drums and I'm happy to be seen playing Gretsch drums. If I can bring the same quality to the drums that Gretsch drums bring to drummers, then we'll really have something."
Bill Rieflin, drummer for R.E.M.
"My absolute favorite electric guitar is my 1959 6120 Gretsch.... it's been that way ever since I saw Eddie Cochran play one in the movie The Girl Can't Help It in 1956. I wish to congratulate all who are concerned with making these wonderful guitars on your 125th anniversary... here's to 125 more."
Graham Nash
Download Music By Gretsch Artist Bob Sabellico
Click to Download Free Samples
* Mop Bop *
(Performed with Gretsch Hot Rod)
* Another Day At The Office *
(Performed with Gretsch Hot Rod & Duo Jet)
* Me Too *
(Performed with Gretsch Hot Rod, Duo Jet & Spectrasonic Baritone )
All songs written and performed by Bob Sabellico
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