Gretch guitars and Tennessee Williams plays share one main thing in common; they superficially represent southern hospitality and decorum, but such is only a semblance covering an underlying sardonic quality and ungentlemanly actuality brought about by its notorious players. There is even a Gretch guitar called a Country Gentleman (another is called a Chet Atkins Tennessean, likely named for the geographical region as opposed to the playwright) played by the likes of Lou Reed and other guitarists of the Velvet Underground, a counter-cultural band responsible for putting a kink in the sound of the time and disregarding any notion of appropriate conduct. The Chet Atkins model has become nearly as renowned as the Gibson Les Paul guitar today! Similarly, Pete Townshend was known to play Gretches (he was also the sole pioneer of the smash-your-guitar-onstage movement which trickled into punk and grunge show antics). The elegance of the hollow body was adored by many a musician for its sound and signature, but such never stripped the attitude from rock or made it any less revolting than it was born to be.

The Gretch may have armed the British Invasion with fitting artillery, after all that is the elegant and proper appearance one would expect from a British citizen, but such was only a cloak of true intention. The instrument carried the twangy rockabilly tone desired from Brian Jones’ short-lived career with the Rolling Stones and Hilton Valentine from the Animals, but only dissembled the true contumaciousness that fueled their song-writing. Gentlemen they were not (animals is the closest thing to the best descriptor for them actually). The Gretch brand has become a legend worldwide in a similar fashion as the Gibson guitar brand.

More contemporarily, Jack White, a pupil to classic country and roots blues totes Gretch guitars like the props they are, appearing and performing live with models of such to give a rustic feel to his songs as well as nod to his undeniable origins. Producing Loretta Lynn’s latest album Van Lear Rose, his respect for aging southern belles is as undeniable as it is his rendition of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” (even if he does squelch the vocals to add a vitriolic and slightly punkish element to the tune). He’s even had a custom-made replica of a Gretch Duo Jet designed for him, the so-called the “Triple Jet”, with an additional pick-up booster to supplement the double cutaway, as well as a rare vintage insignia that dates back to 1912 productions. While such equipment isn’t officially a Gretch, it’s a sign of respect for the company’s name and what their brand has come to represent: southern class with faithful tendencies.

The Gretch Chet Atkins line is a very popular series and will remain a legend years to come in a similar way as the famous Gibson Les Paul guitars from yesterday and today. Whichever model or brand you choose, find a guitar that matches your artistic playing style and music genre to best further your abilities and goals.

Author Bio: The author writes about Gibson Les Paul Guitars and more electric and acoustic guitars for sale at his http://www.guitarsforsale.org/Gibson-Les-Paul-Guitars.html webpage. Enjoy your adventure as guitarist and start shredding the notes with bliss.

Category: Education
Keywords: Guitars, Gretch Guitars, Acoustic, Electric, Gibson, Les Paul, Chet Atkins