Gretsch is opening its own museum in Savannah, GA next month

That Great Gretsch Sound museum in Savannah, GA
(Image credit: Gretsch / Georgia Southern)

Gretsch has announced the imminent opening of a museum dedicated to the instrument-makers‘ history, in Downtown Savannah, GA next month.

Opening on November 18 at the District Live building, the That Great Gretsch Sound! museum has been established as part of an ongoing collaboration between the brand and local university, Georgia Southern. 

The museum will play host to a collection of instruments and memorabilia that will document the local firm’s 135 year history, including a collection of more than 100 Gretsch guitars.

That Great Gretsch Sound museum in Savannah, GA

(Image credit: Gretsch / Georgia Southern)

Elsewhere, display cases will outline the story of Gretsch’s inception and growth, from makers of “calf-skin drums, banjos and accordions to one of the most popular and sought-after producers of guitars and drums during the height of the Rock & Roll era.”

“We hope this new museum will preserve the long history and legacy of the Gretsch Family and the Gretsch Brand,” said Dinah Gretsch, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Gretsch Company. “It is wonderful to share our history with the city of Savannah, the loyal Gretsch fans and all the tourists that will visit the museum.”

That Great Gretsch Sound museum in Savannah, GA

(Image credit: Gretsch / Georgia Southern)

The move further ties the brand (which actually launched in Brooklyn, NY) to Savannah's university, following the establishment of the Fred and Dinah Gretsch School of Music at Georgia Southern, earlier this year.

Head to the Georgia Southern Gretsch museum site for more information on the university’s new permanent exhibit.

In other recent Gretsch news, one of the most notable collectors of the brand’s instruments, Randy Bachman, recently announced he has tracked down the mega-rare 1957 6120 Chet Atkins guitar that was stolen from him in 1976…

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Matt Parker

Matt is a staff writer for GuitarWorld.com. Before that he spent 10 years as a freelance music journalist, interviewing artists for the likes of Total Guitar, Guitarist, Guitar World, MusicRadar, NME.com, DJ Mag and Electronic Sound. In 2020, he launched CreativeMoney.co.uk, which aims to share the ideas that make creative lifestyles more sustainable. He plays guitar, but should not be allowed near your delay pedals.