Fred Gretsch remembers Louis Bellson

February 18, 2009



With the passing of Louie Bellson, drumming has lost a genuine innovator. Drummers around the world have lost a sweet and gentle man who was at once an icon and a comrade. And the Gretsch family has lost a cherished friend.

When Louie was making his mark on the drumming scene in the 1940s and ‘50s, playing with the great bands of Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, Duke Ellington, and Harry James, he did it on Gretsch drums. When he wanted a unique double bass drum setup with a totally unprecedented tom-tom configuration, he brought his design to the Gretsch factory in Brooklyn, New York. There, the Gretsch craftsmen made Louie’s vision a reality. And Louie went on to make drumming history.

Everyone at Gretsch is proud to have been a part of Louie Bellson’s history. We mourn his passing, and our hearts go out to Francine Bellson and the rest of Louie’s family. But at the same time, we join drummers everywhere in celebrating Louie’s greatness, as well as his unparalleled contribution to the art of drumming.

Sincerely,
Fred Gretsch
Fourth Generation Drum Maker

Gretsch USA Custom

Hand-crafted every step of the way

The epitome and legend of "That Great Gretsch Sound." The USA Custom series is hand-crafted every step of the way in our Ridgeland, SC factory by highly experienced and skilled drumsmiths. Our legendary Gretsch formula 6-ply shell is the cornerstone of our legendary sound. Shells are completed with 30-degree bearing edges, Silver Sealer, die-cast hoops and custom finishes - ingredients all combined to make a sound long recognized for its classic clear timbre, balanced tone and explosive projection. Custom design your Gretsch dream kit "a la cart" by choosing your desired drum sizes, colors and hardware options. The Gretsch legend continues.

The NEW Gretsch USA Custom Order Guide will explain the many options that are available to help you design a drum set that matches your individual voice as a drummer.

Read More

Catalina Maple

Carefully developed to produce tones that explode a balanced amount of warm low end frequencies

The Catalina Maple series starts with the Gretsch maple formula shell. We carefully developed the maple shell specification to produce tones that explode with attack and volume and project a balanced amount of warm, low-end frequencies. All Catalina Maple shells are 7-ply, 7.2mm.

The Catalina Maples are available in two configurations - a 6-piece shell pack set and a 5-piece shell pack set. Add-on drums are also available to allow for further drum set expansion.

Read More