Is Chet Atkins turning over in his grave?

[Willie G. Moseley]

These days there's a lot of inexpensive, no-frills, Chinese-made instruments that are displaying a legitimate Gretsch logo on their headstocks. Such instruments may have some classic Gretsch cosmetics like thumbnail fret markers, etc. They're decent quality guitars but aren't fancy and many of them "look imported" for lack of a better description. 

What's more, one rarely sees new American-made production instruments around.

Back when I was a teenager Gretsch was considered the elegant upgrade brand for so-called serious musicians, so this apparent trend and perception is the exact opposite of Gretsch in the '50s and '60s. Why do ya think FMIC figured this direction for the brand? I mean, a Squire is a budget Fender, and cheap Gretsches could be an attempt to compete with Gibson's budget line, Epiphone. 

I guess the bottom line is I never thunk i'd see the Gretsch name on so many mass-produced imports, and I wonder about whether such a marketing strategy is viable.

Edited March 1 by Willie G. Moseley

[Steve Haynie]

Think positive.  The cheap Gretsch guitars are probably every bit as good as the Indonesian Hamer guitars.  

[RobB]

10 hours ago, Willie G. Moseley said:

I never thunk i'd see the Gretsch name on so many mass-produced imports, and I wonder about whether such a marketing strategy is viable.

It’s a great marketing strategy. Your average consumer can’t afford $3000 for an MIJ Gretsch. I’ve owned three MIJs and they’ve all been excellent guitars.

The USA custom shop in Corona, California makes mostly artist instruments, and their prices are really out of reach.

Rickenbacker, OTOH, is in an enviable position. Their instruments are very sought after, with relatively low production numbers. They’ve never had to dilute their brand with cheap imports.

Edited March 1 by RobB

[hamerhead]

I had a Gretsch 5120 Electromatic. It was a great way to find out if the real deal could work for me before spending the big bucks. It was a cool guitar for the $300 or so I paid, and I found out that I'm not so much of a big-body Gretsch guy. I think Chet would understand.

Cool guitar, though. Not USA cool, but cool nonetheless. 

 

Edited March 2 by hamerhead

[Spinaltap]

as mentioned in another thread, I purchased a Firefly Billy Bo copy in November. 

It certainly is not a Gretsch, but it's a fun toy to play and has given me a immense amount of pleasure.