"Fred made this event special by sharing a personal account of history. His insightful anecdotes provided a unique perspective into Brooklyn and some of the original Gretsch buildings that still stand today."

Stops along the tour included the site of the original Gretsch Factory at 104 South Fourth Street, the former long-time Gretsch Headquarters at 60 Broadway and the location of the finishing factory, where a young Fred Gretsch learned the fine art of sanding and applying lacquer to drums shells in the late 1950s.

The tour was hosted by two of New York’s most successful Gretsch Dealers, Main Drag Music in Brooklyn and Steve Maxwell Drum Shop in Manhattan. Guests visited both stores and got an opportunity to view both rare, vintage Gretsch Drum Sets as well as newly manufactured products.

There were plenty of photo opportunities and Mr. Gretsch graciously signed autographs and answered many questions from diehard Gretsch fans. Fred Gretsch remarked:

"My great-grandfather, Friedrich Gretsch first walked the streets of Williamsburg in 1872. He was a gifted instrument maker and a visionary. What a privilege it was to walk the same streets with a group of like-minded musicians more than 140 years later. His vision lives on in us."

Last year marked Gretsch's 130th Anniversary - a milestone that was celebrated with a wide variety of activities and events throughout the year. A special element at many of these events was the personal appearance of Fred Gretsch representing the fourth generation of the Gretsch Family. At several of the events Fred was joined by his wife Dinah, CFO of the Gretsch Company and a notable industry figure in her own right.