In 1967, the German born Gretsch Drum
Company was sold and moved to Cincinnati,
Ohio in 1972, but young Fred Gretsch vowed to
return the drum company to the family. It wasn't
until eighteen years later when the great
grandson of Friedrich Gretsch made good on
his vow, and the Gretsch Drum Company
became family owned once again.

As Fred Gretsch, Jr. briefly led the company
before going off to serve as a commander in the
Navy, his younger brother, Bill Gretsch, became
president. Bill also led the drum company only
briefly until his son, Fred took over the drum
business in 1985.

Today, the Gretsch Company's drums are
manufactured in Ridgeland, South Carolina.