GEWA music becomes global distributor for Gretsch Drums
Taking over global licensing rights from DW Drums
GEWA Music has acquired the global licensing rights for all things Gretsch Drums as of today. The German distribution heavyweight has already been Gretsch’s distributor in Europe for a few years. Now, they have acquired the global license from Drum Workshop, Inc. (DW) and the Gretsch Family. This means that the company is now responsible for all worldwide marketing, manufacturing, and distribution of Gretsch Drums.
GEWA Music – German Distributor, European Heavyweight in Music Instruments
Founded in 1925 by one Georg Walther in Adorf, Germany, GEWA Music first focused on distributing locally produced handmade Violins and other acoustic instruments. During the Cold War, Walther relocated to Mittenwald in Bavaria. After the fall of the Iron Curtain, the company relocated back to Adorf over the course of the next 18 years.
From left to right: Hans Thomann (Shareholder – GEWA music GmbH), Dinah Murphy Gretsch (Executive VP and CFO – The Gretsch Company), Hans-Peter Messner (CEO/President – GEWA music GmbH), Fred Gretsch ( President – The Gretsch Company), Marcel Messner (CEO – GEWA music GmbH), Logan Thomas (Member of the Gretsch Family) · Source: GEWA music
In 2008, the relocation was completed, and the company was internally divided into five separate divisions based on the music instruments group they represented: GEWA Keys, GEWA Guitars, GEWA Drums, GEWA Strings, and GEWA Winds.
Gretsch Drums – A legend in Drums
Gretsch Drums turned 140 years last year. It was founded by Friedrich Gretsch, 27, who emigrated from Germany at the age of 16. He opened a small music shop in Brooklyn, New York, that year, making and selling banjos, drums and tambourines. Over the course of the following decades, Gretsch grew significantly. By 1916, the company moved to a 10-story building on 60 Broadway in Brooklyn, New York.
Gretsch Drums · Source: Gretsch Drums
The roaring twenties and the explosion of Jazz and Swing into popular music saw Gretsch’s success skyrocket. From that time until today, the drum brand has remained as one of the most recognized and high-class brands in all things drum shells. In recent years, DW Drums has been holding the global distribution license for Gretsch’s drums. GEWA Music has now acquired this license and taken over global distribution responsibilities for the legendary brand.
More on the two companies
- All about Gretsch
- More on GEWA
- Gretsch’s website
- Website for GEWA Music
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