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Gretsch NY |
Hello folks,
I'm new to the site, but in my short time cruising the archives have determined that this is certainly the place for me to tap some real hardcore banjo experts. My endeavor is to build a more accurate history of the Gretsch branded banjo line. As I look at some past posts, you all seem to have found the same frustration I have about the lack of existing reference material related to this topic. One reason for that, I'm speculating is that the Gretsch factory production history was lost to fires in the 70's. The history of the vintage Gretsch guitar brand still suffers from the loss of this critical information, and it seems reasonable to think the banjo history has too.
Last year, on a whim, I acquired a Gretsch New Yorker tenor banjo. I own two rare Gretsch 4-string tenor electric archtop guitars from the early 50's and felt like I wanted to give the banjo a try. I've been involved in researching the Gretsch guitar brand for years, and have have now decided to take a stab at building some data on the banjo line. So... here I am, looking to you for some help. Currently I have a database of documented examples (Orchestrella, New Yorkers, Folk models, Blue Banner, misc.), and am trying to make sense of the serial numbering methodologies. I am aware of the vagueness related to banjo's and the various brands, but I am only interested in the Gretsch branded models for now.
I've attempted to contact a few of you and begin a dialog, but wanted to put this out there, in case a few other Gretsch banjo owners are lurking who might be willing to share some info about their instruments in the effort to advance the research. I appreciate any information you might provide, and hope to be able answer some of your question in return. Please drop me a note and say Hi! Regards - Ed Ball
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