“We look to help”…What does that mean?
When Aaron and Mike and I talk about “business”, we don’t talk about sales pitches, upsells or any of that. Never. We brainstorm on what people need and what we can offer (within the ukulele realm that we dwell). Beyond the educational projects that we work on , the first and most significant way we can help you is with our conscious discernment and unbiased promotion.
If I were given a million dollars to buy more ukes for the store… I would mostly just explore more custom builders. Offering every affordable brand would be a disservice to your time, a roadblock to your musical accomplishments, an obstruction to your enjoyment. Too dramatic? LOL! Basically, certain models give a better value and that is what we focus on.
With that said, I’m here to tell you…this new ukulele line from Gretsch is excellent. For the price range, I would even say amazing. Feast your eyes and ears on these rusticly fresh new ukes from Gretsch!
In our Post NAMM 2012 blog I wrote:
From all of the new ukes popping up on the market the only new import line that impressed me was Gretsch.
So we put in an order, and waited, and waited… I started to wonder if they would even look and sound like what I had seen. Well, they just came in and are as I remembered! Great sound. Many laminate ukes are stepping it up. This one has some help from a bone nut and saddle and scalloped bracing that looks well done. They really nailed the vintage vibe. Rough final grit sanding on stained mahogany with a smooth finish and feel. So cool. Check out this tenor-
Gretsch is re-entering the ukulele market to seriously compete. These are both affordable and well built. The Soprano is 100 and up to 130 for the tenor online. That includes a gig bag!
See specs and more from the New Gretsch Ukulele Line here–
Have you tried these new models yet? What were your thoughts? Any vintage Gretsch owners?
Comments 10
Sounds real good! Question: how well does the Gretsch Tenor project compared to the others in its price range that you carry? I’m presently playing (and enjoying) a Pono MC that I got from you-all and thinking of trying out the next size up. Wanted to start with an affordable model in case I don’t care for the bigger size. Would you consider it louder than the Pono MC? As I play quetly by nature want something with a bit of punch. Thanks!
Hi Richard, Yes, I think you would like the Gretsch tenor. We just got in the solid tenors from them as well and will list them soon. They are pretty amazing for the price.
I am the lucky owner of a new Gretsch Tenor. Solid mahogany and with a MISI pickup.
The uke sounds fantastic, mellow but you hear every different note. She has a nice ‘feel’. I play old classics , transcribed from the lute, for uke as well as jazz and old standards. I must say that the Uke site has been a big help, Aaron’s lessons and advise from Andrew Kitakis, were instrumental, in my decisions. My Gretsch is part of me now, but I prefer a Tenor.
No doubt about it — the Gretsch tenor is absolutely terrific. The tone is warm and round, as one would expect from a mahogany, and the sustain is excellent. I’m not concerned about playing over any other instruments, so loudness is not a factor for me, but it sounds plenty loud enough. Set-up by Hawaii Music Supply is wonderful, so there is no question about the playability. It is just one sweet sounding and playing instrument, and for such an affordable price! Heck, I have a guitar case that cost almost as much! It is really pretty comparable in sound quality to my Pono Mahogany Tenor, and that’s saying a lot. Gretsch did this right.
I have the Gretsch soprano and it is very sweet instrument. It is actually beautiful for bring a laminate and very fun to play.. Highly recommend for beginners and experienced players alike.
I have one of the Gretsch 9120 Tenor ukuleles and it is wonderful. Sounds great. I have it set up Low G and I just love it.
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Thanks Jim, After setting up hundreds of them since this post I am glad to say they have been consistent and I am still very impressed with the line. Thanks for the comment.
I own the concert 9110. It projects nicely and sustain is crazy. Nice punchy sound, loud, and holds tune well. Finish is really nice with a nice texture and shine. I havent seen a $100 uke that compares. The gig bag is actually decent too. Good job Gretsch.
Just got the deluxe tenor all solid wood top back and sides, and it’s amazing list at $459 bought new for $210 – heck of a deal with the tan gig bag. Highly recommend this particular model!
I have short chubby fingers and was wondering if any ukulele comes with a nut width of 1 5/8″ with also wider string spacing.
Thank you
Ben