Gretsch & Brenner - Researching

mkite64 · #1 10-01-2009, 12:44 PM

I'm attempting to track down the origin of a standup bass and appraise it. It's only marking, a decal, says it's a 1932 Gretsch & Brenner. Anybody ever heard of such?

Tejano Bass · #2 10-02-2009, 05:01 AM

Google! . . . G & B were musical wholesalers - sold instruments made by other manufacturers - e.g - Kay & others . . .

Jake deVilliers · #3 10-02-2009, 09:22 AM

Kay's first year of production was 1937...

Hammertime3 · #4 10-02-2009, 02:46 PM

There was a Gretch(I think that's how he spelled it) for sale on craigslist in Conshocken, NJ recently. Don't know if it's the same kind of bass, but he said it was old and he was interested in entertaining offers on it. I also think he said it was his grandfather's and was the first bass to be played in the Mummers' Parade, for whatever that's worth. I didn't check into it further 'cause I don't need it, but he seemed to think it was worth a lot of money.

Gatortail1 · #5 05-14-2011, 01:05 PM

1932 G & B? is it carved? that's before plywood isn't it?

crowsmengegus · #6 05-14-2011, 03:17 PM

I got curious about the relationship with Gretsch the guitar and drum brand.

Found this info here and here (paraphrased): Friedrich Gretsch started the "Fred Gretsch Manufacturing company" making drums, banjos, etc. in Brooklyn in 1883. He died in 1895 and his son Fred took over. He began importing instruments some time after 1900. His brother Walter Gretsch joined the company also some time shortly after 1900. In 1924, Walter Gretsch left the company and formed the importing company "Gretsch & Brenner", which was apparently in business until the mid 1950's. Fred Gretsch's business starting manufacturing guitars in the 1930's with the familiar Gretsch name.

Doesn't help with your bass ID, sorry, but interesting nonetheless. Post some pics of your bass, so that people can take some guesses. Being that it's not actually made by G & B, it could be anything....