Gretsch drum kits have been used by many notable drummers including Max Roach, Tony Williams, Art Blakey, Vinnie Colaiuta, Mark Guiliana, Phil Collins,[1] Charlie Watts, Taylor Hawkins, Mitch Mitchell and Steve Ferrone.

Soon after taking over, Fred Jr. left to serve in WWII as a Navy commander, leaving the business in the hands of his younger brother, William Walter "Bill" Gretsch.

At that time, drum production was relocated from DeQueen, Arkansas to Ridgeland, South Carolina, where it remains today.

The Gretsch Drums factory in Ridgeland (SC), previously managed by DW, will be taken over by GEWA music USA.

From there, instruments manufactured in the USA will be directly supplied to North American retailers or shipped to foreign distributors.

Hal Leonard will continue to act as the USA distribution partner for Gretsch popular priced drums produced by GEWA music in Asia.”[7] 8.^https://www.gretschdrums.com/#:~:text=Gretsch%20Drums%20is%20an%20iconic,manufactured%20in%20Ridgeland%2C%20South%20Carolina.