Gretsch Guitars
Did you know that Guess Who, BTO guitarist Randy Bachman had amassed the world's largest and finest collection of Gretsch electric guitars? That collection of about 375 guitars was recently purchased by the Gretsch company for its museum in Savannah, Ga.
Bachman's Gretsch guitar collection included a rare 1957 White Penguin model. The White Penguin is considered by some the ultimate electric guitar collectible. The collection also includes a mint condition 1958 prototype of the Country Gentleman model still in its original factory wrapping.
Bachman began collecting Gretsch guitars many years ago when one his was stolen. He sent out a fax to music shops and pawn shops describing his beloved Gretsch and asking if anyone had come across it. He received many replies saying that, "No, we haven't seen it, but we've got a beautiful Country Gentleman in stock and would you be interested in that". Of course, he couldn't resist and thus began his collecting career or should we say addiction.
Just after Bachman's guitar was stolen, one of his heroes, Chet Atkins, sent him a similar guitar to the stolen one after hearing of his loss. This guitar features an autographed pick-guard. There are only three of these guitars in existence. Atkins owned one, while Paul McCartney owns the other. This is the only Gretsch guitar Bachman has kept.
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