Gretsch announces the Gretsch Limited Edition Chris Rocha Electromatic® Broadkaster® Jr., an instrument whose artful construction and sleek design is an ode to Chris Rocha, one of Latin worship music’s most distinctive players. The GRAMMY®-nominated and Latin-GRAMMY nominated artist joins a roster of iconic Gretsch® signature artists including legends like AC/DC’s Malcolm Young, George Harrison, Billy Duffy, and more recently, indie group boygenius and Portugal. The Man’s John Gourley. The Broadkaster® Jr. guitar has become a mainstay of the Gretsch catalog, and it’s no wonder why—its compact body shape and the unmistakable sustain afforded to the instrument by way of a chambered center block has made this guitar a no-brainer for any player looking for equal parts elegance and sheer sonic power. Not only does this signature Broadkaster® Jr. pay homage to an artist whose singular playing has created a new wave of faith-based guitarists, but it’s the perfect instrument for anyone looking to discover their own unique sound.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to embark on a musical journey with my new signature Gretsch guitar. The craftsmanship and tonal excellence of this instrument have ignited a newfound passion in me,” said Chris Rocha. “Here’s to countless melodies and endless inspiration – the LE Chris Rocha Electromatic® Broadkaster® Jr. is not just a guitar; it’s a symphony waiting to be played.”
Rocha’s sonic exploration began at a young age when his father taught him how to play guitar at seven years old. He quickly took to the instrument and by the time he was nine he and his family started a traveling band and ministry. Rocha discovered his true calling at the intersection of music and faith in high school. Despite the risks, he recognized that nothing resonated with him as deeply as performing alongside his parish and friends. From there, he forewent a conventional college experience in favor of something more in line with what he knew would be far more spiritually fulfilling. At the age of 20, he took a position at a church in Beaumont, Texas where both his faith and love for playing and performing prospered. This quickly turned into a career spent touring with various bands and as he began building a name for his artful approach to the guitar, Rocha found himself at the center of the Christian Spanish music industry. Since then he has played on two GRAMMY Award-winning Albums, was nominated for five others and a Latin GRAMMY, won two Dove awards, and one Premios Arpa.
The LE Chris Rocha Electormatic Broadkaster Jr. pays perfect homage to a guitarist whose playing is as technically proficient as it is sublimely emotive. This instrument seamlessly integrates refined aesthetics and top-notch craftsmanship, purpose-built for delivering Rocha’s soaring lead lines and angelic chord voicings. At first glance, the vintage white finish and sparkling gold hardware make a stunning visual statement, setting the stage for the remarkable features embedded in this signature guitar.
The Signature Broadkaster Jr. boasts a 14” single-cutaway maple body with a chambered spruce center block, offering a perfect balance between resonance and weight. The thin “U”-shaped maple neck, featuring a 12”-radius rosewood fingerboard with 22 medium jumbo frets and pearloid Neo-Classic™ thumbnail inlays, ensures a comfortable and smooth playing experience. The heart of this instrument lies in its dual High Sensitive Filter’Tron™ pickups, providing a dynamic range for players seeking clarity and precision, whether navigating layers of fuzz or embracing a clean tone. The control setup includes a master volume with treble bleed circuit, master tone, individual pickup volume controls, and a three-position pickup selector switch for versatile tonal options. Additional features include a Graph Tech® NuBone® nut, anchored Adjusto-Matic™ bridge, locking tuners, and strap locks. The Bigsby® B70 vibrato tailpiece with wire handle adds expressive possibilities to the playing experience. The gold sparkle binding and hardware further enhance the instrument’s overall elegance, making the LE Electromatic Chris Rocha Signature Broadkaster Jr. a standout choice for guitarists who appreciate both style and substance.
“We are excited to welcome Chris Rocha to the Gretsch Artist Signature family,” said Jason Barnes, VP of Product at Gretsch. “A long-time partner to the brand, he is an amazing player who fuses incredible virtuosity with a truly inspirational voice.”
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