that limited model run, and I got it from Gretsch
a few years ago when I was touring with Bethel
Music. I do still own it, love it, and use it quite
frequently!
[WM] Who are some of the Gretsch players
who have most inspired and why?
[Saint Pope] The first time I heard a Gretsch
and went, “Wow!” was being a kid and seeing
Gabriel Wilson (Rock and Roll Worship Circus /
The Listening) play his vintage double cut black
Falcon live. It sounded super big and he played
it so hard. Fast forward to now and it turns
out that Gabriel is a good friend of mine and
I’ve played that Falcon on a bunch of records
we’ve done together. I love that dude and his
guitar! That was really the first Gretsch that got
me. I’m also way into Billy Duffy of The Cult and
Richard Fortus of GnR. I think those guys are
stellar players and I love the way they sound
with their Falcons.
[WM] What about Gretsch guitars makes
them great for Worship music?
[Saint Pope] Gretsch is great because
they’re this wonderful sonic bridge between the
traditionally dark Gibson sound and brighter
Fender sound. They can lean one way or the
other if you want them to, but they always do
SAINT POPE
their own thing. This makes them super useful
no matter where or how you’re using them
those guys, it’s been a bumpy ride. They had
Pope always delivers the goods…
a few rough periods (70’s and 80’s), but those
because you can fit them sonically where you
need to. They complement other guitars really
days are long gone. Gretsch will forever be a [WM] When did you get your first Gretsch, well. And then you get into the looks… game
part of guitar history. Happy 135th! what model was it, and do you still own it? over. Classiest looking guitars ever!
MICHAEL POPE aka ‘SAINT POPE’ [Saint Pope] My first Gretsch was my [WM] What are some of your favorite tracks
Redding California’s Bethel Church actually red sparkle Duo Jet (G6129T). It’s got the that you cut using a Gretsch?
gave birth to two Worship movements. Prior DynaSonic pickups in it, it’s the prototype for to moving to Sacramento with the Jesus [Saint Pope] Honestly, I’ve used mine on so
Culture crew, Jeffrey Kunde poured into a many little things here and there (I get really
young Michael Pope. In addition to serving as specific on parts in the studio when I can) and
Musical Director calling cues behind some of I don’t really remember what I’ve specifically
the most gifted Worship leaders on the planet, used them on. I do know that they’ve been
Saint Pope’s trademark tones and textures an on every record I’ve worked on since owning
integral part of the Bethel Music sound. Another them. There’s always a part that needs that
wonderful guy, no matter what he’s doing, Saint
90
Bethel Music // “This Is Amazing Grace”
December 2018
great Gretsch sound!
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