Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Gretsch tweaked the Falcon. The White Falcon originally cost $600 (about $4,100, adjusted for inflation) this price was second only to the $690 price of Gibson's Super 400CESN. As the company's new high-end guitar, Gretsch marketed it as "the finest guitar we know how to make – and what a beauty!" Script error: No such module "Unsubst". The high interest from sales representatives led Gretsch to rush the guitar into production, and the first White Falcons were sold in 1955, identified as the model 6136. Neil Young, playing a Gretsch White Falcon on June 20, 2009 It was supposed to be a showpiece, much like GM's Motorama "Dream Cars" of the day. It was displayed as "the guitar of the future," but Gretsch initially had no plans to manufacture the model. ![]() The White Falcon was unveiled at the NAMM show in July 1954. Many of Gretsch's drums were covered with thick sparkly gold plastic that could also be used as binding on guitars. From the banjo production line, Webster recalled the engraved pearl inlays that adorned the fretboard and headstock. He wanted a "Dream Guitar," and gained his inspiration by walking through the Gretsch factory watching the construction of the many diverse musical instruments the company produced. In early 1954, Jimmie Webster sought to design a guitar to improve upon the Gibson Super 400. The White Falcon's distinctive appearance is owed to its 17-inch size (white, with gold-sparkle pickguard featuring an engraved falcon) and its hardware: Jimmie Webster's 1954 version had triple binding, gold-plated hardware, an ebony fretboard with mother-of-pearl inlays, and an eye-catching "Cadillac G" tailpiece. As of 2013 Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters"., Gretsch offers a number of guitars in its "Falcon" series, including a custom-built replica of the original, which is priced in the US at $12,000 (approximately £8300). Since then, it has undergone various changes and is still being made today. The guitar was so popular that it was put into production and went on sale the following year. This guitar was created as a "showpiece" to exhibit the craft of Gretsch's luthiers, sales, and demonstration representative, Jimmie Webster, who created it for the 1954 NAMM Show. The Gretsch White Falcon is an electric hollow-body guitar introduced in 1954 by Gretsch. Two Dynasonic Single-coil Pickups (1954–1958) two FilterTron Humbuckers (1958–Present)/3-position toggle ![]() The tuners show a fair amount of patina, the over lay is cracking.]ġ7" wide, solid spruce archtop, laminated maple back and sides with gold sparkle-white-black-white layered binding, f-holesĮbony with pearl inlay and gold sparkle-white-black-white layered bindings 25½" scaleĮbony-based "Space Control" roller bridge (since 1958) Awesome super fast playing vintage Gretsch!Ĭase: Comes with its original hard shell case.Ĭondition: This guitar is in good condition for its age. Gotta love a ‘Chet’ arm and big tuner buttons! The white finish has aged into a lovely cream color. We’ve got a player! The neck feels fantastic, the old nitro is very comfortable and the slimmer profile makes it feel like a country shredding machine! Vintage Filter’Tron are beautiful, full, clear and articulate. Original vinyl back pad (no back access hole). Gretsch by bigsby tail piece with a ‘Chet’ arm. Laminate maple body finished in a white nitro with gold sparkle binding. ![]() White overlay (cracking) gold sparkle binding. ![]() Small finish crack at head stock, no break. The tuner bushings show a fair amount of patina and the headstock over lay is cracking. Specs! This guitar is all original and in good condition for its age. For your consideration a 1975 Grestch 7594 White Falcon! The White Falcon was originally a show piece for the 1954 NAMM show, it attracted so much attention that Gretsch put the model into production the next year! Since ’55 the model has gone through a handful of alterations but they always have that big 17″ bout as well as Gretschs latest and greats pick ups and hardware!
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