Get to Know the Gretsch Falcon – History, Special Features and What You Should Know

Gretsch guitars have a long and storied history, dating back to 1883 when Friedrich Gretsch started the company in Brooklyn, New York. Over the years, Gretsch became famous for producing high-quality guitars that were popular among musicians and music enthusiasts alike.

Many vintage Gretsch guitars are highly sought after among collectors, including the iconic Gretsch Falcon. With its sleek design and distinctive tone, the Gretsch falcon is a true classic.

This article will give you a brief history of the Gretsch Falcon and discuss some of its special features. We’ll also take a look at some of the top artists who have played this iconic guitar over the years. So, if you’re interested in learning more about the Gretsch Falcon, keep reading!

History of the Gretsch Falcon

In 1954, Jimmie Webster had a vision for the future: to create an enhanced Gibson Super 400 guitar. To spark his creativity and get ideas from other instruments, he often visited the Gretsch factory to take in its musical ambience – learning how their different musical instruments were made. His effort paid off when this “Dream Guitar” was brought to fruition!

Webster reminisced fondly about the elegant pearlescent inlays that detailed all banjos made on their production line. He also noted Gretsch’s trademark gold plastic drum coverings, which could be utilized as a decorative binding for guitar models.

At the NAMM show in July 1954, the White Falcon was unveiled to widespread amazement – hailed as “the guitar of the future”. However, Gretsch had no intention of actually manufacturing it; instead, they intended for it to be a luxury showcase item, much like the GM’s Motorama cars were during that era.

Due to the high demand from sales representatives, Gretsch hastened the production of their White Falcon model 6136 guitar and released it in 1955. As an impressive premium instrument, they advertised it as “the finest guitar we know how to make – and what a beauty!”

Special Features

The Gretsch Falcon is a truly distinctive guitar with many features that set it apart from other models. Some of the key special features include:

• Pearl inlays: The Gretsch White Falcon is known for its intricate pearl inlays that adorn both the neck and headstock. These add a touch of elegance to this already stylish guitar.
• Custom appointments: The Gretsch Falcon features custom appointments that make it stand out, including gold-plated hardware and a Bigsby B6 tremolo system with a gold arm.
• Premium sound: With its unique body style and vintage-style pickups, the Gretsch Falcon produces a rich, warm tone that is beloved by musicians and music fans alike.

Played By

Over the years, many top artists have played the Gretsch Falcon, including Billy Duffy, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Neil Young, Chris Cheney, Brian Setzer, Michael Guy Chislett and Malcolm Young.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for an iconic guitar with a rich history and distinctive sound, look no further than the Gretsch Falcon. With its sleek design and premium features, this is truly one of the best guitars on the market today. So whether you’re a seasoned musician or just starting out, check out the Gretsch Falcon and experience its impressive sound for yourself!