In the world of guitars, few instruments are as iconic and awe-inspiring as the Gretsch White Falcon Guitar. It’s like the mythical dragons from Game of Thrones—legendary, rare, and jaw-droppingly beautiful. But unlike those fiery beasts, the White Falcon is very real, and its presence can leave even the most seasoned guitarists starstruck. With its distinctive white finish, gold hardware, and rich tonal qualities, the White Falcon has earned its place as a holy grail among guitar enthusiasts.

The History of Gretsch and the White Falcon Guitar

Gretsch, founded in 1883 by Friedrich Gretsch, has been a major player in the music world for over a century. Known for their high-quality craftsmanship and distinctive sound, Gretsch guitars have been favored by a variety of musicians across genres. The White Falcon, introduced in 1955, quickly became one of the brand’s flagship models. Initially designed as a “showpiece” guitar, its luxurious aesthetics and exceptional build quality soon made it a favorite among professional musicians.

Over the years, the White Falcon has been wielded by numerous legendary guitarists. Stephen Stills of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Neil Young, and Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day are just a few notable players who have used this guitar to create unforgettable music. Its unique combination of bright, clear tones and a visually stunning appearance has made it a staple in the collections of many guitarists.

Gretsch Professional Collection White Falcon Guitar: A Review

The Gretsch Pro Series White Falcon Guitar with Bigsby is a modern rendition of this iconic guitar, bringing together classic Gretsch elements with contemporary features. Let’s dive into what makes this guitar a standout:

• Body and Finish: The White Falcon features a 17-inch wide, 2.5-inch deep maple body with an arched laminated top and back. It comes with a luxurious white finish, accentuated by gold sparkle binding and W/B/W/B purfling. The body is supported by the advanced Arc-Tone™ bracing system, providing enhanced sustain and feedback control.
• Neck and Fingerboard: The guitar sports a standard “U”-shaped maple neck with a 25.5″ scale length, topped with a 12″ radius ebony fingerboard. The fingerboard is adorned with 22 medium jumbo frets, pearloid Neo-Classic™ thumbnail inlays, and Luminlay® side dots, making it as functional as it is beautiful.
• Pickups and Electronics: Equipped with PRO-FT™ Filter’Tron™ humbucking pickups, the White Falcon delivers the quintessential Gretsch sound with modern enhancements. The pickups feature Alnico 2 magnets in the neck and Alnico 5 magnets in the bridge, offering a balanced and punchy tone. The control setup includes individual volume controls for each pickup, a master volume control with a treble bleed circuit, and a master no-load tone control.
• Hardware and Other Features: The guitar features a String-thru Bigsby® B6GP vibrato tailpiece, an Adjusto-Matic™ bridge on a pinned ebony base, and a Graph Tech® TUSQ® XL nut. It also includes Grover® Imperial™ locking tuners and Grover® strap locks, ensuring tuning stability and security during performances. The instrument comes with a G6242L Gretsch® 17″ deluxe hollow body hardshell case for safe transport and storage.

Gretsch White Falcon Guitar Specs

Budget Alternative: Gretsch G2622T Streamliner

For those who love the aesthetics and sound of the White Falcon Guitar but find its price tag a bit steep, the Gretsch G2622T Streamliner offers a more affordable option. Priced under $700, this guitar features a double-cutaway body, Bigsby® B70 vibrato tailpiece, and Broad’Tron™ pickups, providing a similar vibe at a fraction of the cost. While it doesn’t have the exact specs of the White Falcon, it’s an excellent alternative for budget-conscious players.

Recommended Amps for the White Falcon Guitar

To fully appreciate the White Falcon’s tonal capabilities, pairing it with the right amp is crucial. Here are a few recommendations:

• Fender ’65 Twin Reverb: Known for its clean, bright sound, this amp complements the White Falcon’s clarity and definition. It’s perfect for players who love sparkling cleans and a wide dynamic range.

• Vox AC30: This amp provides a warm, chimey tone that pairs beautifully with the White Falcon guitar. Its natural compression and overdrive capabilities make it ideal for a range of genres, from rock to indie.

• Mesa/Boogie Mark V: For those who want a more versatile option, the Mark V offers a range of tones from clean to high-gain. It’s an excellent choice for players who want to explore the full spectrum of the White Falcon’s capabilities.

White Falcon Guitar FAQs

Q: What makes the White Falcon Guitar so special?

A: The White Falcon is renowned for its luxurious design, high-quality craftsmanship, and versatile tonal range. It’s a highly sought-after instrument for its iconic look and sound.

Q: Is the White Falcon Guitar suitable for all music genres?

A: While the White Falcon excels in rock, rockabilly, and jazz, its versatile electronics and rich sound make it suitable for various genres, including country and blues.

Q: How does the String-thru Bigsby® tailpiece affect the sound?

A: The String-thru Bigsby® tailpiece provides smooth vibrato effects and contributes to the guitar’s sustain and resonance, adding a unique character to its sound.

Q: What is Arc-Tone™ bracing, and why is it important?

A: Arc-Tone™ bracing is Gretsch’s advanced bracing system, featuring torrefied maple tone bars and arc-shaped spruce support braces. It enhances sustain, crisp note attack, and feedback control, offering a superior playing experience.

Q: Can I use the White Falcon for live performances?

A: Absolutely! The White Falcon is a great choice for live performances, thanks to its robust construction, versatile electronics, and striking stage presence.

Gretsch Pro Series White Falcon Guitar – Final Thoughts

The Gretsch White Falcon Guitar is more than just an instrument; it’s a piece of musical history and a symbol of excellence. Whether you’re a collector, a professional musician, or simply a fan of beautiful guitars, the White Falcon offers unparalleled quality and sound. For those looking for a more budget-friendly option, the Gretsch G2622T Streamliner is a fantastic alternative that captures some of the magic of the White Falcon.

For more insightful reviews and tips on guitars and gear, be sure to check out the Get My Guitar blog. We cover a wide range of topics to help you on your musical journey. Have you played a White Falcon or a similar guitar? Share your experiences in the comments below, and let’s keep the conversation going! Happy playing!