Gretsch White Falcon
| Gretsch White Falcon | |
|---|---|
| File:Grewhifalcus.jpg | |
| Manufacturer | Gretsch |
| Period | 1954-1980; 1996-present |
| Construction | |
| Body type | Solid |
| Neck joint | Bolt-on |
| Woods | |
| Body | 17" wide, 2 3/4" deep laminated maple body |
| Neck | Maple |
| Fretboard | Gold-sparkle fingerboard and headstock bindings |
| Hardware | |
| Bridge | Ebony-based Space-Control Roller-Bridge |
| Pickup(s) | Two Dynasonic Single-coil Pickups/3-Position Toggle |
| Colors available | |
| White | |
The Gretsch White Falcon (often referred to as simply the White Falcon) was an innovative and revolutionary guitar which was introduced in the early 50's, and is considered by many as "One of the defining instruments of rock"[1]. It obtained profitable success with many famous guitarists acclimatizing it into their repertoire. Although coming in only one model, style, and color (as well as the steep expense), it has remained a prime example of Rock history. The unique style of Gold freeboards and 3 separate volume controls (Neck pickup, Bridge pickup, Master volume) allows the user to create a more controlled sound used to their desired craving.
The White Falcon is best known for its striking resemblance to a Violin, Falcon in mid-flight engraved in gold, and mammoth dimension. It measures 25.5 scale inches, which is, generally, much larger than the typical guitar. An authentic, signature, model 55' series currently runs for roughly $22,000.
Origins and History
In early 1954, Gretsch began designing an under-the-covers guitar in order to compete with other makes (such as the Fender Stratocaster and the Gibson Les Paul). Then, one year later, the White Falcon hit the market to acquire an unanticipated and previously unforeseeable success, due to its likeable design and exceptional sound production. Gretsch made an audacious move when designing the Falcon. It features gold fingerboards (previously unheard of), an immense size, a hollow body, and 3 pickup switch toggles to generate the player’s preferred sound.
So popular was the White Falcon that this epoch in Gretsch guitar history is frequently referred to as “The Golden Years” or “The Great Years” because of its asphyxiating success. With over a decade of accomplishment, Fred Gretsch retired and, for better or worse, sold his company to Baldwin Manufacturing. Baldwin would, however, have trouble understanding guitars in general; especially the White Falcon, which disastrously failed to evolve smoothly into the psychedelic period and the up-and-coming Hard Rock 70s’. Most who were inspired by Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton and other musical greats were turning to Fender, rather than Gretsch. Thus, the White Falcon seldom received even the smallest structure of recognition during this period, and went completely overlooked.
To make matters worse, the deteriorating Balding Manufacturing experienced two destructive warehouse fires. Gretsch limped through the 70s’ and finally closed production in the 80s’. Falcons soon became something only collectors owned and swiftly became forgotten altogether. It wasn’t until the mid-90s’, when Fred Gretsch III reintroduced his family’s previous legacy and, due to this effort, conveyed the White Falcon into the limelight, once again.
Noteable White Falcon Players
- James Hetfield of Metallica
- John Frusciante of the Red Hot Chili Peppers
- David Grohl and Pat Smear of the Foo Fighters
- Rich Robinson