Today, this is between $6000-$8000, a hefty price for a production instrument. When the White Falcon was finally released to the public in 1955, it was one of the most expensive guitars money could buy, retailing at $600. But with the orders from dealers rolling in, Gretsch needed to find a way - and fast. The guitar was so packed with detail - 24-carat gold finishes, sparkly binding, inlaid falcon feathers, and the iconic winged headstock - that Gretsch never intended to produce the guitar commercially as it was just too labor-intensive. Webster was a known car fanatic and known for taking his design inspiration from classic show cars, a fact that is plain to see with the White Falcon. Ultimately, it made the guitar an instant crossover classic. But, the unique aesthetic, phenomenal unique tone, and incredible playability quickly put the guitar into the hands of jazz players, rockers, and country guitarists alike. The guitar was designed primarily with jazz players in mind.
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The guitar was introduced in 1954 as a concept guitar designed by a jazz lead guitarist by the name of Jimmie Webster - one of Gretsch’s main design gurus during the ‘50s.Īnd it was designed as a “dream guitar of the future.” The future swiftly became the present, however, as the demand for the instrument was so high that the guitar went into full production only a few months later. The Gretsch White Falcon is the guitar that wasn’t supposed to be - and the instrument almost didn’t make it to commercial production. With a list of influential players using the guitar that includes the likes of Joe Strummer of The Clash, Brian Jones of The Rolling Stones, Brian Setzer of The Stray Cats, Neil Young, and John Frusciante of The Red Hot Chili Peppers, the guitar has become iconic and is firmly cemented into the history of popular music spanning several genres.įor many players, the White Falcon is a dream instrument, but does it live up to its historic hype? In this article, we’ll aim to find out. It’s not all just good looks, though, the guitar also plays beautifully, with a silky feel and wonderful playability, and a sound that simply cannot be replicated by another guitar.
With its gold hardware, gorgeous white finish, and iconic “falcon” scratchplate, the “Cadillac of Guitars” has long left guitar players the world over pining for ownership. The Gretsch White Falcon is one of the best-looking - arguably the best-looking - electric guitar models ever produced, certainly amongst hollow bodies.
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