Image: cortneymartin82, CC BY 2.0 — via Wikimedia Commons
Gretsch White Falcon
| Category | Strings (electric hollow-body guitar) |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | USA |
| Classification | guitar |
| Wikipedia | en.wikipedia.org |
| Wikidata | Q2254332 |
Overview
The Gretsch White Falcon is a large hollow-body electric guitar first shown in 1954 and put into production the following year. It was designed as a showpiece for the Gretsch line, with a 17-inch wide body, brilliant white finish, gold-sparkle binding, and gold-plated hardware. The instrument has been continuously offered, with various revisions, ever since.
Origin & History
Gretsch developed the White Falcon as a high-end statement instrument to anchor its electric guitar catalogue at trade shows. Originally intended as a one-off display model, demand from dealers persuaded the company to put it into production. Successive variants have included single- and double-cutaway versions, different pickup choices (DeArmond Dynasonic, Filter’Tron humbuckers), and changes in tailpiece design. Modern reissues are still made today by both the parent company and its overseas production partners.
How It’s Played
The White Falcon is played in the standard electric-guitar position, although its sheer size makes it noticeable on stage. Its hollow body gives a resonant, slightly airy tone, while the Gretsch pickups (especially the Filter’Tron) provide a clear, articulate voice that records well. Many models include a Bigsby vibrato tailpiece, a defining feature of the Gretsch sound.
Cultural Significance
The White Falcon has been used by many high-profile players. Stephen Stills, Neil Young, Billy Duffy of The Cult, and many rockabilly and country artists have relied on it. Its visual presence — a glittering white guitar built for the spotlight — has made it a recognisable image in popular music photography. Beyond its role on famous recordings, it stands as one of the most distinctive guitar designs of the mid-twentieth century.
Related Instruments
- Gibson ES-345 – a contrasting thinline electric of the same era
- – the leading solidbody contemporary
- – a similarly distinctive hollow-body
- Semi-acoustic guitar – the broader category
- – the tailpiece often paired with the White Falcon
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Gretsch White Falcon introduced?
The model was first shown in 1954 and entered production in 1955.
Why is the White Falcon white?
The original was built as a show model intended to stand out on a trade-show floor; the bright white finish and gold appointments became defining features.
Is the White Falcon a hollow-body or semi-hollow guitar?
It is a fully hollow-body electric guitar, though the body has been built with internal bracing in some periods.
Image: photograph by cortneymartin82, CC BY 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons).