Gretsch White Falcon

The Gretsch White Falcon is one of the most visually stunning and iconic electric guitars ever created. With its large hollow body, gold hardware, and shimmering white finish, the White Falcon has captivated guitarists since its debut in 1954. Originally designed as a showpiece model, the White Falcon quickly gained popularity among professional musicians and became a mainstay in rock, rockabilly, country, and jazz. Its powerful Filter’Tron pickups, distinctive Bigsby tremolo, and luxurious design make it a truly legendary instrument.

Origins and Development

Designed as the Ultimate Showpiece

The White Falcon was conceived in 1954 by Jimmie Webster, Gretsch’s lead designer, as a concept guitar intended to showcase the company’s craftsmanship at the 1954 NAMM Show. Inspired by high-end archtop guitars, Webster envisioned an instrument that would be as extravagant as it was sonically powerful.

Gretsch had no intention of mass-producing the White Falcon initially, but overwhelming demand led to its release in 1955 as the Gretsch 6136 White Falcon. Over the years, it has undergone several refinements, while remaining one of the most luxurious and sought-after hollow-body guitars in history.

Construction and Features

Body Design

The White Falcon features a large 17-inch-wide, fully hollow body, making it one of the biggest Gretsch guitars. Its design elements include:

Laminated maple top, back, and sides – Produces a bright, resonant tone with strong attack.
Arched top with F-holes – Enhances acoustic projection and sustain.
Double-cutaway or single-cutaway variations – Allows better upper-fret access, depending on the model.
White gloss finish – A stunning aesthetic that remains its signature look.
Gold sparkle binding – Adds a flashy, luxurious appeal.

Neck and Fingerboard

The White Falcon’s neck is typically made of maple and is paired with an ebony fingerboard, giving it a bright and snappy response. Other notable features include:

Pearl hump-block or thumbnail inlays – Unique visual markers on the fretboard.
Gold-plated Grover Imperial tuners – Elegant tuners with distinctive stair-step buttons.
Medium to thin neck profile – Comfortable for both rhythm and lead playing.

Pickups and Electronics

The White Falcon has gone through several pickup configurations over the decades:

1955–1957: Dual DeArmond Dynasonic single-coil pickups, delivering clear and chimey tones.
1958–1967: Gretsch Filter’Tron humbuckers, known for their warm yet articulate character, making them perfect for rockabilly and rock.
1970s–Present: Modern versions often feature High-Sensitive Filter’Tron pickups, balancing vintage warmth with contemporary clarity.

Electronics include:

Three-way pickup selector switch – Standard on most models.
Master volume and individual pickup volume knobs – Allows for blending tonal characteristics.
Tone switch or knobs (depending on the model) – Further refines treble and bass response.

Bridge and Tailpiece

The White Falcon often features either:

Bigsby B6/B7 vibrato tailpiece – Adds classic Gretsch-style tremolo, ideal for rockabilly and country.
Cadillac “G” tailpiece – A non-vibrato option, giving it a more traditional archtop look.
Pinned Adjusto-Matic bridge – Enhances tuning stability and sustain.

Sound and Playability

The White Falcon’s tone is as bold as its looks—clear, resonant, and powerful. Some defining tonal characteristics include:

Clean Tones

Bright and airy highs – Great for country, jazz, and rockabilly.
Strong midrange presence – Makes chords and melodies stand out.
Deep and resonant low end – Perfect for full-bodied rhythm playing.

Overdriven Tones

Tight and punchy response – Works well for rock and blues.
Defined note separation – Even with distortion, clarity remains intact.
Natural compression – Filter’Tron pickups provide a smooth, vintage drive.

Due to its large hollow body, the White Falcon is more susceptible to feedback at high-gain settings, but many players use this characteristic to their advantage for sustain and overdriven textures.

Notable Players and Influence

Rock & Rockabilly

Brian Setzer (Stray Cats) – Perhaps the most famous modern White Falcon player, known for his rockabilly prowess.
Stephen Stills (Crosby, Stills & Nash) – Used a White Falcon for rich, clean tones in folk rock.
Neil Young – Occasionally played a White Falcon for its distinctively large, open sound.

Country & Jazz

Chet Atkins – Though mostly associated with Gretsch’s 6120, he played a White Falcon on occasion.
Duane Eddy – Used the White Falcon’s twangy response for instrumental rock and country.

Alternative & Indie Rock

Billy Duffy (The Cult) – Made the White Falcon a staple in alternative rock, using it for atmospheric, powerful tones.
Jack White – Played a White Falcon during his work with The Raconteurs.

Variations and Special Models

Gretsch 6136 White Falcon (Original)

Single-cutaway body
DeArmond Dynasonic pickups (1955-1957), later replaced by Filter’Trons (1958 onward)
Gold sparkle binding and Cadillac tailpiece

Gretsch 6136T White Falcon

Same as the original, but with a Bigsby tremolo instead of a Cadillac tailpiece.

Gretsch 6136DC White Falcon

Double-cutaway design introduced in the early 1960s for better upper-fret access.
Typically equipped with Filter’Tron pickups.