Gretsch White Falcon - Models and Features

Models and Features

From its introduction in 1954 through today, the White Falcon has always been known for its white finish, ebony fingerboard, 17" wide hollow body, gold-plated hardware, engraved gold pickguard, and gold sparkle binding. Throughout its history, some features have changed as technology and style evolved.

1954–1958, model number 6136: Vertical gold headstock logo with winged "G;" pearl block fretboard inlays with avian-themed engravings; two DynaSonic single coil pickups; control configuration consisting of master tone, master volume, volume for each pickup, and three-way toggle pickup selector switch; trapeze tailpiece with "G" and Cadillac-inspired "V"-shape; Melita bridge; 2¾" deep single-cutaway body.

1958–1962, model number 6136: Horizontal "T-roof" headstock logo sans wings; "Neo-classic" thumbprint fretboard inlays; two FilterTron humbucking pickups; control configuration consisting of master volume, volume for each pickup, three-way toggle pickup selector switch, and three-way toggle tone switch; Space Control bridge. A stereo model (6137) was introduced; this model featured an extra set of pickup selector and tone switches and had the bridge pickup moved closer to the neck.

1962–1964, model numbers 6136 and 6137 (stereo): Two-inch deep double-cutaway body with dual string mutes; standby switch; zero fret; white leather pad on the back.

1964–1972, model number 6136 and 6137 (stereo): Bigsby vibrato with telescoping "dog leg" arm; "T-zone tempered treble" slanted upper frets.

1973, model numbers 6136 and 6137 (stereo): Bigsby tailpiece with "V" cutout, reminiscent of the original "Cadillac" tailpiece. This is the last model year for "vintage" White Falcons.

1974–1981, model numbers 7593 (single-cutaway) and 7595 (double-cutaway): Angularly-shaped pickguard without "Gretsch"; rectangular block fretboard inlays; Baldwin "B" trapeze tailpiece; truss rod cover, string mutes and standby switch removed. In 1981, Gretsch ceased manufacturing guitars.

1995–present, model numbers 6136 and 7593: Models are now available commemorating every phase in the design of the White Falcon. Features are reproduced accordingly. Modern Falcons are also available in black and silver, and include a Stephen Stills signature model (based on the 1958 incarnation), as well as a green Bono Irish Falcon that incorporates the original vertical headstock logo and engraved block inlays with the post-1958 electronics configuration and features "The Goal Is Soul" silkscreened onto the pickguard. Gretsch recently added a Brian Setzer Black Phoenix model to its lineup. Like Brian Setzer's signature Hot Rod 6120, the Black Phoenix features stripped-down electronics that consist of two pickups, a selector switch, and a volume knob. In January of 2013, Gretsch introduced the Billy Duffy signature model, replicating the Baldwin-era design with silver binding and chrome hardware.