Hello - new to the forum. I have been considering buying a Gretsch White Falcon. However, there are several to choose from - I thought there would only be one. :eek: Is there one model that people prefer more than the others and what would the differences be? :confused: Thanks for everyone's time.




My guitars
http://s703.photobucket.com/albums/ww36/Lesliek_bucket/Guitars%20I%20love/

Welcome aboard! There is a bunch of them just like the old days. All of them are nice. Do you want a double or single cutaway? My personal Favorite is the G6136T. The G6136T-LTV would be nice, it already has the TV Jones pups, but the stocker's are fine as is.

Each is a piece of art. If you can, play with and listen to each and go with what you prefer. My fave (and what I ultimately bought) is the 6136T-LTV, but that is because I am partial to the Bigsby, the mellow white color and the lacquer finish on it, not to mention the TV Jones pick-ups are phenomenal.

welcome to gretsch-talk, Les. glad to have you join us. yep, there are a lot of different White Falcons. there are ones with FilterTrons, DynaSonics, and TV Jones pick ups. lacquer finish or poly finish. or there is the Stephen Stills signature model. I would get one with DynaSonic pick ups, but that's just me. it all depends on the sound that you're looking for. I see that you're in Dallas. there should be a guitar store or two that has a supply of different Gretsch guitars with different pick ups. maybe go try the ones with the different pick ups to see what sound that you're looking for. if you feel like a "road trip", there is Redbone(a forum member) located in San Antonio. just some thoughts.

Thank you Bengal and Tryrook - I will be looking for one ;)

Thank you also Sgt Rock - the largest store is Guitar Center - might not want to pay their price but I could try a few out. I need another guitar like a hole in the head. I always wanted a white falcon but always got side tracked with other guitars. So many guitar and so little money ;)

--- I need another guitar like a hole in the head. ---

oh, how true. :D I've been looking at the Jets with Dynas. I used to want a White Falcon. nowadays, I'm looking at the White Penguins with Dynas and cadillac tailpiece. ;)

Now you have done it - I have to go look at the white penquins now lol

hey, I used to live about 4 or 5 hours east of Dallas. I was in Ruston, Louisiana. I lived there for 12 years.

Ruston - is that anywhere near Shreveport? That must be quite a culture shock - Louisiana to Minnesota. Well, at least you left those 5lb mosquitos behind lol

Welcome to the forum! If you like the earliest White Falcon, then you must buy G6136CST or G6136DS. Depending thickness of you wallet. There is single coil pickups (Dyna-Sonic) on it.

I chose White Falcon LTV, because to me it is "real" Falcon with Bigsby and humbucker pickups (TV Jones). I think these TV Jones pickups creates "that Gretsch sound" to my ears. Also I really like pinned bridge, which aren't in many Gretsch guitars.

BTW, do you dare to play those Blueberries? ;)

Ruston - is that anywhere near Shreveport? That must be quite a culture shock - Louisiana to Minnesota. Well, at least you left those 5lb mosquitos behind lol

Ruston is about 80 miles further east on I-20. there's mosquitos up here, too. we just don't have to worry about them when it's -15*F. :D

Howdy Les, good to have you here. Got a Sis in Dallas.

Just looked at your guitars...wondering why you'd want a plain 'ol White Falcon? Ha! Unreal, never seen such a collection. You do the leather on that Tele?

I'd guess you've been here, but in case not, gretschguitars.com will tell you all about the current models. We all have our preferences. Myself I'm partial to the Dynas and laquer finish.

Welcome Les. I've just completed a Falcon transaction myself, so I've got a little insight (mine's not white, however). The advice above is all good, but I would counsel you to make sure to stay with one of the 6136 models. Gretsch also makes a 7593 "Falcon I" that is in a lot of the stores now. It's easily distinguished by the square block inlays and smaller f-holes. My main problem with that one is the wire Bigsby handle, which constantly works loose and bangs up the guitar. Secondly, it's a reissue of the Baldwin era instrument, which is considered sort of like Fender's CBS or Gibson's Norlin eras--not their proudest moment. Mainly, it sounded sort of bland to me.

Having said all that, you've still got a lot of choice in the 6136 realm. It's going to depend on your tonal preferences and playing style. If you like Dynas and glitter, the 1957 model is the ultimate. If you want more high fret access, consider a double cut. The most commonly seen one is any of the single cut 1959 models with the thumbnail inlays.

I'll differ a little with the majority here on the superiority of TV Jones pups. I think the TVs are definitely brighter and more articulate, but for the thick Chet Atkins tone that appeals to me, the plain vanilla filters are my choice. For more rockabilly twang, the TVs might be your choice--but the Dynas are great for that too. Again it's highly subjective and up to you. Have fun with the search.

Wow. That is some collection! A White Falcon will look a little drab but may end up being the best sounding guitar of the lot.
I have a 2008 White Falcon with a Bigsby and Filtertrons. Half moon fret markers. It has an incredible natural resonance and sustain. A very lively guitar. Plugged in it always sounds terrific. Distorted or clean it only seems capable of making beautiful guitar sounds.
Of course, I suggest you always play before buying. Once it is in your hands, you will know if it's the one.

Hopefully you will find one in Dallas. To be honest, I've never found a White Falcon hanging in a music store, at least here in the Houston area. You might find one of the models hanging in the Dallas area. I bought mine based on the attributes I wanted long distance.
Good luck in your search!

To be honest, I've never found a White Falcon hanging in a music store

Same here. I think it would be odd to see White Falcon in the music store...

White Falcon I - 7593

I'm glad Gretsch is still making this design because after seeing Billy Duffy with this one, there is no other Falcon for me.

- Duffy plays one
- Filtertrons
- big block inlays on fretboard
- that cool Chet Atkins Bigsby arm
- that cool angular, very different pickguard
- smaller f-holes make the guitar look even more huge
- no trestle bracing equals more hollow-body!

Those above are the reasons my choice of Falcon was as easy as they come.

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv224/taxmanharrison/wfs003lt.jpg

Afternoon Defreeze - my collection is unique lol I bought a new 52 reissue tele in 2005 - sent it to New York to a man that makes the tele leather covers and then found a company that made the carved silver pickguard, switch cover and neck plate - it was a labor of love. Tele's have to be the plainest guitars on earth but I think I improved the looks lol - it does make it very heavy though.

Aw that falcon with the gold appointments....I think it would fit right in ;)

Welcome to the forum! If you like the earliest White Falcon, then you must buy G6136CST or G6136DS. Depending thickness of you wallet. There is single coil pickups (Dyna-Sonic) on it.

I chose White Falcon LTV, because to me it is "real" Falcon with Bigsby and humbucker pickups (TV Jones). I think these TV Jones pickups creates "that Gretsch sound" to my ears. Also I really like pinned bridge, which aren't in many Gretsch guitars.

BTW, do you dare to play those Blueberries? ;)

The blueberry with all the inlay - that one stays in a display case - I take it out occassionally to play a few songs and check for any cracks or lack of humidy. That is one beautiful guitar and sounds just as good. I do love my bling lol

So many choices on the Falcon and I bet I won't be able to find any to play to make my mind up. But of course, some of the guitars that I have, I just took a chance they would be great guitars - haven't been disappointed yet.

I will look up the ones you suggested and yes I like the bigsby also Thanks so much

Thunderball - that is one beautiful guitar - I bet you smile everytime you look at it. Outstanding!!!!

Thank you to everyone - this is a great site and everyone is so helpful. I do appreciate the time all of you are taking!!!!!

I've played several Falcons and settled on the 6136TLDS (http://www.gretschguitars.com/gear/index.php?a=3&product=G6136T-LDS); vintage white lacquer, Dynasonics and a Bigsby. The ultimate player for me. Mine was one of the earliest TLDSs to hit the streets; the first year or so these came with trestle bracing...nowadays they have a soundpost. IMO if you're playing roots or rockabilly the single-coil Dynasonic pickups will get you closer than any Filtertron, but that's just my opinion(although others will agree with me).
I changed out the Synchrosonic bridge for a bar(not an expensive mod at all)...which reminds me, it was stated earlier that the wire arm on a 7593 swings around too much and can hit the top of the guitar. These can easily be tightened to where it's almost stationary. Also, changing a Bigsby arm to one you prefer is one of the easiest mods to be done on a Bigsby. I have a Duane Eddy arm I'm gonna put on my White Falcon soon...if I can do that, anybody can!

Good luck in your search and welcome!

Just be forewarned...if you get the Falcon, you will eventually get the Penguin too (or vice versa). Not that that is a bad thing, just expensive!:D

...it was stated earlier that the wire arm on a 7593 swings around too much and can hit the top of the guitar. These can easily be tightened to where it's almost stationary.

That was me and it came off as negative because my experience was disappointing with that model. Sorry to sound that way. It's probably just me because others live with it and our colleague Thunderball is obviously happy with his. Nonetheless, I regularly tightened that thing, which is not that convenient since it involves propping up and wedging the arm assembly to tighten the nut, and it would work its way loose within the space of one song. Again, just one person's experience, and the above-mentioned mod is no doubt an option if one liked everything else about that guitar. Indeed, it's just as purdy as any of them. Hope you find the right one for you!

Yeah, I can see where it would be a PITA to have to tighten the bracket on a regular basis...that would certainly put me off if it became a regular ritual. So far I've had excellent luck with all the Bigsbys I've worked with over the years(with various arms...none with the wire arm as you describe however). As stated I've found that my preference is the Duane Eddy-style arm:
http://www.guitarpartsresource.com/0061706000.jpg

Very substantial and very smooth...

That arm looks like it would be comfortable to use too. I've actually never had an issue with any but the wire one. The others are pretty stable.

Who cares about comfortable to use. It's all about LOOKS! And that wire Bigsby arm sure looks cooler than the flat tongue depressor Bigsby arm. (And by the way, it also plays comfortably....but who cares about that. It's all about LOOKS!)

Man, we are talking Gretsch White Falcons here. The guitar was built with the sole purpose to dazzle the eyes at a guitar trade show. A White Falcon is the glitzy-est, most over-the-top guitar around. Blinding white finish with glittering gold accoutrements....and it is a huge 17" wide! A White Falcon is about LOOKS! If looks don't play a large part in the equation, then White Falcon owners would be buying Country Clubs.

Who cares about comfortable to use. It's all about LOOKS! And that wire Bigsby arm sure looks cooler than the flat tongue depressor Bigsby arm. (And by the way, it also plays comfortably....but who cares about that. It's all about LOOKS!)

Man, we are talking Gretsch White Falcons here. The guitar was built with the sole purpose to dazzle the eyes at a guitar trade show. A White Falcon is the glitzy-est, most over-the-top guitar around. Blinding white finish with glittering gold accoutrements....and it is a huge 17" wide! A White Falcon is about LOOKS! If looks don't play a large part in the equation, then White Falcon owners would be buying Country Clubs.

Amen Brother! ;)

To my ear, I like the Dyna's. But, the Filtertrons are really cool too. I'd play as many as I could get my hands one. To be honest though, I think I'd be delighted with any of them. :D

Thunderball saidIf looks don't play a large part in the equation, then White Falcon owners would be buying Country Clubs.

Well...actually.......
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v222/silvertone14/17inGretscheswithflash.jpg:D

Welcome aboard Les! & good luck on your Falcon/Penguin quest! be sure to take loads of pics for us, whichever you choose! :D

Thank you AraT - I am still looking - I shouldn't do it....I shouldn't do it......Oh God, I will probably do it LOL

Thunderball said

Well...actually.......
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v222/silvertone14/17inGretscheswithflash.jpg:D

Functionality over Price over looks in my book. haha.

These guitars look very similar(size, scale length etc.) minus the obvious paint job, but under the hood they're quite different from one another.
Just one quick example: Notice the Falcon has 22 frets, the Club has 21. Thus the neck pickup is further away from the bridge pickup. This minute detail makes for a radical difference in tone.
Not to mention the different bridges, tailpieces, and bracings. Two quite different guitars.

Falcon's are cool. Opted for the 6136BK myself.

Ruston is about 80 miles further east on I-20. there's mosquitos up here, too. we just don't have to worry about them when it's -15*F. You haven't met up with the fur bearing artic mosquito yet have you? :)

Or the snow flies.

You haven't met up with the fur bearing artic mosquito yet have you? :)

Or the snow flies.

No worries, sarge. By now I'm sure you've noticed that these are more than compensated for by the snow bunnies. :)

Or the snow flies.What's really bad is a spider using snowshoes. :)

If the Falcon was all about " Looks I would be selling mine fast...I want something under the hood... and Gretsch came through.
There are people out there that don't care for all the glitter that Falcon has.. I have mixed feeling's about the binding, from a distance i like it up close it looks Chessy..

If the arm is threaded and loosen's up on the 7593, could you put plumbers tape on the threads and tighten it down.

Rick

No worries, sarge. By now I'm sure you've noticed that these are more than compensated for by the snow bunnies. :)

mmm "snow bunnies" :D I have a feeling that we're not talking about the same kind of "snow bunnies". ;)

mmm "snow bunnies" :D I have a feeling that we're not talking about the same kind of "snow bunnies". ;)

You're grinning, right? Then, yes, we very surely are talking 'bout the same kinda snow bunnies! :D

What's the best pickup for a Falcon?

What's the best pickup for a Falcon?
A falconer's glove? Sorry, I couldn't resist. It has been a long week. That's just bad.

It truly is personal preference. Check them all out (if you can) and make your choice. It is kind of like asking who the best band in the world is. There is no bad answer as it is driven by each individual's own personal preferences. I love my LTV, but you will find as many supporters of every other combination out there who swear by theirs.

Tryin' them out is half the fun!!