[LesK]

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. Is there one model that people prefer more than the others and what would the differences be? Thanks for everyone's time.




My guitars
http://s703.photobucket.com/albums/w...rs%20I%20love/

[Bengal65]

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.

[tryrook]

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.

[S. Rock]

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.

[LesK]

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

[LesK]

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

[S. Rock]

Originally Posted by LesK

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

oh, how true. 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.

[LesK]

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

[S. Rock]

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

[LesK]

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

[Sunshine]

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?

[S. Rock]

Originally Posted by LesK

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.

[dafreeze]

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.

[nedray]

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.

[bluenote23]

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.

[Bengal65]

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!

[Sunshine]

Originally Posted by Bengal65

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...

[Thunderball]

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.

[LesK]

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

[LesK]

Originally Posted by Sunshine

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