[Larry52]

Hi everybody!
I am the original owner of a Gretsch White Falcon. My father was a caterer and one of the parties he was catering had Fred Gretsch Jr. As a guest. This was April of 1967. My dad actually ordered the guitar then and there. A couple of months later my new Falcon was delivered. It is in fantastic condition. The only problem is that the gold plated hard wear became pitted and develed a patina. What's the best way to restore the shine without spending a mint? This is my first ever post on any forum! (by the way the brand new Falcon cost $900 and the case was an additional $157 in 1967)

[Penguin]

Welcome Larry52!
I don't know an easy way to clean the gold, but I was thinking about how much your dad paid for the Falcon - isn't it amazing how they are much more affordable now.
Using the inflation calculator at www.usinflationcalculator.com/
The 1967 Falcon price would be $6,181 plus $1078 for the case.
The street price now is what, half that?
Do you have a photo for us?

[Wayne Gretschzky]

If the gold hardware is "pitted" then it will take more than a cleaning to address it. How bad is it? What's the condition of the rest of the guitar?

If it's an all original example in otherwise great condition, I wouldn't touch the hardware, as a re-plating may make it look pretty, but could negatively affect it's value. If the guitar is less-than-original and/or is in worn or damaged condition, go for it, it's a player, and it won't matter.

The White Falcon is the king of the jungle relative to collectible Gretsch guitars, so it's worth thinking before you alter anything.

[68GuitarPlayer]

Welcome to the forum Larry!

Please show us your White Falcon!

[Larry52]

Originally Posted by Penguin

Welcome Larry52!
I don't know an easy way to clean the gold, but I was thinking about how much your dad paid for the Falcon - isn't it amazing how they are much more affordable now.
Using the inflation calculator at www.usinflationcalculator.com/
The 1967 Falcon price would be $6,181 plus $1078 for the case.
The street price now is what, half that?
Do you have a photo for us?

Hi Penguin
Thanks for the Welcome! I'll be glad to post pictures of the Falcon but I'm outside enjoying a cigar and a Balvenie 15 year old single malt...another 2 of my passions! Expect pictures tomorrow. I think I'm going to like this forum stuff!!!

[fender62custom]

Greetings Larry!!!! welcome to the forum...can't wait to see the pics of your beautiful bird...i'm blessed to own a '08 6136T LTV & couldn't be happier myself... hope you settle in & enjoy your stay too!!! cheers mate.

[Helloid]

Have you tried polish? I use Finesse It (car polish) for the final polish on refins and it would well for metal. I have similar corrosion on my WF and wouldn't change a thing. Of course, mine is also missing the NECK. But what a great story with yours.

[polishbroadcast]

Whatever you do don't use Brasso. It will rub the gold clean off. Pitting usually means it has gone through the plating and since gold is so thin (nickel underneath) I don't think there is much you can do. I would leave it as is if you care about the value or get the parts replated if you care what it looks like. (both are valid)