White Falcon

[MikeyEB]

Has anyone ever played a Gretsch White Falcon? Despite the love I feel for my Telecaster I can't help feeling attracted to them. Looks wise they may be a bit of a "tarts handbag" but I think that may be part of the appeal. Anyway, any good or bad points. I mostly enjoy country style stuff.

[Bigsby]

No, but I love my Gretsch.

It's a 1999 6119, upgraded with TV Jones pups (Magnatron bridge, Powertron neck), a bar bridge and a "Chet Atkins" pickguard.



I love Gretsch, but I've never really "got" the White falcons for some reason. For me, the classic orange 6120 would be the ultimate Gretsch, although after making my mods I wouldn't change now.

I can't stress enough how amazing the TV Jones pickups are. They are essential in any Gretsch in my opinion.

[MikeyEB]

Hey, thanks for that info. Is the tuning stability good with the Bigsby Vibrato or do you have the "hard tail" type?

[Bigsby]

If it hasn't got a Bigsby, it isn't a Gretsch in my opinion. The Bigsby is a vital part of the Great Gretsch sound. No tuning problems for me.

Um, and I obviously don't have the "hard tail type", that's my guitar in the pic!

[MikeyEB]

Ahhh, I didn't see that pic when I looked at work. I choose to blame our over zealous IT department. Well, that and my senility. That is a seiously nice guitar.

[Bigsby]

If you've got your heart set on a White Falcon then I guess nothing else will do, but the new Electromatics coupled with some TV Jones pickups will get you a very nice sounding Gretsch for not that much money.

Gretsch G5120 Electromatic Hollow Body, Electric Guitar, Electric Guitar Guitars

[MikeyEB]

Thanks again for that info, it was very helpful. I imagine I will save up for one of the US models but I will try one of the Electromatics out as well. Then I just need to convince my wife that it's an essential purchase. Which it is........

[Bigsby]

They are made in Japan now, except for a very small number of ridiculously expensive ones that are made in the US. The Electromatics are made in Korea or China I think.

Don't let all this put you off though, most people agree that the Japanese made Gretsches coming out just now are the best ever built.

[MikeyEB]

Ah I see, I have played some Japanese Fenders and the quality of those seems great so I wouldn't be put off at all. Thanks for all the advice.

[Jan Deal]

Originally Posted by Bigsby

If you've got your heart set on a White Falcon then I guess nothing else will do, but the new Electromatics coupled with some TV Jones pickups will get you a very nice sounding Gretsch for not that much money.

Gretsch G5120 Electromatic Hollow Body, Electric Guitar, Electric Guitar Guitars

Eeeww, I'd steer clear of that.