As I enter my 80th year, I am making a concerted effort to thin my collection of instruments. I purchased this White Falcon new from Old Boise Guitar in 2004. It is a beautiful instrument, first designed by Jimmie Webster as a showpiece for the 1954 NAMM Show. He set out to create a supercharged, bells-and-whistles guitar that would reflect his love for the mid-1950s automotive designs. His dream guitar wasn't destined for mass production until Gretsch dealers were flooded with requests for this "Cadillac of Guitars". So, the first White Falcons came off the assembly line in 1955, costing a whopping $600 - $5,500 in today's dollars. Only Gibson Super 400s cost more.
I am really a bass player that toys with way too many other instruments, thus I have played this guitar very, very little, I just always wanted to own a White Falcon. I've had that satisfaction for nearly 20 years, but it's time now to let someone own it who might actually play it. It is NOT an exaggeration that it is like new, I cannot find a mark on it. It does have the original hardshell Gretsch case. The serial number indicates that it was manufactured in July 2004, at the Gretsch Terada Factory in Japan.
Price is firm at $3000, which includes shipping to US Zips. If you want to come to Boise to pick it up, or meet within a reasonable distance, I'd take $2,750. Not really interested in any trades, I really have everything I can use in the way of musical instruments. Thanks! Michael
Last edited by Michael Hillman on 20 Apr 2023 7:25 am, edited 1 time in total.
Two Spector 5 string basses, Martin D-18, Taylor 812CE, 1944 Epiphone Zenith, a killer Luttrell 6 string resophonic, 1932 Model 56 Dobro, Beard Model E, Martin Soprano Uke, 10 string 1953 Alkire Eharp, Peavey Nashville 112, Fender Bassman, Fender 75 watt Rumble, and a Fender 100 watt Rumble.
Beautiful guitar, Michael. I bought a Gretsch from the same store. About the same time you bought this one. Man do I miss Old Boise Guitar. That was a great store.
Thanks Larry- John was such a pleasure to work with. I trust we are among many who miss Old Boise Guitar.
Two Spector 5 string basses, Martin D-18, Taylor 812CE, 1944 Epiphone Zenith, a killer Luttrell 6 string resophonic, 1932 Model 56 Dobro, Beard Model E, Martin Soprano Uke, 10 string 1953 Alkire Eharp, Peavey Nashville 112, Fender Bassman, Fender 75 watt Rumble, and a Fender 100 watt Rumble.
Thanks Chris, the White Falcon is a beautiful guitar, and those models from the 1970s are fetching upwards of $18,000 these days…
Two Spector 5 string basses, Martin D-18, Taylor 812CE, 1944 Epiphone Zenith, a killer Luttrell 6 string resophonic, 1932 Model 56 Dobro, Beard Model E, Martin Soprano Uke, 10 string 1953 Alkire Eharp, Peavey Nashville 112, Fender Bassman, Fender 75 watt Rumble, and a Fender 100 watt Rumble.
OMG, I wish I could have been aware that you were putting the White Falcon up for sale. This guitar has been on my bucket list for a long time and ordered one from Sweetwater a month ago. If for any reason the one I ordered is not available I will be in touch. Timing is everything and like Maxwell Smart said: "Missed it by that much"
Thanks Len, if for any reason the one you’ve ordered doesn’t materialize, I’m certain this one would fill the bill - keep in touch! Michael
Two Spector 5 string basses, Martin D-18, Taylor 812CE, 1944 Epiphone Zenith, a killer Luttrell 6 string resophonic, 1932 Model 56 Dobro, Beard Model E, Martin Soprano Uke, 10 string 1953 Alkire Eharp, Peavey Nashville 112, Fender Bassman, Fender 75 watt Rumble, and a Fender 100 watt Rumble.
Two Spector 5 string basses, Martin D-18, Taylor 812CE, 1944 Epiphone Zenith, a killer Luttrell 6 string resophonic, 1932 Model 56 Dobro, Beard Model E, Martin Soprano Uke, 10 string 1953 Alkire Eharp, Peavey Nashville 112, Fender Bassman, Fender 75 watt Rumble, and a Fender 100 watt Rumble.
It does have the original gold Filtertron pickups. I’m not sure how these compare to other versions of Filtertrons that are out there available for modification- for example the TV Jones -Brian Setzer signature Filtertrons. Shoot me your email address to vmhillman66@gmail.com if you’d like close up photos of the pickups. Thanks! Michael
Two Spector 5 string basses, Martin D-18, Taylor 812CE, 1944 Epiphone Zenith, a killer Luttrell 6 string resophonic, 1932 Model 56 Dobro, Beard Model E, Martin Soprano Uke, 10 string 1953 Alkire Eharp, Peavey Nashville 112, Fender Bassman, Fender 75 watt Rumble, and a Fender 100 watt Rumble.
Consider this guitar sold. I cancelled the one I had on order as delivery has been delayed again. The Gretsch White Falcon has been on my radar for a long time.
Thanks, Len, I’ll be in touch with you later today.
Two Spector 5 string basses, Martin D-18, Taylor 812CE, 1944 Epiphone Zenith, a killer Luttrell 6 string resophonic, 1932 Model 56 Dobro, Beard Model E, Martin Soprano Uke, 10 string 1953 Alkire Eharp, Peavey Nashville 112, Fender Bassman, Fender 75 watt Rumble, and a Fender 100 watt Rumble.
