Gretsch '59 Reissue White Falcon - Review

This week I borrowed my friend's White Falcon for a few days (the first time I've ever played one). Such a great guitar I thought I'd make a video with my thought about it.

[@viperBSG]

Great thing about Gretsch is the Filter "Tron Pickups cut through any band setting like a Hot knife through Butter. very clear and articulate about it too. I Love Gretsch!

[@agusg.t.8950]

This guitar has TV Jones

[@ernststavroblofeld2109]

If anyone were to judge you for having/playing a falcon at a gig, it’s 100% jealousy.

[@aaronfrohna]

Couldn’t agree more

[@peachyfleur]

i was already attracted by this guitar but the day i've been able to try it i was stunned, still loving it

[@joshuaking3210]

I am amazed at the versatility. People from all genres use the White Falcon and sound great. Richard Fortus in GNRs makes some really great heavy tones come to life in this. And then on the totally opposite end, worship guitarists rave about this guitar and love the tones they get as well. Awesome guitar! Awesome review!

[@TONEonline]

Thanks for the kind words Joshua and for your thoughts too!

[@legendarylitening]

This is one of the most beautiful guitar I've ever seen

[@CathyHolton-jh1xv]

The Edge from U2 used a ‘59 White Falcon on a few songs over time. He used it on the studio versions of “Indian Summer Sky” and “All I Want Is You.” For live applications, he’s used it for some versions of “One Tree Hill” and at least one live performance in 2001 of their 1992 hit song “One.” He’s also used a couple of Chet Atkins models sporadically on some songs from 1997 to 2010. In addition, he used a vintage Duo Jet in the video for and live applications of “Invisible,” which was released circa 2017. They seemed to have stopped playing the song in 2019.

[@aaronfrohna]

I own this model guitar and it’s amazing

[@favoriteblueshirt]

Yes probably my next guitar. My Malcolm Young Signature is the most alive guitar I've got, so I've got a pretty got idea that this monster would be rampant. Lovely review

[@Dustandglory]

A guitar with a life of it's own, and she enjoyed her road trip immensely. :)

[@TONEonline]

Are you enjoying your Gretsch copy I dropped back:)

[@reyhnmarvin6859]

YES MATE absolute legend of a guitar! Had no idea that the guys from The Cult used them only ever really paid attention to the White Falcons when Mal played one for the Back in Black album but still they're an absolute beast in the guitar world. Another great video, rock on! \m/

[@TONEonline]

Thanks for the kind words - and Malcolm Young a super rhythm guitarist. Rock on and thanks for watching!

[@CamsCampbell]

This was wonderful to watch. I have bad GAS for one of these and have been reading about them obsessively for the last three days. I'm an acoustic guy and don't know much at all about the world of electric guitars, but I heard one of these in an Instagram post of all things and was smitten right away. I wish I could find an affordable one with a Bigsby and the fretboard inlay humps; I find the thumbnail inlay to be incongruous with the overall bling on the guitar. It wouldn't be a deal breaker though.

[@atexx6]

I can relate to how you feel, I had an opportunity to be gifted a Goldtop and it almost never gets played out. I am playing two weekends a month in a Worship setting and its my old Strat deluxe and a standard Strat back-up. Same thing very little lead. Rhythm position the last seven years and mostly Hillsong. I am thinking that it may not hurt any feelings if I turn that one over and pick up a Martin acoustic. Its not as ornate as the Falcon but maybe in my mind there is a perception that I can play much better than my ability. Restoration work has improved greatly, so don't forget the offer. I am shipping more over the pond now, roughly 25%. Thanks Mitch

[@TONEonline]

I'll keep it in mind.... cheers and thanks for watching!

[@greatkingrat]

This and a Rickenbaker 325 Capri or maybe a 350 full scale are my favourite guitars ever made.

[@JJSurma]

I love the look but as a smaller guy (think Malcom), I went with the Duo Jet and found it preferable. No denying the mojo though, especially when in Neil's hands!

[@isaia1100]

Great!! What gauge strings do you use in this guitar?

[@AdamsMusicandFun]

This is a great video. Thank you for a good review. As an aside, did anyone else chuckle at the Frusciante photo where it looked like the Falcon was half as big as him? :)

[@jltrem]

As a Neil Young fan since 1969 I've lusted after a Falcon for decades. Only played one once. Lucky you have such a generous friend.

[@TONEonline]

I know right - what a god friend:) Thanks for watching! Matt.

[@duffbaker9554]

I noticed you played 'Norwegian Wood' with the capo on the third fret as opposed to on the second fret. Sounds good, but interesting.

[@xaviertobin3784]

Great video Matt! Was a giant Living End fan growing up and all I ever wanted was a White Falcon, bit pricey for a 15 year old, but good to see it get reviewed :D

[@miahconnell23]

It IS a bit expensive for a 15-year-old; it’s expensive for anybody. But, you don’t wanna wait until retirement age to purchase one: your life between the ages of 15 - 50 should be spent playing out, jamming with friends, don’t wait until you have financial security but also arthritis & grand-kids 🤟

[@markjames194]

Great honest review, thanks mate.

[@jamesfyffe2610]

I got one.... A dream guitar no regrets

[@dahlbaker]

I went with a custom Penguin. Master tone control and wooden binding are different (better IMHO). Hats off to Gonzalo.

[@Flushometer_AirConditionerFan]

Oh I love Billy Duffy same with Malcolm Young and everybody else that played a white falcon!!

[@kentuckybourbonfade4264]

if you had a choice, you would have this or the Black Rickenbacker 325 you've reviewed?

[@TONEonline]

KentuckyBourbon Fade hey I’d definitely go the Gretsch... the 325 was fun but a bit limiting with the scale. The Falcon is one of the best guitars I’ve ever played. Matt

[@ArchangelTyrael]

@@TONEonline What would be the best one you ever played?

[@retalt]

ahhh, She sells sanctuary. I had to break out the nearest guitar and join you lol.

[@TONEonline]

Haha awesome what a great song:)

[@hypno-techs2196]

The side markers is a legitimate problem. On stage those dots just disappear. I’m still trying to find a good solution with mine.

[@waltgee5303]

Hey mate what amp did you use with the White Falcon for this video? Still have the Supro? Brilliant video, perfect balance between playing and really useful/interesting info and opinions. Cheers.

[@TONEonline]

Hey I can't remember what I used on that video now... could have been a Vox AC15HW with a blue speaker (I think)... and yep still have the Supro in fact I'm heading into the studio with it today for some recording with my band. Thanks for the kind words and happy holidays to you! Cheers Matt.

[@waltgee5303]

That's awesome, I have and love a Black Magick as well. Not sure if you picked up this another Gretsch for yourself but I'd say this White Falcon suits you quite well mate. Thanks for the reply, cheers.

[@kidbazooka]

This 59 has trestle bracing which should control any uncontrollable feedback on stage

[@gyp1414]

1971 Gretsch white falcon hollow-body double-cutaway stereo 18 karat gold trim and knobs with the Bigsby all original from strings to strap and case serial number 111058. So it's the 58th guitar made in 1971 when they switched over to the Chet era models. She is going up for sale to save a family member message me if interested for pictures via Facebook or Twitter

[@MusicFed]

Why oh why didn’t they put the vertical logo in the headstock?.? Seriously

[@carpediem4413]

Love my Silver Falcon centerblock

[@chickenlickin3820]

In one word TONE!

[@PLPOR]

Gorgeous tone! What amp did you use?

[@TONEonline]

I get a bit embarrassed admitting this but there's no amp - it's played through my Fractal Audio AX8. Matt.

[@PLPOR]

@@TONEonline Not at all-very impressive what you've dialed in with that modeler

[@tweedguitar9103]

I'd have a serious look at the bindings on any guitar with plastic bindings, nothing worse than body binding shrinkage, can be a heartbreaker.

[@AndyDacoulis]

Thanks for this

[@russ4454]

What was he playing during “number 3”

[@jeffreychampion1]

Rebel rebel

[@janedoe3570]

they're fantastic looking guitars I must say but a lot of the time especially with vintage Falcons you can't really get them playable

[@TONEonline]

So true I played a lot of old Gretsch in the States recently and none of them grabbed me!

[@MusicFed]

Interesting. Do you think it’s better to buy a brand new one? What about 10/15 yrs old ones?

[@jonathanalvarado9132]

Im here for Frusciante

[@BrettKnows]

same!

[@kentuckybourbonfade4264]

a great channel!!

[@TONEonline]

Cheers thanks for the kind comment and for watching:) Matt.

[@zolj333777]

Centar block is a brilliant solution for these guitars, unfortunately as far as I'm concerned that's cheating :) White falcon, old kind, with all its faults and awesomeness is the one to go for and then it becomes the part of the character and charm of that guitar Centar block in my Duesenberg makes it much more versatile and user friendly and generally speaking it's a better built instrument (German engineering, cant beat it) ;) but White falcon is the big daddy it's the ultimate f@$& off, pardon my French :) Love the video mate :)

[@tomzeto]

For the insane price it’s made in South Korea!?!?

[@angelitotrejo2676]

John frusciante