In 1955, Gretsch abandoned it’s established image as a maker of traditional archtops and gave itself a complete makeover. The new and improved guitarmaker introduced itself with a splashy array of finish colors and new models. At the top of the line, in gleaming white with gold trim, was the White Falcon.

Gretsch literature explained that this “luxurious styling” was creating for the player “who is willing to pay the price”, and at $600, the White Falcon was $200 more than the next most expensive model. But no other Gretsch matched it’s features, starting with a unique “Cadillac” tailpiece, so nicknamed because it’s V-shaped motif was similar to the V used with the automative logo. The V was repeated in the truss-rod cover design, the headstock shape, and the gold sparkle wings framing the logo.

The Falcon is one of the more desirable Gretches on today’s vintage guitar market, due in part to it’s use by rockers Stephen Stills and Neil Young and also due to the rarity that it’s high price ensured.