Gretsch White Falcon White 1958

Description

The following specs were carefully collected and recorded by a skilled technician. For a more detailed description and questions regarding sound, feel, or cosmetic condition, please call to speak to one of our experts. 1958 Gretsch White Falcon – Rare Transitional “Sweet Spot” Example This guitar comes from the exact same production batch—just one serial number apart—as the famous David Gilmour White Falcon that sold at Christie's in 2019. While this is not a celebrity-owned instrument, it shares the identical ultra-rare factory configuration that makes that run so desirable among collectors and players.

This example is from a highly limited transitional batch in early 1958, widely regarded as a “sweet spot” in White Falcon evolution—where Gretsch blended the best of its early and late ‘50s features.

Key Features:

17” archtop body, approx. 2 ¾” deep

Single cutaway

Single toggle switch (no mud switch; cleaner, more player-friendly layout)

Early Filter’Tron pickups (reportedly first-run / prototype units)

Hump-block inlays (rarer than later thumbnail style)

Winged Gretsch headstock logo (classic design)

Why This Guitar Stands Out: 
This batch uniquely combines:

Early ‘50s characteristics: deeper body, single toggle layout, classic winged headstock

Late ‘50s innovations: Filter’Tron pickups and upgraded inlays

Later 1958 and 1959 Falcons moved to:

Thumbnail inlays

Updated (non-winged) headstock logo

Double toggle + mud switch configuration

Optional stereo wiring system

As a result, this earlier run represents a short-lived, highly sought-after configuration—offering the best of both worlds: vintage Gretsch feel with the clarity and punch of Filter’Trons.

Summary

Finish: The nitro clear coat on the guitar’s top was worn nearly completely off from play wear and age in some areas, so the previous owner spot sanded areas on the top to even out and unify the top’s finish and appearance. The finish on the back of the neck has also been removed. There is a repaired tearout around the output jack, which has been touched up.

Top Material: Maple

Body Material: Maple

Body Details:

Neck Material: Maple

Fingerboard Material: Ebony

Neck Profile: "C" profile

Neck Thickness (IN): .83" (1st fret), .92" (10th fret)

Fingerboard Radius: 10.00"

Nut Width: 1-5/8"

Scale Length: 25-1/2"

Neck Details:

Electronics: Original very early Gretsch Filter'tron pickups; one coil of the neck pickup appears to have been rewound. The pots and switch have been replaced.

Pickup Measurements: 4.2k (neck), 3.9k (bridge)

Hardware: The upper strap button has been replaced. The Bigsby is a vintage Bigsby B6, however it is not original to the guitar.

Weight: 8lbs 1oz

Modifications / Repairs: The finish on the top was sanded lightly to reduce the yellowing from age at some point. The finish on the back of the neck has been sanded off. There are finish touchups on repaired cracks around jack. There is a repaired surface wing separation visible on the back of the headstock, which does not go through the headstock. The neck has been refretted and the nut replaced. The pots and switch have been replaced, and one coil of the neck pickup appears to have been rewound. The Bigsby is not original, and the upper strap button has been replaced.

Case Details:

Cosmetic Condition: This vintage Gretsch White Falcon shows significant aging, with heavy yellowing and checking on the back and sides of the body. The top has been lightly sanded to even out the wear and give it a more unified look, leaving behind some sanding marks. There are also repaired cracks around the output jack, which have been touched up. Much of the gold has worn off the original hardware, aside from the tuners, and the finish on the back of the neck has been sanded off. There is a repaired surface wing separation on the treble side of the headstock. The fingerboard was previously planed during a refret, removing the engraving from most of the inlays. There are also some open screw holes on the bottom of the guitar from the original tailpiece.

Serial Number: 26304

Tech Notes: The guitar plays well with low action, and the frets are tall with mild wear. The serial number and construction appointments date the guitar to 1958.

Trem Arm Included?: Yes

Chicago Music Exchange

Year 1958

Make Gretsch

Model White Falcon White Falcon

Condition Good

Case

$65,000

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Chicago Music Exchange 773-525-7773

Chicago, IL 6:32 AM

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Returns 3-Day / 15-day Return Policy If you are not completely satisfied with any product, return it for a full refund of the product purchase price, full credit, or exchange of your choice. We give you 3 days from the shipping date on Vintage instruments, and 15 days on New instruments. Credit card returns are issued a credit for purchase price. Refunds are made for product value only, excluding shipping and handling charges. New, Unopened items: You may return most NEW, untouched, unopened items within 15 days of delivery for a full refund. if the return is a result of our error (you received an incorrect or defective item, etc.) we'll also pay the return shipping costs. AmEx credit cards: Note that if your order was paid using an AmEx card we may pass on a 3.5% fee of the purchase price to process your refund. Vintage, Used items: We have to evaluate vintage and used guitars, amps, and other items on a case by case basis. We spend a lot of time with you and the item before your purchase to try to avoid any surprises after your purchase. AmEx credit cards: Note that if your order was paid using an AmEx card we may pass on a 3.5% fee of the purchase price to process your refund. You should expect to receive your refund within four weeks of giving your package to the return shipper, however, we strive to issue your refund sooner. This time period includes the transit time for us to receive your return from the shipper (5 to 10 business days), the time it takes us to process your return once we receive it (3 to 5 business days), and the time it takes your bank to process our refund request (5 to 10 business days). Send your return to: Chicago Music Exchange 3316 N Lincoln Ave Chicago, IL 60657 The following items are returnable only if defective OR unopened or unused: strings, harmonicas, microphones, cleaners, polishes, and polishing cloths. Software/soundware, cassettes, CDs, DVDs, and videos may be returned for credit only if they are in their original, sealed packaging. If defective, these items will only be exchanged for the same product. For complete details on our guarantees, shipping, and return policies, please contact our Customer Service Department at 773-525-7773; fax us at 773-525-2775; visit our website at www.chicagomusicexchange.com, or write us at Chicago Music Exchange, 3316 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60657.