1956 Gretsch White Falcon
Second-year White Falcon with DynaSonic pickups and the full gold sparkle treatment. Production remains extremely low — these are rare instruments.
Current Market Value
* Prices are estimates based on recent market data. Actual value depends on originality, condition, and provenance. Pricing methodology
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Specifications
| Body Wood | Maple (17-inch single-cutaway hollow body) |
| Neck Wood | Maple |
| Fingerboard | Ebony (gold sparkle binding) |
| Scale Length | 25.500" |
| Frets | 21 |
| Pickup Config | HH |
| Bridge | Floating bar bridge, Bigsby B6 or Cadillac tailpiece |
| Tuners | Grover Imperial (gold-plated) |
| Finish Options | White with gold sparkle binding |
| Est. Production | 75 |
Pickups & Electronics
Two DeArmond DynaSonic pickups. Gold-plated covers. The massive 17-inch body produces enormous acoustic volume.
What Changed in 1956
Second year of production. The Cadillac tailpiece (V-shaped) becomes more standardized. Production remains very low — the White Falcon was Gretsch's most expensive guitar and a statement piece.
Collector's Notes
DynaSonic pickups are correct. The Cadillac tailpiece should be original gold-plated. White finish condition is the critical value driver — yellowing is natural, repainting is a major deduction.
How to Authenticate a 1956 Gretsch White Falcon
Gretsch serial numbers use a system where the first digits indicate month/year — verify against known Gretsch serial tables for 1956. Numbers are on the headstock back. DeArmond DynaSonic single-coil pickups are correct for this year — verify the distinctive chrome-topped units. Check binding condition carefully — Gretsch binding from this era is notorious for deterioration and shrinkage. Replacement binding is difficult to match correctly. Distinctive white finish with gold sparkle binding and gold-plated hardware. White nitro yellows to warm cream over decades. Gold hardware should show consistent aging. Falcon wing headstock inlay must be original. Verify all hardware (bridge, tailpiece, tuners, knobs, switches) matches documented specifications for 1956. Laminated maple body — tap test for correct hollow-body resonance. Original case with Gretsch logo adds provenance.