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

Excellent
$50,000$100,000
Very Good
$32,000$50,000
Good
$20,000$32,000
Fair
$10,000$20,000

* Prices are estimates based on recent market data. Actual value depends on originality, condition, and provenance. Pricing methodology

Specifications

Body WoodMaple (17-inch single-cutaway hollow body)
Neck WoodMaple
FingerboardEbony (gold sparkle binding)
Scale Length25.500"
Frets21
Pickup ConfigHH
BridgeFloating bar bridge, Bigsby B6 or Cadillac tailpiece
TunersGrover Imperial (gold-plated)
Finish OptionsWhite with gold sparkle binding
Est. Production75

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.