1957 Gretsch White Falcon

Last DynaSonic White Falcon — the original specification before the 1958 Filter'Tron transition. Single-cutaway, 17-inch body, gold sparkle binding, and the bright DynaSonic voice.

Current Market Value

Excellent
$45,000$90,000
Very Good
$28,000$45,000
Good
$18,000$28,000
Fair
$9,000$18,000

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

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Specifications

Body WoodMaple (17-inch single-cutaway hollow body)
Neck WoodMaple
FingerboardEbony (gold sparkle binding)
Scale Length25.500"
Frets21
Pickup ConfigHH
BridgeFloating bar bridge, Cadillac tailpiece
TunersGrover Imperial (gold-plated)
Finish OptionsWhite with gold sparkle binding
Est. Production80

Pickups & Electronics

Two DeArmond DynaSonic pickups. Last year before Filter'Tron transition.

What Changed in 1957

Final year of DynaSonic-equipped White Falcons. These represent the original specification of Gretsch's flagship. The single-cutaway, 17-inch DynaSonic Falcon is the rarest and most valuable configuration.

Collector's Notes

Final DynaSonic year adds collectibility. These are the last of the original-spec Falcons. Verify DynaSonic originality — conversions to Filter'Trons are common.

How to Authenticate a 1957 Gretsch White Falcon

Gretsch serial numbers use a system where the first digits indicate month/year — verify against known Gretsch serial tables for 1957. 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 1957. Laminated maple body — tap test for correct hollow-body resonance. Original case with Gretsch logo adds provenance.