1959 Gretsch White Falcon
Single-cutaway Filter'Tron White Falcon with optional stereo wiring. The stereo version (6137) is a distinct model. Brooklyn factory production continues at low volumes.
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, Cadillac tailpiece |
| Tuners | Grover Imperial (gold-plated) |
| Finish Options | White with gold sparkle binding |
| Est. Production | 120 |
Pickups & Electronics
Two Filter'Tron humbuckers. Gold-plated covers. Stereo wiring introduced on some models (Model 6137).
What Changed in 1959
Stereo wiring introduced on the White Falcon — the Model 6137 stereo version routes each pickup to a separate output. This was cutting-edge technology in 1959. Single-cutaway body continues.
Collector's Notes
Stereo (6137) vs mono (6136) distinction matters. Both are collectible. Verify all gold hardware for originality — replacement gold hardware is common. White finish condition remains the primary value driver.
How to Authenticate a 1959 Gretsch White Falcon
Gretsch serial numbers use a system where the first digits indicate month/year — verify against known Gretsch serial tables for 1959. Numbers are on the headstock back. Filter'Tron humbucking pickups should be present (replaced DynaSonics around 1958). Verify originality. 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 1959. Laminated maple body — tap test for correct hollow-body resonance. Original case with Gretsch logo adds provenance.