1960 Gretsch White Falcon

The final single-cutaway White Falcon — last of the 17-inch full-body originals before the double-cutaway redesign. Filter'Trons, gold sparkle binding, and the original massive body style.

Current Market Value

Excellent
$30,000$60,000
Very Good
$19,000$30,000
Good
$12,000$19,000
Fair
$6,000$12,000

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

Thinking About Selling Your 1960 Gretsch White Falcon?

We buy directly from owners — no auction fees, no waiting. Get a fair offer based on current market data.

Get a Free Quote

Specifications

Body WoodMaple (17-inch single-cutaway hollow body — final year)
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. Production130

Pickups & Electronics

Two Filter'Tron humbuckers. Gold-plated covers. Last year of the massive single-cutaway body.

What Changed in 1960

Final year of the single-cutaway White Falcon. The body would transition to double-cutaway thinline in 1962 — a dramatic change. These last single-cut Falcons represent the end of the original design era.

Collector's Notes

Last single-cutaway year is highly collectible. The single-cut Falcon (1955-1960/61) commands significant premiums over the double-cutaway versions.

How to Authenticate a 1960 Gretsch White Falcon

Gretsch serial numbers use a system where the first digits indicate month/year — verify against known Gretsch serial tables for 1960. 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 1960. Laminated maple body — tap test for correct hollow-body resonance. Original case with Gretsch logo adds provenance.