Gretsch G6136-55VS White Falcon
An iconic hollow body that dazzles with both looks and tone, the Gretsch G6136-55VS White Falcon stands at the pinnacle of craftsmanship.
★★★★★ 5/5 · 3 buyer reviews · 6 min read · updated 2026-10-06 · Tested by Cal Whitaker
Gretsch G6136-55VS White Falcon: A Closer Look
The Gretsch G6136-55VS White Falcon occupies rare air in the world of hollowbody electric guitars. With a list price pushing 4200 USD, this instrument is aimed directly at pro-level players and collectors. Built to Vintage Select specs, the White Falcon is an uncompromising reissue of a 1955 classic, updated with modern refinements but loaded with old-school personality. Let's break down exactly what you get at this level, and how it delivers in practice.
Construction & Visual Presentation
The G6136-55VS is distinguished at first glance by its White color finish with a subtle aged gloss, set off by extensive gold sparkle binding and gold-plated hardware. The three-ply joined maple body (width: 17 inches, depth: 2.25 inches) gives it a solid yet airy resonance, while the arched spruce top keeps weight manageable. The single-cutaway profile, Cadillac tailpiece, engraved hump block inlays on an ebony fingerboard, and Grover Imperial tuners complete the top-tier look. In person, details stand out that exceed what you see in standard online photos: finely set inlays glitter against the deep black of the fretboard, every line of the binding catches light, and the finish has a vintage patina, even from new.
Neck & Playability
The neck is crafted from maple with a walnut accent stripe down the rear, and the profile avoids the cumbersome depth sometimes found in vintage-inspired guitars. It balances nicely between substantial and accessible, a 12-inch fingerboard radius and a precise 42.62 mm bone nut help keep chording and string bends comfortable across its 22 medium frets. Taking it in hand, it feels fast but never fragile. The setup straight from the factory is precise, with D'Addario.011,.049 strings providing tension and sustain that feel naturally responsive to touch. Even players wary of thick necks will find the G6136-55VS inviting for extended sessions.
Electronics: TV Jones T-Armond Pickups
Under the strings, the G6136-55VS uses two TV Jones T-Armond single-coil pickups, arranged as a humbucker-humbucker set. These are not standard humbuckers, they deliver a tonal palette much closer to old DeArmonds, prized for clarity, dynamic punch, and three-dimensional bloom. Plugged in clean, the guitar produces that signature Rockabilly snap: crisp mids, generous low end, and treble that has definition without harshness. With modest overdrive, the T-Armonds develop growl for gritty rhythm but resist muddiness thanks to the hollow body. This voicing makes the G6136-55VS excel in roots rock, classic pop, and especially the twangy chords and melodic lines in older blues or swing contexts.
Hardware & Gigging Practicalities
The bridge is a Synchro-Sonic, offering accurate intonation and solid tuning stability, while the Grover Imperial tuners are precise and smooth to operate. The Gretsch Cadillac tailpiece reinforces the upscale visual impact while supporting resonance and sustain. The included case is solidly built and offers plenty of protection, though some may wish for a more form-fitted luxury option at this price point. That said, everything that actually touches the guitar, hardware, frets, nut, tuners, meets expectations for an instrument in this high-end bracket.
Sound Impressions & Real-world Feedback
Hands-on feedback reveals near-universal praise. Players describe the White Falcon's voice as "a dream come true" and "excellence." There is a consensus on its pronounced resonance and the open, blooming quality of every note, qualities that reward both fingerpicking and strummed patterns. Clean tones are especially noted for their dynamic response and lively articulation, while a modest amount of amp gain brings in growl and edge without sacrificing core clarity. The neck profile, a potential concern for some, finds widespread approval for balancing comfort and substance even on long gigs. Visual and tactile details (the gold sparkle, the aged white nitrocellulose finish, the engraved inlays) inspire as much affection as the sound.
- Highly reactive resonance from three-ply maple construction and spruce top
- TV Jones T-Armond pickups offer nuanced, vintage-voiced single-coil clarity
- Factory stringing (D'Addario.011,.049) balances tension, sustain, and control
- Neck profile is substantial without being cumbersome, strong playability reports
- Visual detailing (binding, hardware, inlays) attracts both stage and studio admiration
Verdict: Where the Investment Goes
The Gretsch G6136-55VS White Falcon is not an entry-level choice, it is an instrument for demanding players who expect both musical and aesthetic return on a significant investment. While the included case could be more luxurious given the price, the guitar itself delivers in every respect: visual spectacle, build quality, playability, and especially tonal complexity. For devotees of classic American hollowbody tone, or anyone searching for a show-stopping stage guitar with legendary sparkle and resonance, this model more than holds its own.
Shipping and duties
The retailer ships from its warehouse in Germany. Prices are shown in US dollars and do not include import duties. Orders under roughly $800 usually clear US customs without duty; above that, a duty of a few percent may be collected on delivery. 30-day money-back and a 3-year warranty apply.
Scores by area
Where it shines, where it stumbles
What convinced me
- Exceptional build quality with stunning vintage white finish and gold sparkle binding
- Highly resonant sound with a clear, articulate voice thanks to the laminated maple body and TV Jones single-coil pickups
- Smooth ebony fretboard and comfortable neck provide excellent playability
- Superior attention to detail in hardware and finish
- Includes a robust hard case
What bugged me
- Very high price point may be prohibitive for many players
- Hard case is not as personalized or unique as the instrument itself
- Large and deep body may feel cumbersome for some players
Is it the right one for you?
Good pick if
Ideal for collectors, professional musicians, and those seeking a visually striking, sonic centerpiece. Well-suited for players looking for a versatile hollow body with vintage character and premium finish. Great for genres that benefit from articulate cleans and dynamic response.Look elsewhere if
Not recommended for beginners or anyone seeking a compact, budget-friendly instrument. Players needing a modern tremolo system or those uncomfortable with large-bodied guitars might want to look elsewhere.Suggested level: Professional
Specifications
- Hollowbody guitar
- Yes
- Semi hollowbody guitar
- No
- Color
- White
- Body
- Maple
- Top
- Spruce
- Neck
- Maple
- Fretboard
- Ebony
- Frets
- 22
- Scale
- 648 mm
- Pickups
- HH
- Tremolo
- No
- Including case
- Yes
- Incl. bag
- No
- Model
- G6136
What other players say
Customer feedback frequently highlights the breathtaking aesthetics and the quality craftsmanship of the White Falcon, with most users feeling the instrument surpasses expectations in person. The sound is often described as rich, vibrant, and adaptable from clean to lightly overdriven, while the playability and neck comfort receive repeated praise. Criticism is rare, but some wish for a more unique case given the guitar's high cost and exclusivity.
After years of saving, I finally got it and what can I say... it's simply a dream come true.
If I had to mention something, it would be the case. For such a special and expensive guitar, a more personalized case would be more appropriate.
Even after a short test, you can already feel that everything glides, the neck is just right, comfortable, natural.
Up close
Watch and listen
Questions players ask
Is the White Falcon suitable for live performances?
Absolutely. Its high resonance and dynamic range, combined with professional hardware, make it ideal for stage use.
How heavy is the Gretsch G6136-55VS White Falcon?
While specifics may vary, the instrument remains reasonably manageable due to its hollow body, though its size can be substantial.
Are the TV Jones T-Armond pickups noisy?
They are known for their clarity and vintage character with minimal unwanted noise, even at higher volumes.
Does the guitar come with a tremolo system?
No, this White Falcon model is equipped with a Cadillac-style tailpiece and does not feature a tremolo.
Is the included hard case tailored for the White Falcon?
The case is sturdy and fits the guitar well, but some owners feel it lacks a unique or personalized design befitting the instrument's prestige.
The last word from the bench
The Gretsch G6136-55VS White Falcon is a masterfully built instrument that instantly feels and sounds premium. Its meticulous finish, gold hardware, and vintage vibe are matched by an expressive, airy sound suitable for a variety of genres. While the price is steep, the quality and feel justify the investment for musicians seeking something truly special. The only letdown is the lack of a more customized hard case for such a standout instrument.
Hanging next to it
Before you decide
Gretsch G6136-55VS White Falcon
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