The Best Value WHITE FALCON Ever - Gretsch SYNCHROMATIC!
This is some of the most exciting news I’ve shared in a while! If you love Gretsch guitars then I think you’ll be pretty excited, too!
I won’t beat about the bush: let me introduce you to the BRAND NEW Gretsch Synchromatic line!
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What is the Gretsch Synchromatic Collection?
Gretsch Synchromatic Nashville
What is the Gretsch Synchromatic Collection?
So, what is the Gretsch Synchromatic range? Well, so far it's only two guitar models, but what models! These are beautifully made Gretsches with all of the glitz and glamour you’d normally associate with the brand. The big difference is that they are made in China instead of the usual Japan (for the Professional Collection guitars at least), so they are more affordable.
Seriously, I’ve never seen a brand new Gretsch White Falcon being available at such a price! With a hardshell case too??
For context, Gretsch currently make their guitars in a number of ‘Collections’, or sub ranges. Here’s a quick overview:
- Gretsch Custom Shop: Hand made in California, in extremely limited numbers.
- Gretsch Professional: Japanese made, top line stuff.
- Gretsch Electromatic: Mid-range, impressively built in either China or Korea
- Gretsch Streamliner: Affordable versions of the classics, made in Indonesia.
For more detailed info , please have a read of my Gretsch Ranges Explained blog. Looking at these collections, the Synchromatic guitars fit slap-bang in the centre: right in between the Electromatics and the Professionals. The value of money is huge, particularly when you see how much quality is included.
Let’s dive in…
Gretsch Synchromatic Falcon
If a Gretsch White Falcon isn’t one of your bucket list guitars then I reckon there’s something wrong with you. They are stupendously cool, and offer that unique and instantly recognisable Gretsch tone that you just don’t get from Fender, Gibson or anybody else.
Until now, the only proper White Falcons have been from the Professional Collection or the Custom Shop. They’ve been expensive, so only a few fans could stretch to the price.
Well, that’s all different now! These Synchromatic White Falcons are almost certainly more attainable for a much bigger swathe of the fan base.
I know what you’re thinking: they look the part, so what’s the catch?
The catch is…nothing, really. I can’t find anything to complain about at all. I’ve had one out of its case and plugged in, and it’s a White Falcon all right! I’ve played a lot of them over the years (perks of the job), including the special Billy Duffy models, so I would definitely claim to know a thing or two about them.
The bodies are 2.5” deep, on par with several Pro Collection styles (such as the ‘Player’ guitars) but also not the deepest I’ve seen a Gretsch. I don’t think that’ll disappoint you though, when it’ s part of the following spec:
- 25.5” scale with a 12” radius Ebony fingerboard
- Bigsby B60V Vibrato
- Hi-Fidelity Filter’Tron pickups
- Treble Bleed on the master volume
You get the full complement of controls - including a master volume PLUS individual pickup volumes. You get a nice C shaped neck and those cool ‘Neo Classic’ fingerboard inlays, the type I’d refer to as ‘wee thumbnails’. You get the sparkly binding.
You get it all.
I keep talking about this guitar as the White Falcon but you can have it in black as well, and if anything, the black Falcon is even more gorgeous. Which do you prefer?
Gretsch Synchromatic Nashville
The other model is the Gretsch Synchromatic Nashville and it is equally beautiful. Based on the classic Gretsch 6120, this pretty much embodies everything you need in a textbook Gretsch hollow body. The specs are very similar to the Falcon so I won't list them again, but the main differences here are the following:
- A 24.6” scale length as opposed to the Falcon’s 25.5”.
- Binding around the (oversized) f-holes.
Otherwise, it’s just a matter of picking the finish you prefer! The Nashville is available in Orange Stain and Cadillac Green, two very well-shosen hues!
The Best Value Gretsches Ever
These are game-changers. As I mentioned, I’ve had a play around on a couple of them and I’m impressed: they feel like ‘full fat’ Gretsch guitars, with no obvious concessions to economy. The finishes are perfect, the bracing gives them good resonance, and the pickups are proper Filter’Trons, delivering that kind of ‘muscular chime’ that Gretsch players love.
Well, how would you describe it?
Seriously, the only trouble you’ll have with these is deciding on what one to go for!
Click to View the New Gretsch Synchromatic Collection
