The following specs were carefully collected and recorded by a skilled technician. For a more detailed description and questions regarding sound, feel, or cosmetic condition, please call to speak to one of our experts.  

1958 Gretsch White Falcon – Rare Transitional “Sweet Spot” Example
This guitar comes from the exact same production batch—just one serial number apart—as the famous David Gilmour White Falcon that sold at Christie's in 2019. While this is not a celebrity-owned instrument, it shares the identical ultra-rare factory configuration that makes that run so desirable among collectors and players.

This example is from a highly limited transitional batch in early 1958, widely regarded as a “sweet spot” in White Falcon evolution—where Gretsch blended the best of its early and late ‘50s features.

Key Features:

• 17” archtop body, approx. 2 ¾” deep
• Single cutaway
• Single toggle switch (no mud switch; cleaner, more player-friendly layout)
• Early Filter’Tron pickups (reportedly first-run / prototype units)
• Hump-block inlays (rarer than later thumbnail style)
• Winged Gretsch headstock logo (classic design)

Why This Guitar Stands Out:

This batch uniquely combines:

• Early ‘50s characteristics: deeper body, single toggle layout, classic winged headstock
• Late ‘50s innovations: Filter’Tron pickups and upgraded inlays
• Later 1958 and 1959 Falcons moved to:
• Thumbnail inlays
• Updated (non-winged) headstock logo
• Double toggle + mud switch configuration
• Optional stereo wiring system

As a result, this earlier run represents a short-lived, highly sought-after configuration—offering the best of both worlds: vintage Gretsch feel with the clarity and punch of Filter’Trons.

Summary

Finish: The nitro clear coat on the guitar’s top was worn nearly completely off from play wear and age in some areas, so the previous owner spot sanded areas on the top to even out and unify the top’s finish and appearance. The finish on the back of the neck has also been removed. There is a repaired tearout around the output jack, which has been touched up.

Top Material: Maple

Body Material: Maple

Neck Material: Maple

Fingerboard Material: Ebony

Neck Profile: "C" profile

Neck Thickness (IN): .83" (1st fret), .92" (10th fret)

Fingerboard Radius: 10.00"

Nut Width: 1-5/8"

Scale Length: 25-½"

Electronics: Original very early Gretsch Filter'tron pickups; one coil of the neck pickup appears to have been rewound. The pots and switch have been replaced.

Pickup Measurements: 4.2k (neck), 3.9k (bridge)

Hardware: The upper strap button has been replaced. The upper strap button has been replaced. The Bigsby is a period specific late 50's B6, however it is not original to the guitar.

Weight: 8lbs 1oz

Modifications / Repairs: The finish on the top was sanded lightly to reduce the yellowing from age at some point. The finish on the back of the neck has been sanded off. There are finish touchups on repaired cracks around the jack. There is a repaired surface wing separation visible on the back of the headstock, which does not go through the headstock. The neck has been refretted and the nut replaced. The pots and switch have been replaced, and one coil of the neck pickup appears to have been rewound. The Bigsby is not original, and the upper strap button has been replaced.

Cosmetic Condition: This vintage Gretsch White Falcon shows significant aging, with heavy yellowing and checking on the back and sides of the body. (Please refer to the finish section for more details.)

Serial Number: 26304

Tech Notes: The guitar plays well with low action, and the frets are tall with mild wear. The serial number and construction appointments date the guitar to 1958.

Trem Arm Included?: Yes