Gretsch WHITE FALCON G6136T-LDS - So How is it?? (Hint, it's a BEAST!)
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 ก.ย. 2024
- It's New Guitar Day so let me introduce you to my newest addition, the Gretsch White Falcon! But it's not just any white falcon, this is the slightly quirky and definitely unique 6136T-LDS model which features a nitro finish, Dynasonic pickups, humback inlays, and the coveted famous Gretsch headstock.
How did I get the guitar?
- Long story short I saw it pop up locally and it caught my eye so I began doing some research and found very little on this particular model. I ended up checking it out in person and the guitar was a mess, strings totally rusted and dead, setup horrendous, body filthy and grimey, aftermarket bridge and base, etc. Despite that I could see it had good bones so I brought it home and here we are.
For the video I threw on some spare assorted strings I had (elixir 10-52 for everything but the B string which is from a D'addario XL pack) since i intended on doing a full setup and cleanup when I install the upgrades, which include a Compton brass bridge, ebony bridge bass, pickup spacers, and some other tricks I have up my sleeve. Be sure to subscribe to catch that video when it launches!
Amp tones were provided by the Kemper using Tone Junky profiles (specific ones listed on screen during playing excerpts). The goal was not to make the guitar sound it's best, but rather to give an accurate portrayal of how it sounds as is right now. I'm curious to see how the upgrades change the tone and over time as I get more familiar with the guitar what amps/profiles will best compliment the guitar.
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Great video. Dynasonics are some of the best pickups ever made.
This is my dream guitar. Such a beautiful instrument!
Just got one! It’s an aged white and while it’s not ideally what I wanted it’s in mint condition and the price was just too good to pass up.
I bet you'll love it! (assuming you like big bodied guitars). What'd you pay if you don't mind my asking. They don't come up often so I'm curious!
@@YeatzeeGuitar I already love it (I can’t stop looking at it). And I paid $2,200 for it and it still has the protective plastic on the pick guard.
@@attentiondeficitsquirrel7660 What a steal!
@@YeatzeeGuitar It’s the steal of a lifetime. You’d be hard pressed to find a Falcon in mint condition (still with packaging plastic on it) for under $2,800. In my experience anyway.
Just picked up a White Falcon players edition myself and its such a cool guitar
Congrats!
I absolutely love everything about this guitar, but Dynasonics in an big hollow Gretsch, that’s such an underrated sound. And I don’t use the word ‘underrated’ lightly.
I just bought the Gretsch G6636T, because it will be the perfect guitar to team up with my trusty old black Gibson ES-347. The 6636 will give me a lot of the 347, but with a couple of unique features that are so typical for Gretsch. But your guitar….. one day. 😍🧡🧡🧡
My mouth opened up when you first played it... great freaking sound man!
Thank you!
Gretsch made many different models of the White Falcon. Yours is a reissue of the first mid 50s (55)White Falcons... before filtertrons, thumbnail inlays, tone switch and trestle bracing. Some of the 55 reissues had Melita bridges.
Sounds and looks great! Those dynasonics are great in a big hollowbody.
Wow, I was thinking I might want one of these. But, now after hearing your beautiful demo, I KNOW I want one of those! Thank you.
IMPOSSIBLE TO FIND THIS ANY MORE.
Well they stopped making them like 15 years ago
I have 2 dream guitars. One is a 54 spec lp standard with a flame top in cherry red with paf pickups and lp custom plastics minus the poker chip. The other is a white falcon.
Such a wonderful guitar. I like the dynasonics more than the Filtertrons. Both are amazing pickups though. I wonder if I will be able to have one of these someday, who knows. Cheers :D
Good stuff! Like hearing about the journey. Definitely would like to hear before / after with the roller vs Compton vs the tru arc.
As would I! I'm hoping I can snag a used tru arc to add to the comparison!
Looks like a ‘55 inspired reissue, based on the inlays and pickups
Great guitar. The LDS is the one to get with all the right bits (vertical logo, inlays, dyna sonics, bigsby with long lever). I’ve noticed your bigsby is a bit discoloured. Did you also think the gold plating is a bit debatable as it tends to fade? Still. Amazing guitar. Love the longer tremolo bar on this one
The more you use the hardware the less gold it'll become, that's true with any gold plated hardware on any guitar. You never see vintage guitars that were played with very much gold left for a reason ;) I dig it, makes it less flashy.
Awesome video dude, thanks for the upload! 😎
Your WF is stunning! Congrats!!
Great video,I am looking at buying a Falcon myself. The only thing I'm hesitant about is the size, what are your thoughts on playability? Stunning guitar, and nothing else sounds like a Gretsch.
I guess it partially depends how tall you are. I'm 6ft and obviously sender build but I have no problems playing it. I am however very used to big guitars, I play a 345 or 330 often. This is closer to an acoustic just less deep I'd say. Maybe check out one at a guitar store, even the cgeap electromatic series will give you an idea (though i think they are slightly smaller)
I'm sold! I hope I'll find a similar one!
Is it just me, or does it actually sound kinda like a Jazzmaster? It has so much bite and clarity.
I always called it a big tele
Dude, you are a killer player! Love the tones you're getting as well. I purchased one of your Helix patches, and am going to check out your Plexi preset as well. Love your posts!
Wes
Thanks Wes! I'd love to hear your thoughts on the patch, leave a comment on it's video if you get the chance! - Tanner
yes my dream guitar as well...soon to have one i hope...getting the billy duffy model though...awesome vid
Congrats for your videos ! I have the same Falcon as yours and wondere how the Compton compares with the roller one you installed at first ? Particularly concerning intonation... I mean tune accuracy.
Well the roller one couldn't be adjusted properly for action height so the compton automatically wins. Intonation wise I don't stress too much about that being absolutely perfect, as long as it sounds good I'm good. It's a little trickier setting it the first time but once that's done as long as you don't move it you're good. Check out my videos on this channel for the Fender Clean Helix Preset Pack (I think I used it in both the HX Stomp and regular version videos) as well as the newer Plexi-ish Helix pack video. I play the guitar with the compton in those and in some case go right up to the last fret.
@@YeatzeeGuitar Thank you for you prompt and kind answer ! I will check these vids ! Cheers from France !
Killer! I have the same guitar and love it! Subscribed!
Wow! Great sound and player!!! Just curious about what cameras you used to record your videos. They are very professional. Thanks. Keep it up!!
Thank you! It's an A7III. The biggest thing honestly is lighting, a good key light goes a long way!
Sounds fantastic! Dang I want a Falcon of some sort.
It really does have a cool voice to it! I'd love to compare it to a regular falcon with filtertrons for a video some day!
Just keep checking Reverb. Like daily. That’s what I did for just a few weeks and I found one at a really good price.
First Gretsch…straight in with a White Falcon. Then straight into Kemper profiler. Sounds more like a Strat than a Gretsch to me.
🥴👍
Gorgeous guitar and gorgeous playing. I have a 2017 ‘55 dynasonic equipped White Falcon en route but with the caddy tailpiece. Of course I’m going to put a bigs on it. Was just wondering about the arm on yours. Looks like a stationary arm but it swivels! I need to find one.
Or is it the Duane Eddy arm?
It's what came from the factory, they're called I think spoon arms or something like that 🙂👍
Awesome tone!
Love the demo, but there's plenty of information available on this model. Any guitar player who purchases a Gretsch guitar for their first time, should immediately go to Gretsch-Talk.com or GretschPages.com. There is ALWAYS information on ANY Gretsch. Trust me. Keep digging it, it's a beautiful guitar and I'm happy for you!
You'd think but there's actually not, almost nothing online about this particular model with the bigsby and dynasonics. There's a bit more with the 55ge model with dynasonics and no vibrato but almost nothing for this particular model. There's also basically zero demos with it showing how it sounds, no reviews, and almost no forum posts. Before buying I did a deep dive trying to research the guitar. I am already on both of those forums which is how I know what I currently do 😉 Lots to learn with Gretsch though!
Your RHC covers were so tasty 😍
Beauty sounds! Maybe I missed it, but did you mention the 25.5" scale?
Thanks! As in does it have 25.5" scale, or as in I forget to mention it in the video? Either way yes it has the traditional fender scale length, and I probably didn't mention that in the video (whoops!) :)
great sounds
This guitar is absolutely gorgeous. Would you mind sharing the ballpark in which you paid for one so I can gauge a deal as I start looking for one? Thanks.
They don't come up for sale too often, but I think the mid $2k range is fair. I'm honestly surprised they don't go for more money, it's that nice.
They have a newer 1955 vintage select model. Basically same guitar, but without the bigsby. They are $4000 now.
Another question..is that bigsby aftermarket? I dont see where Gretsch made a Falcon with both dynas and a bigsby? Great axe you have!
Nope it's factory, they just don't make them anymore. Model is G6136t-LDS 😊
Mine is 2005 with the same combination, but also with the extra so-called 'mud'; switch.
What bridge did you ultimately go with? Happy with the Compton?
Yep, no complaints with the compton, it's great!
@@YeatzeeGuitarcool! I have a falcon with a space control bridge but thinking about swapping it out. Did you go with the brass version?
@@jaredcoats9188 yep!
Is it possible to remove the bigsby arm from these models or the players edition? Would it affect the tuning or the tone?
Just the arm or the whole bigsby itself? The arm would come off easily but it'd look pretty goofy
@@YeatzeeGuitar The arm and the thing that holds it basically to the string shaft / the tube where you put the strings through. I have been looking for the similar Vintage Style Gretsch Falcons (G-6136T-55GE) but all of them have these Tv Jones Armond pickups which are too loud and bright to me. I was looking for the ones that may have the Filter-Tron hambuckers but could not find a one at all. As you played Otherside and Californication it was really cool but it was little bit too sharp & gainy to my ears and I guess thats because of the single coil pickups there... And thats why I am looking for an advice... I was considering to buy the Player Series Falcon with the filter trons and I was thinking about uninstalling that whole Bigsby arm there. (I havent seen anyone doing that and thats why I am curious whether it is real).
@@FilipFellner IF you remove the shaft where the strings go there's no way to string up the guitar, it's the tailpiece for these instruments. You'd have to get the trapeze tail piece and deal with the potential damage under the bigsby from it being on the guitar.
@@YeatzeeGuitar I think I will somehow get along with the TV Jones single coils after reading this 😂 Seriously, now I know it would be problematic. Damaging that type of guitar is the last thing I want to do... I am not really a bigsby fan and I would not use it on this type of guitar. I will take some time and try searching a Vintage one with hambuckers but if not, I will try to experiment with EQ on the amp... Did you use any booster or overdrive during playing Otherside and Californication in this video? I wish to know whether these pickups you have in this one are really that sharp, bright and literally crystal screaming.
@@FilipFellner Gretsch makes models without a Bigsby, why not just buy one of those? They are I believe usually from their more expensive line but they do make them and you could probably find one used somewhere. As for the pickups, have you listened carefully to Frusciante's tone? It's VERY bright, very thin. If you think it sounds shrill and "crystal screaming" (that's a new one!) you're not going to like filtertrons either, they are very bright (arguably brighter than the dynasonics). Anything can be EQ'd, just roll back the treble on your amp or use the guitars tone controls. Easy :)
Hey I’m thinking of getting this exact model. You’re right there’s very little info on this one. Does it have any internal bracing like a tone post or something?
The bridge is floating so nothing to hold the bridge in place. It's got a small strip of wood underneath the top to screw in the pickups it seems but that's about it. Still has very impressive sustain!
Yeatzee Guitar Cool thanks for the input. I’ve dealt with many floating bridges in my time. I’m hoping to be able to buy mine Monday
@@hypno-techs2196 Good luck! I absolutely adore this guitar, it's so inspiring!
Yeatzee Guitar the check cleared this morning for the 6120 I just sold so I was able to buy my Lds today! I’m sure I’ll dig it
@@hypno-techs2196 🙌🙌🙌
I've been wanting to get a Gretsch penguin ir a white falcon, but people are saying " buy a u.s. made one instead of Japan". What do you think about this brotha?
As far as I know the only modern US made ones are the custom shop models which are quite a jump up in price. Other than that you'd be looking at vintage, but from what I've read they don't hold up very well structurally. I'd go a modern proline from Japan every time, this guitar is made REALLY well and I imagine the brand new ones are just as good if not better!
@@YeatzeeGuitar nice! Thnx brotha, I think imma shoot for one then!
Japan produce almost all Gretsch guitars now and Japanese craftsmanship is exceptional. No doubt about it.
Hi..nice music and playing! I am looking at Gretsch and by the videos, i think the Dynasonics sound way better than the filtertrons...have you compared your guitar to one with filtertrons?
I have not but I'd love to if I could find someone with one I could borrow! I'm sure some day I'll be able to do that video :)
I also just bought that same guitar a 2015 G6136T-LDS I was curious about your setup the Kemper and USB to computer will the Kemper work going direct to a mixer and out to powered speaker? I have cool amps but times I have to get in and out quick in the oldies facilities too much trouble to take in an amp I also took that crappy bridge off and got just got a brass TruArc bridge sounds great I also need some pickup spacers great guitar I love it I also have the G6136T-59GE with TV Jones and it’s brass TruArc all the way
Hi Robert, yep the Kemper has 1/4" and XLR stereo outputs on the back. It works fantastic going into a mixer, I use it live all the time! Very cool by the way, congrats on the new guitar! How would you describe the tonal differences of those two guitars? I'd love to shoot a video with a 59GE some day to compare!
Yeatzee Guitar to be honest I haven’t had them both long I bought them 59GE new from Sweetwater paid big bucks and I just bought the LDS used near mint off Reverb took both bridges off the 59GE came with a Space Control bridge so I’m trying different metals out with TruArc and I haven’t decided which ones I’ll use on three guitars the two White Falcons and also my G6120 Brian Setzer sslvo Tim Harman the TruArc guy sent three TruArcs to try on each guitar I haven’t decided which to use on each guitar he sent a brass an aluminum and a stainless steel when I decide we will settle up and I’ll return any I don’t like and choose one for each guitar he is good to do business with you ought to contact him I’ll let you know when I decide which bridge I decide on each but I do like the brass on the 59GE
I’m interested in the Kemper do they come in different sizes and which do you have and what are the prices etc
@@robertmcdaniel9048 well report back on how you think they are different when you spend some more time with them! The Kemper is fantastic, they make a rack, a head (what I have here), and a stage (floor unit).
Hey mate, would you know if these have solid spruce top? Thanks
No clue! I always thought they were maple
@@YeatzeeGuitar thanks man - yeah there just isn’t a great deal of information on these out there.
@@Avenlock there really isn't! I bet Gretsch would be able to tell you if you emailed them
Looking at a used one at the weekend😀
Sweet!!! Report back if you grab it and let us know what you think 🙌
Yeatzee Guitar How would it sound with some over drive for hard rock?
@@seanwakeling2405 Hard Rock? Well it is fully hollow so it'll feedback if you're next to the amp with lots of gain. It'll do classic rock fine
Nice 👆
This model is impossible to find.
Yeah they were only made for a relatively short window I think
wow . . . why a Kemper ? !
A million reasons, not the least of which I lived in an apartment at the time 😉
I live in an apartment now and I use my small tube amp here. The neighbours are fine with it. And it it is authentic and glorious even order harmonics like all living creatures produce. The kind that moves the heart and spirit more than odd order harmonic transistors. Well you are only young, you will figure this out in time. Such a great guitar that you have, and it breaks the heart to see it with a transistor amp that's all. Thanks for listening, not looking for a fight .:)@@YeatzeeGuitar
Check any video on my channel in the past 2 years, you'll see I have a major love of vintage amps 😉 I wanted to have tones like a silver jubilee here because of the RHCP connection, and I don't own that amp nor could it ever be feasible in an apartment. I also almost exclusively film extremely late at night after work so no amp was ever permissable and the acoustic sound of this guitar was always borderline on its own. The Kemper sounds great, it's a great tool and I used them for years where I couldn't use my tube amps. I'm not end all be all one way, it's all about the application and situation 😁
Yeah, I am a bit of an old purist. Having fun with is what is important. I am sure that we can both agree on that. Take care. .:)@@YeatzeeGuitar
I think bigsbys are super ugly on a falcon. I like caddilac stoptails ya feel
Couldn't disagree more 😎
@@YeatzeeGuitar your amps are so tiny I feel like you must gig in like, your moms basement
Keep the bad takes coming! 🤣
@@YeatzeeGuitar I get like a strat vibrato system, because you can hear the springs in them, or like those shredder ones, but a bigsby is so clunky and unnecesary, you can just shake the guitar to get that kiss of vibe, or just have an unlatched vibrato pedal. I would pawn all your tiny amps and computer systems. Also the last thing you need is to set your pickups higher. You can't uncompress the sound. You let your strings breathe by setting your pickups low to medium, and compress down the line. You can't get proper audible resonance from single coils set high
You think you know what you're talking about but you really really don't 😂 (btw the tiny amps are 40 watts 😉)
Get's a classy guitar, plays through a computer 🤡
🤣
unfff
Is that a good "unfff" or a bad "unfff"? 😂