Gretsch Professional Collection Falcon: The 18-Inch Hollow Body Pinnacle at $3,599
The Gretsch Professional Falcon at $3,599 is the crown jewel of Gretsch’s hollow body line. The 18-inch body is the largest in the Professional collection—maximum acoustic presence with the feedback control that professional engineering provides. Japan manufacturing, PRO-FT Filter’Trons, and Bigsby B6GP vibrato combine to create the ultimate professional hollow body guitar.
18-Inch Body: Maximum Presence
18 inches is the largest practical hollow body for gigging musicians. The body resonates with full acoustic presence—clean tones bloom with stunning natural sustain. The size commands respect on stage and delivers tone that smaller bodies simply can’t match. Yes, feedback requires discipline—but professional construction manages it intelligently.
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Body | Full hollow body, 18″ width |
| Bracing | Arc-Tone system |
| Pickups | PRO-FT Filter’Tron single-coils |
| Hardware | Bigsby B6GP, sealed tuners |
| Neck | Mahogany, Gretsch profile |
| Fretboard | Ebony, 12″ radius, 22 frets |
| Manufacturing | Japan |
| Price | $3,599 |
PRO-FT Filter’Tron Excellence
The 18-inch body’s acoustic presence demands excellent pickups. PRO-FT Filter’Trons deliver—these single-coils articulate with clarity while capturing that signature Gretsch sparkle. The tone from an 18-inch Falcon with PRO-FT pickups is legendary.
Bigsby B6GP Vibrato Magic
The B6GP is Bigsby’s premier system. The vibrato tracks reliably even with an 18-inch hollow body’s mass. The tactile response is immediate, the tuning stability exceptional. This is Bigsby vibrato at professional standard.
Japan Manufacturing Prestige
The Falcon is Japan-made, reflecting Gretsch’s highest manufacturing standards. Fit, finish, and hardware are immaculate. The tone wood is premium—this is the instrument that makes you proud to walk on stage.
Who Is It For?
Professional musicians, session players, jazz icons, and collectors who demand the best. The Falcon is the prestige hollow body—if you’re serious about hollow body tone and can manage feedback, this is it.
Comparison: Falcon vs. Tennessean vs. Nashville
Falcon 18-inch ($3,599) maximum presence and prestige; Nashville 17-inch ($2,699) professional character at lower price; Tennessean 16-inch ($2,499) feedback control. Choose Falcon for maximum tone and prestige; choose smaller sizes for gigging practicality.
Pricing
$3,599 MSRP is serious investment. Street prices range $3,239–$3,399, occasionally dropping to $3,200 during sales.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- 18-inch body delivers maximum hollow body presence
- Japan manufacturing superior fit and finish
- PRO-FT Filter’Trons professional-grade tone
- Bigsby B6GP reliable vibrato system
- Prestige and confidence on professional stages
- Tone incomparable to smaller hollow bodies
Cons:
For another take on the Gretsch formula, check out the Gretsch Professional Collection Tennessean.
- $3,599 serious investment
- 18-inch body feedback-prone in high-gain
- Large body less portable than semi-hollows
- Requires amp discipline in live settings
FAQ
Can you play hard rock with an 18-inch hollow body?
With discipline, yes. High-gain is problematic; medium gain and careful amp positioning work. The Falcon is a jazz and rockabilly instrument, not a hard rock tool.
For another take on the Gretsch formula, check out the Gretsch Professional Collection Nashville.
Is Bigsby B6GP worth the cost?
Yes. The B6GP is the professional Bigsby. It tracks tuning reliably and feels like magic. If you want Bigsby vibrato, this is the one to own.
For a competing option, the Epiphone 1962 ES-335 Reissue targets a similar player at a comparable price point.
How does this compare to vintage Falcons?
Modern Falcon matches vintage in quality and exceeds it in reliability. Modern pickups and hardware are superior; vintage has mystique. Buy modern for playing; buy vintage for collecting.
The Guild T-Bird ST is a strong alternative from a rival brand.
Bottom Line
The Gretsch Professional Falcon at $3,599 is the ultimate hollow body statement. 18 inches of Japanese engineering, Arc-Tone bracing, PRO-FT Filter’Trons, and Bigsby B6GP create an instrument of legendary tone. This is where professional prestige meets acoustic magic—the Falcon for players who demand the best.