1954 Gretsch Electromatic II / White Flacon Conversion White, Very Good, Hard, $7,500.00

his amazing full body electric archtop started its life as an Electromatic II, the guitars that later evolved into the Country Club in 1954. These were Gretsch’s top of the line Jazz models, meant to compete with the Gibson L-5s and the D’Angelico Excels of the day! In the early/mid 1980s, with the rising cost and rarity of the ‘50s White Falcons, some hoodwinkers started converting other Gretsch models into Falcons. It was an ingenious way to get the best of both worlds and this particular one is a great example of that! The laminated spruce top was prevalent on the Electro IIs and Country Clubs but not the Falcons. It gives this guitar a sweet zing and sustain without the overwhelming brightness of many of the maple-toped longer scale Gretschs. The neck scale is 25.5” and measures 1 11/16^th” at the nut. The body is a comfortable 17” across by 3.5” wide. The faded, near-yellowed white finish and the gold flake trim give it an authentic vintage look. There are a few separation spots in the gold trim binding. It features an original Melita bridge, retro G arrow tailpiece, and original Dearmond pickups. The neck has a good positive angle and there’s plenty of height at the bridge for lateral adjustment. There is some white touch up paint by the underside where the neck meets the body. There is also a slight bit of separation at the neck joint as well as a hole where the upper strap button had been at one point. The guitar has received a re-fret at one point. The paper label has worn off and is now unreadable. It has the Electro II block inlays and solid frets. The Grover Imperials, jeweled arrow knobs, and old repro pick guard make this stand out from all the other common birds out there! In the 30 years since its move to the big time this one has aged just right… if you want the true look and feel of an original early Falcon at 1/3 of the price then this is the guitar for you! Comes with hardshell case.