Gretsch Synchromatic Falcon Hollow Body Single-Cut with Bigsby, Black

Quick Product Summary

The Gretsch Synchromatic Falcon Hollow Body Single-Cut with Bigsby in Black brings one of Gretsch's most recognisable guitar designs into the Synchromatic Collection, combining unmistakable Falcon styling with a full-depth hollow body, ebony fingerboard, Hi-Fidelity Filter’Tron pickups and genuine Bigsby vibrato.

Its 2.5-inch-deep laminated maple body uses Gretsch Semi-Arc bracing, designed to balance the open resonance of a hollow-body guitar with increased definition, sustain and resistance to unwanted feedback. The result is a guitar capable of delivering sparkling cleans, articulate rhythm tones, rockabilly snap, bluesy breakup and surprisingly muscular rock sounds.

Two Hi-Fidelity Filter’Tron pickups provide the clear attack and focused humbucking character closely associated with Gretsch electric guitars, while individual pickup volumes, master tone and a treble-bleed-equipped master volume give you practical control on stage and in the studio.

Finished in gloss Black with gold sparkle binding, gold hardware, a gold Falcon pickguard and the distinctive Bigsby B60 V-Cutout vibrato, the Synchromatic Falcon delivers serious visual impact alongside a specification designed for working musicians.

At A Glance

Feature	Details
Brand	Gretsch
Model	Synchromatic Falcon Hollow Body Single-Cut with Bigsby
Model Number	2506530506
Series	Synchromatic Collection
Finish	Black
Condition	New
Body	2.5" deep laminated maple hollow body
Bracing	Semi-Arc
Pickups	2 x Hi-Fidelity Filter’Tron
Fingerboard	Ebony
Vibrato	Bigsby B60 V-Cutout
Main Appeal	Classic Falcon style with authentic hollow-body Gretsch character
Best For	Rockabilly, country, blues, rock, indie, pop and roots music

What's Included?

• Gretsch Synchromatic Falcon Hollow Body Single-Cut with Bigsby in Black

• Gretsch Deluxe Hardshell Case

• Factory-fitted .011–.049 nickel-plated steel strings

• Bigsby B60 V-Cutout vibrato system

Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

Every new guitar sold by Fair Deal Music is checked before leaving us so that obvious functional or setup issues can be identified before dispatch.

For the Synchromatic Falcon, our checks cover general playability, pickup operation, pickup switching, individual and master controls, output and the operation of the Bigsby vibrato system.

The guitar is also checked for appropriate basic setup and playing condition before leaving the shop.

As with any wooden instrument, setup can move slightly during transport because of changes in temperature and humidity. Minor adjustments after delivery can therefore sometimes be required as the guitar settles into its new environment.

Why Choose The Gretsch Synchromatic Falcon?

Iconic Falcon Style

Few electric guitars have the visual presence of a Gretsch Falcon. The Black finish is paired with extensive gold sparkle binding, gold hardware, a gold Falcon pickguard and classic Gretsch appointments to create a guitar that looks every bit as distinctive as its name suggests.

Full-Depth Hollow-Body Response

The 2.5-inch-deep laminated maple body gives the Synchromatic Falcon a lively, resonant response that feels noticeably different from a solid-body or centre-block guitar. Chords have plenty of air around them, while single notes retain the immediate attack needed for articulate rhythm and lead playing.

Semi-Arc Bracing

Gretsch's Semi-Arc bracing modifies the principles behind its traditional bracing designs to achieve a useful balance between resonance and control. For the player, that means plenty of hollow-body character without sacrificing the definition needed for amplified performance.

Hi-Fidelity Filter’Tron Pickups

The direct-mounted Hi-Fidelity Filter’Tron pickups use Alnico 5 magnets and are designed to deliver clarity, articulation and balance. They have the definition needed for clean picking and complex chords while responding beautifully when an amplifier begins to break up.

Treble-Bleed Master Volume

One of the most useful performance features is the master volume with treble-bleed circuit. Rolling the guitar down allows you to clean up your sound while retaining more top-end clarity, making the volume control genuinely useful for moving between rhythm and lead levels.

Genuine Bigsby B60 V-Cutout

The Bigsby B60 V-Cutout vibrato gives the Falcon its characteristic visual finish while providing smooth, subtle pitch movement for chords, single-note phrases and atmospheric textures.

Gretsch Synchromatic Falcon vs Popular Alternatives

Synchromatic Falcon vs Gretsch Electromatic Hollow Body

An Electromatic hollow-body is a strong option for players who want access to classic Gretsch construction and tone at a different point in the range. The Synchromatic Falcon steps things up with its Falcon-specific presentation, ebony fingerboard, Hi-Fidelity Filter’Trons, premium hardware appointments and included deluxe case.

Synchromatic Falcon vs Gretsch Professional Collection Falcon

The Professional Collection Falcon remains the choice for players seeking Gretsch's higher-end USA-designed flagship specification and premium construction details. The Synchromatic model is better suited to guitarists who want the visual identity, full-depth format and fundamental playing experience of a Falcon at a more accessible level.

Synchromatic Falcon vs Gretsch Synchromatic Nashville

Both sit within the Synchromatic family and share a focus on upgraded materials and authentic Gretsch character. The Falcon is the natural choice if you want the larger-than-life aesthetic, single-cut hollow-body format and distinctive Falcon detailing.

Synchromatic Falcon vs Centre Block Gretsch Models

A centre-block model is generally the better option if your playing revolves around heavier gain, louder stages and maximum feedback resistance. Choose the Synchromatic Falcon if the lively response, acoustic interaction and open character of a true hollow-body guitar are central to what you want.

Who Is The Gretsch Synchromatic Falcon For?

The Synchromatic Falcon is designed for players who want a genuine full-size hollow-body experience rather than simply a guitar that looks vintage-inspired.

It is particularly well suited to:

• Gretsch players looking to move into a Falcon

• Rockabilly and rock 'n' roll guitarists

• Country and roots players

• Blues guitarists wanting an articulate hollow-body sound

• Indie and alternative musicians

• Singer-songwriters

• Players who use Bigsby vibrato as part of their technique

• Guitarists wanting strong stage presence

• Studio players looking for a contrasting voice to conventional solid-body guitars

• Players who value an ebony fingerboard and premium hardware appointments

Playing Styles & Applications

The Synchromatic Falcon excels at the styles most closely associated with a responsive hollow-body electric guitar, but it is far from restricted to vintage music.

For rockabilly and early rock 'n' roll, the combination of Filter’Tron pickups, maple construction and Bigsby vibrato provides the attack, definition and expressive movement that suits fast rhythm work and melodic lead playing.

Country players can use the bridge pickup for articulate picking and chord work, while the neck pickup provides a warmer alternative for smoother passages.

In blues and classic rock, adding moderate amplifier gain brings out a thicker side of the Filter’Trons while retaining greater note separation than many traditional full-size humbuckers.

Indie, alternative and ambient players can take advantage of the Bigsby alongside reverb, delay and modulation effects, turning the Falcon into an excellent platform for atmospheric chords and layered textures.

What Makes A Gretsch Filter’Tron Pickup Different?

A Filter’Tron is a humbucking pickup, but its character differs considerably from the fuller, more mid-heavy sound traditionally associated with many conventional dual-coil pickups.

Gretsch Hi-Fidelity Filter’Trons are designed around clarity, articulation and balance. This makes them particularly effective when playing detailed chords, rhythmic picking or effects-heavy parts where retaining definition is important. Add overdrive and they can still produce substantial weight, but without immediately losing the attack that gives a Gretsch its distinctive response.

Looking for advice on choosing the right Gretsch hollow-body guitar, Falcon model, amplifier or effects setup? Our experienced team of musicians can help by phone, online or in-store.

Story & Context

The Gretsch Falcon occupies a special position in electric-guitar history. Originally created during the 1950s as a highly appointed showcase instrument, the Falcon became known for its oversized hollow-body construction, elaborate binding, premium hardware and unmistakable visual identity.

Over the decades, the Falcon developed into one of the guitars most strongly associated with the Gretsch name. Its appeal has never been purely cosmetic: the large hollow body, Filter’Tron-style electronics and Bigsby vibrato combine to give the instrument a playing experience quite different from conventional solid-body electrics.

The modern Synchromatic Falcon brings that heritage into the Synchromatic Collection with contemporary construction choices including Semi-Arc bracing, Hi-Fidelity Filter’Tron pickups and a 12-inch-radius ebony fingerboard.

For players who have always wanted the unmistakable presence of a Black Falcon but also need an instrument designed for regular playing, recording and live use, the Synchromatic version represents a particularly interesting addition to the Gretsch range.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Model	Synchromatic Falcon Hollow Body Single-Cut with Bigsby
Model Number	2506530506
Series	Synchromatic Collection
Family	Falcon
Orientation	Right-handed
Number of Strings	6
Colour	Black
Body Build	Hollow body
Cutaway	Single cutaway
Body Finish	Gloss
Body Material	Laminated maple
Body Top	Arched laminated maple
Body Back	Arched laminated maple
Body Depth	2.5" / 63.5 mm
Bracing	Semi-Arc
Body Binding	Gold Sparkle with B/W/B purfling
Neck Material	Maple
Neck Construction	Set neck
Neck Finish	Gloss
Neck Profile	Classic “C”
Neck Binding	Gold Sparkle with W/B purfling
Scale Length	25.5" / 648 mm
Fingerboard	Ebony
Fingerboard Radius	12" / 305 mm
Number of Frets	22
Fret Size	Medium Jumbo
Nut Material	Genuine bone
Nut Width	1.6875" / 42.86 mm
Position Inlays	Pearloid Neo-Classic Thumbnail
Bridge Pickup	Hi-Fidelity Filter’Tron
Neck Pickup	Hi-Fidelity Filter’Tron
Pickup Configuration	Filter’Tron / Filter’Tron
Controls	Neck Pickup Volume, Bridge Pickup Volume, Master Volume, Master Tone
Master Volume	Treble-bleed circuit
Pickup Selector	3-position toggle
Bridge	Adjusto-Matic
Bridge Base	Secured ebony base
Tailpiece	Bigsby B60 V-Cutout
Tuning Machines	Grover Super Rotomatic
Hardware Finish	Gold
Control Knobs	Jeweled G-Arrow
Pickguard	Gold Plexi with Gretsch logo and Falcon graphic
Switch Tip	Gold
Strap Buttons	Gretsch knurled strap retainer knobs
Factory Strings	Nickel-plated steel .011–.049
Case	Deluxe hardshell case included

Specification Note

Individual guitar weight can vary naturally between examples. If the exact weight of the guitar is important to you, contact our team and we can advise on the specific instrument available.

Compatibility & Recommended Pairings

The Synchromatic Falcon is an excellent platform for both straightforward amp setups and larger pedalboards.

It pairs particularly well with:

• Clean and edge-of-breakup valve-style amplifiers

• Tape-style echo and delay

• Spring-style reverb

• Tremolo effects

• Low-to-medium gain overdrive

• Compressor pedals for country and clean picking

• Fuzz for more alternative applications

• Quality instrument cables

• Pedal or clip-on tuners

The included deluxe hardshell case makes the package particularly attractive for musicians who need suitable protection for transport and storage from day one.

Power Requirements

The Hi-Fidelity Filter’Tron pickups are passive, so the Gretsch Synchromatic Falcon requires no battery or external power supply.

Connect the guitar to a suitable guitar amplifier, pedalboard, modeller or audio interface using a standard ¼-inch instrument cable.

Fair Deal Music Expert Verdict

★★★★★ 5/5

The Gretsch Synchromatic Falcon Hollow Body in Black is a seriously appealing proposition for anyone who has always wanted the unmistakable Falcon experience but wants a model positioned below the flagship Professional Collection.

It gets the important ingredients right: a proper 2.5-inch-deep hollow maple body, responsive bracing, ebony fingerboard, Hi-Fidelity Filter’Tron pickups and a genuine Bigsby B60. Add the Black and gold Falcon presentation and it has enormous visual presence without relying on looks alone.

The included deluxe hardshell case adds further value and makes this feel like a complete premium guitar package.

Best suited for: Players wanting full-size Gretsch hollow-body character, classic Falcon styling and Bigsby expression without moving directly into Professional Collection territory.

Customers usually upgrade from: Streamliner or Electromatic hollow-body guitars, entry-level archtops or conventional solid-body electrics.

Most commonly paired with: A clean or lightly driven amplifier, reverb, delay and low-gain overdrive.

Our tip: Explore the master volume rather than leaving it permanently wide open. The treble-bleed circuit makes it particularly effective for cleaning up an overdriven amp while retaining clarity.

Showroom feedback: The Synchromatic Falcon feels like much more than a cosmetic exercise. Its full-depth hollow body, ebony board and Hi-Fidelity Filter’Trons give it the response and personality players expect when moving towards the Falcon family.

Want a closer look before ordering? Ask our team about a video demonstration and we'll be happy to help where possible.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

Based in Birmingham, our experienced team includes musicians who understand the equipment we sell and can offer practical advice whether you're choosing your first Gretsch, moving up from another hollow-body guitar or finally adding a Falcon to your collection.

Buying from Fair Deal Music gives you:

• Expert advice from knowledgeable musicians

• Carefully checked new and pre-owned musical equipment

• A large Birmingham showroom

• Friendly support before and after your purchase

• Secure online ordering

• UK delivery options

• Decades of experience supplying musicians

• Help choosing suitable amplifiers, effects and accessories

• New and pre-owned buying expertise

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Thinking about upgrading? Your next piece of gear could cost less than you think.

We're always happy to consider part exchanges and trade-ins on a wide range of musical instruments and equipment. Whether you're looking to upgrade your guitar, keyboard, amplifier, drum kit or studio gear, your existing equipment could help reduce the cost of your next purchase.

Simply get in touch with our team for a no-obligation valuation, and we'll be happy to discuss the options available.

It's an easy way to unlock the value of the gear you no longer use while making your next instrument even more affordable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Synchromatic Falcon a fully hollow guitar?

Yes. It is a genuine hollow-body electric rather than a centre-block semi-hollow. This contributes to its lively, resonant response and gives it a distinctly different playing experience from solid-body and centre-block Gretsch models.

How well does the Synchromatic Falcon handle overdrive?

It works extremely well with clean through to moderate overdrive. Because it is fully hollow, very high gain and extreme stage volume can encourage feedback more readily than a centre-block or solid-body guitar, but many players also use controlled feedback creatively.

What is Semi-Arc bracing?

Semi-Arc bracing is Gretsch's approach to balancing hollow-body resonance with additional control and sustain. It helps the guitar retain the open character expected from a large hollow body while providing a more focused amplified response.

Are Hi-Fidelity Filter’Tron pickups humbuckers?

Yes. Filter’Trons are humbucking pickups, but they are voiced differently from many conventional humbuckers. They are particularly known for clarity, articulation and a focused attack rather than an especially thick or heavily compressed sound.

Is the 25.5-inch scale longer than most Gretsch hollow-body guitars?

The 25.5-inch scale gives the Synchromatic Falcon a relatively articulate, firm response. Players moving from shorter-scale instruments may notice slightly more string tension when comparing the same tuning and string gauge.

What does the treble-bleed master volume do?

The treble-bleed circuit helps retain high-frequency clarity as you turn down the master volume. This makes it easier to reduce level or clean up an overdriven amplifier without the guitar becoming excessively dark.

Is a Bigsby suitable for dramatic dive bombs?

No. The Bigsby B60 is designed primarily for smooth, subtle vibrato rather than extreme pitch changes. It is ideal for gentle chord movement, rockabilly-style phrasing, expressive lead playing and atmospheric textures.

What styles of music suit the Synchromatic Falcon?

Rockabilly, rock 'n' roll, country, roots, blues, indie, pop, alternative and classic rock are all natural applications. Its clear pickups and responsive hollow body also make it an interesting studio instrument for players working across several genres.

What string gauge does Gretsch fit from the factory?

The factory specification is .011–.049 nickel-plated steel strings. Moving significantly lighter or heavier may require setup adjustments for optimum action, neck relief, intonation and Bigsby performance.

Final Word

The Gretsch Synchromatic Falcon Hollow Body Single-Cut with Bigsby in Black captures the qualities that make the Falcon such an aspirational instrument: imposing hollow-body construction, unmistakable Black and gold styling, articulate Filter’Tron tone and expressive Bigsby vibrato.

What makes this model particularly compelling is that those visual details are backed up by a genuinely strong working specification. The ebony fingerboard, Semi-Arc bracing, Hi-Fidelity Filter’Tron pickups, Grover tuners and included deluxe hardshell case make it a serious guitar for gigging, recording and long-term ownership.

If you've been looking for a full-size Gretsch hollow body with unmistakable Falcon presence, the Synchromatic Falcon deserves to be high on the shortlist.

For advice on choosing between the Synchromatic Falcon and other Gretsch hollow-body models, speak to the Fair Deal Music team online, by phone or visit our Birmingham showroom.