Gretsch '59 Quilt Classic Falcon in Forge Glow

The G6136TGQM-59 pairs a stunning nitrocellulose Forge Glow finish with highly figured quilt maple and TV Jones Ray Butts Ful-Fidelity pickups.

The Gretsch Falcon has always been a statement piece, but the newly announced G6136TGQM-59 Limited Edition Quilt Classic Falcon takes that iconic vintage DNA and elevates it with some serious boutique-level appointments. If you've been waiting for a hollow body that pairs period-correct 1959 specs with premium tonewoods and electronics, this rare bird is well worth your attention.

Highly Figured Quilt Maple & '59 Trestle Bracing

At the core of this limited-edition model is a 2.75-inch-deep single-cutaway body constructed from highly figured laminated quilt maple. Gretsch has finished the top, back, and sides in a rich, vibrant Forge Glow gloss nitrocellulose lacquer. Nitro finishes age beautifully over time, but more importantly, they let the wood breathe (a fancy way of saying the finish is thin; wood doesn't actually breathe), yielding more open acoustic resonance and natural sustain than thicker modern finishes.

Inside, the body features the highly desired 1959 trestle bracing, which helps tame feedback at higher stage volumes while keeping the top rigid enough to deliver that signature Gretsch snap and immediate attack.

TV Jones Ray Butts Ful-Fidelity Pickups

Any great vintage-inspired Gretsch needs the right engine, and this model comes loaded with a pair of gold TV Jones Ray Butts Ful-Fidelity Filter'Tron pickups. Built to the exact personal notes of the legendary Ray Butts, these unpotted pickups deliver a tighter bass response and slightly more top-end sparkle than standard Filter'Trons.

The lack of wax potting gives them a wonderfully open, three-dimensional character with exceptional touch dynamics—perfect for pristine stereo delay cleans or for pushing the front end of your favorite fuzz and overdrive pedals. The control layout remains classic Gretsch: individual neck and bridge volume controls, a master volume, a 3-position toggle switch, and a 3-position tone switch for quick tonal shaping.

Premium Hardware and Playability

The standard "U" shaped maple set-neck is topped with a 12-inch radius ebony fingerboard, featuring 22 medium jumbo frets and iconic Mother of Pearl Neo-Classic thumbnail inlays.

To ensure tuning stability and smooth vibrato action, Gretsch has outfitted this Falcon with top-tier gold hardware:

• Bigsby B6GVT Vibrato Tailpiece: For that essential shimmer and pitch modulation.
• Space Control Bridge: Mounted on a pinned ebony base for exact intonation across all strings.
• Bone Nut: Enhancing harmonic richness, sustain, and tuning stability.
• Grover Imperial Tuners: Classic Deco styling with rock-solid performance.

Naturally, the guitar is finished with a gold plexi pickguard featuring the classic Falcon graphic and jeweled G-arrow control knobs.

Key Specifications

Our Thoughts

Clocking in at an eye-watering $4,399.99, the Quilt Classic Falcon isn't exactly entry-level gear—it’s roughly the price of a decent used car or a few months of severe financial self-reflection.

But between the blinding gold hardware, jeweled knobs, and flame-licked Forge Glow quilt maple, subtlety was never on the setlist anyway. If your bank account can survive the hit, you can at least take comfort in knowing you'll comfortably outshine everyone else on stage—quite literally, if the stage lights hit you right.

Pricing and Availability

The Gretsch G6136TGQM-59 Limited Edition Quilt Classic Falcon commands an estimated U.S. street price of $4,399.99. It ships with a premium G6242L Gretsch 17-inch Deluxe Hollow Body Hardshell case.

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