Thread: Need Suggestions on new Hollow Body Electric Guitar!

Ohh, I didn't know that Eastman was made in China--they are very misleading on their website!!! They say handmade in house, on the model I like, which is about $2600, and I assumed they meant here in the US.

That is good to know...beautiful guitars, but I never buy Chinese built anything.

I want the Gretsch Falcon, as mentioned, and the price is fine with me, but are the Japanese ones really well made like I hear they are (like the old ones are)?? I heard the overall quality was rather similar with the reissues, especially with regard to the use of fine woods, hardware, workmanship, etc.
I am just not that familiar with Gretsch, other than I have always loved the look and sound of their guitars--just never owned one. I own about 30 or so guitars, give or take a couple, and believe it or not this will be only my second hollow body electric, and my first really nice one.

Thanks for everybody's responses! Keep em coming and I will let you know what I go with!

I really like the black color Falcon, but the signature color is white, of course, so I'm obviously leaning towards that classic color!

You may find a better answer over at Guitarnoise.com as I am sure there are a few more people over there that have had their hands on that model. I primarily play acoustic ( and I still suck but not practicing regularly will do that ).

I love the Gretsch Faclon, it's my favorite hollow body guitars so far next to one other a buddy of mine has that can't be beat. In my opinion the guitar is awesome, the color in white is my favorite. I used to like everything black when I was younger (still am young at only 23) but I love this guitar in white!

I'd say play a Gretsch on the amp you will be running it through and spend some time with it at a local shop for over an hour. Decide after that. If you do not like it you can easily re-sell it.

Too many to choose from. If possible, why not build your own, buy the body and neck, then spec out your components to your tastes and assemble it.

There's no feeling like making your own guitar and playing it.

Pabster

I found a 1958 Gretsch White Falcon Pro Series Stills Reissue, which is the top of the line Gretsch, with the upgraded Filtertron pickups, gold bindings, rhinestone and pearl inlays, Bigsby Tremolo, over-sized F holes, etc, etc! It is truly incredible--I must have played nearly 40 guitars, and this one stole my heart instantly. I sat there playing it for over an hour, then they were kind enough to cut me an absolutely wicked deal! I couldn't believe it! Plus, this limited edition model, which is no longer in production, will certainly go up in value with every passing year--even more so than the other Pro model Falcons!

Thank you for the suggestions, everybody! I'm glad I found such a beautiful and enchanting sounding semi hollow! I mean, how could Chuck Berry and all the greats be wrong?? LOL. Not including his personal proclivities though...haha!!! I have a show tonite in my hometown of Nashville, and this will be my first live show with the new Falcon! I set it up with full flat wound 12's, fast action, and it's just simply the money, baby! Cheers my Friends, and thanks again!

I have built several guitars, but that is why I was trying to find the perfect classic semi hollow that would be to my specs as closely as possible! This 58 Falcon is just perfect... Thanks!

Originally Posted by Pabster

Too many to choose from. If possible, why not build your own, buy the body and neck, then spec out your components to your tastes and assemble it.

There's no feeling like making your own guitar and playing it.

Pabster

Played my new 58 Falcon last nite downtown here in Nashville for the first time, and it was positively sublime! The Gretsch Falcon "Pro Limited" plays like a dream and is very comfortable to stand with for hours on stage! It sounded simply amazing live, especially through a couple of my favorite vintage amps!

Thank you to everybody who posted up on here, it is greatly appreciated!