Gretsch Falcon - any good?

[dealmaker]

Thinking of adding one to the collection (all the rest of which are solid bodies).

What are they like? Liked the look of them for a long time - but not easy to try one out round here.

[Asterix]

Played a white falcon - happened to be Billy Duffy's

Nice guitar - played it through a Matchless combo and the clarity of the clean tones were beautifull.

have to say though, that it's a big guitar, especialy the depth - I didn't mind playing with it sitting down but found it a little unweildy when standing.

I find a 335 far more comfortable although it's similar.

[Evangelion]

Gibson 335, 345 and 355 are semi-solid in that the centre section is a maple block and only the sides are hollow (Rickenbackers are the same). I believe the Gretsch is a true hollowbody like the Gibson 330 and Epiphone Casino. That's why it can only use a floating bridge rather than a stoptail.

[Meteor Madness]

I have a Silver Falcon, which is actually black with silver trimmings.
Many of their other guitars sound and feel very similar, just with different styling.
I'd suggest trying out any of the other Gretsch professional range (6120, 6118 etc), one of which you should be able to find in a decent guitar shop, just to see how they feel and sound.
My guitar has Filter'Tron pick-ups, some have Dynasonic single-coils, and some come with TV Jones custom pick-ups - try one with the same as the Falcon you fancy and that will give you a good idea of the sound.
The size and shape of it will take some getting used to if its your first semi. (that sounds a bit rude)