@@TEDJTECH was about to comment this, love when artist legitimately use their signatures and find ways to make them better rather than just putting a name on the headstock.
I agree. I know that he was heavily involved and concerned about making sure it was a high quality final product. There are many artists that just slap their names on a signature series instrument and don’t care how it turns out. I’m sure these Fortus models must play like a dream after all of his input.Well done, Richard.
Wow too kewl! The jerks who delivered my fridge to my guitar/cat infested condo were jerks who got !ost and blamed me. I bet you saw some cats or dogs? They make us happy and humble.
Damn, these things look pretty damn perfect to me. Love that he's considered all the little things that I always end up changing on guitars. Strap button placement, not using locking tuners to accommodate bigger strings for down tuning, single volume knob, treble bleed on the volume knob. Good stuff.
If Aristides can weazle a .80 gauge string through a hipshot locking tuner, I guess the "no locking to accommodate thicker strings" argument is out of the window. 0.80. Not 0.08.
@@Guitarorpheo Definitely love locking tuners, but a lot of manufacturers commonly found on more vintage style guitars like Grovers for instance tend to max out around .056. Not saying there aren't locking tuners that can accommodate a larger string, just dig the classic tuner setup for this kind of guitar as opposed to something super modern like an Aristides.
I think most of young people are just intimidated by the classic beautiful look of an Gretsch Guitar that they never even play it, when they're in a guitar shop. To be honest, a Gretsch guitar blows everthing off whats on the market today quality wise, even the cheapest models are super good. And when you buy a semi hollow guitar you can use it EASILY without an amp and it sounds good!
I frickin LOVE the tortoiseshell pickguards & binding. The Falcon is the most iconic Gretsch of all time, so those simple details make Richard's signature models stand out from the other Falcons tastefully.
Tried the Bigsby version recently, clean through a Deluxe--what a fantastic instrument. Bravo Gretsch and Richard Fortus for this outstanding collaboration. 👍🏼🤘🏼🤙🏼
Richards work with Richard Butler in Love Spit Love is extraordinary. Really an amazing guitarist on those two albums. Very different from his Guns ‘n Roses work. I saw him live twice with that band and they all blew me away but Richard Fortus was like no other.
Probably the most thought out Gretsch for rather and lead by a seriously great and intelligent player. Think I am going to get one. I don't think you could go wrong with this one...or any guitar with his name on it.
A cogent discussion of the two best signature models currently available. Great - now I 'Need' another guitar.... Also I would love a few guitar lessons from this guy.
My Gretsch is a stock Country Gent with Filter 'Tron pickups. I've had it for 21 years and MAN, do I love it!!! I first played one like it when I was nine years old, and lusted after one all my life. My lovely wife bought me this one for Christmas 21 years ago and when I first played it, this guitar struck me as being even better than the first one I played so many years ago! And sure, I have modeling amps and solid state amps, but when you plug a Gretsch into TUBES, it just plain SINGS! There's something about the sound of the original Filter 'Tron design and REAL vacuum tubes which NOTHING SOLID STATE can match! I've thanked Fred Gretsch III for the build quality and playability of my 6122 many times over the 21 years I've owned this one (there's not a scratch on it, by the way), but I'll say it again: The only guy on this planet who loves a Gretsch Guitar more than I do is FRED!
Impressive, he has such a broad range of styles and techniques that he is very good at. I guess that's why Gretsch gave him two signature guitars. Each guitar model is unique with very well thought out features. The binding on the black one is a show stopper. It's very subtle but just beautiful to look at. I was surprised at how versatile his White Falcon is with the reverse treble bleed volume circuit.
Mr Fortus is such an underrated player and I think he is a great fit for GNR seen them twice with them and he fits in so amazingly well and this seems like a great signature guitar. I love my Slash Les Paul and I love my 335, as well. This seems like an amazing Semi-Hollow guitar
Trust me - it IT IS! NOBODY makes a semi-hollow like Gretsch. They have a few patented things they do inside the body for feedback suppression, and in the bargain, they turn both the top and back into sounding boards like no other guitar ever made. And I don’t think he’s actually measured the lower bout on his guitar. 335’s are 17”. These are 18”!.
I just got my first Gretsch in old age.Wanted one since 64 as my first teacher Doug Torres had one. Why did I wait so long? I found a Japanese 6120 looks new at 7 yrs old. Hes a great narrator and plsyer!
I just got one and it really floored me! (and my friends that have tried it) Lightweight, sustains for days, it's the most flawless guitar I've ever bought/owned and such a joy to play. I've been playing for over 25 years now and owned a lot of cool guitars, but there's just something about this one that puts it at no. 1 in my collection. So thanks to Gretsch and mr. Fortus for designing such a fantastic guitar.
@@robgrossi2368 Hi! I got the black one. I've owned the guitar for almost a year now and it just keeps getting better, amazing guitar! Easily my number one. Did a video with it a while back, check it out if you want to hear it in action. And if you have any questions etc., I'll gladly give my feedback. Cheers!
@@tomireunanen8033 thanks so much for the quick reply and for pointing me to your videos! 👏 Well, it sounds incredible on your post, both sonically (albeit through my phone), and by your tasteful playing. Great camera angles, btw, it really captures its shape as if the viewer was standing right there in the room. Considering that you have/had the two other Gretsches - on top of a pretty nice, varied assortment! -, I’m interested to hear what makes the RF stand out slightly above its cousins, assuming it does? One of the main things I’m curious about that he chose poly over nitro, could you weigh in on that? After spending some time with it now, is it something that you would personally change?
@@robgrossi2368 Thanks a lot for the kind words! Out of all the Gretsch's I've had (which have all been amazing), the Fortus Falcon seems to have more sustain, is a bit more comfortable since it's not as deep, the electronics are very well thought out. To me, they really hit a homerun in making a players guitar but with a timeless look. Also when comparing the Falcon to the hollow Gretsch's I've had (6120 and a 6196), I really like the control I get from the center-block, since the hollow ones could be a bit wild when using them on loud stages. The poly is still very thin, so you can see the grain of the wood and it rings out like a bell acoustically, so it has not bothered me at all. To be honest, I don't think I'd change anything, haha! I was very meticulous about the specs when I bought this one, it has all the things I was looking for. And the pickups are fantastic! My friend ended up selling his Goldtop Les Paul after we compared the two. Even with higher gain, the Falcon sounds tight, clear and huge. You can still get the classic Filtertron chime, but when needed, there's more oomph.
@tomireunanen8033 (I had written a response and it disappeared just now, somehow, after hitting a wrong key!) In any case, thanks for the feedback! Having real life time with it, especially on top of being a musician with experience, makes your take on it extremely valuable. as I mentioned, the only real pause I had was on the finish, especially knowing that the other high end Gretsch models featured nitro, so it's good to know that it's not even something to really factor in. Other than that, it truly looks like as close to a perfect guitar as I could hope to design myself, so I'm seriously considering it despite not being a performing guitarist. At first, I was leaning towards this black model for its feature set, and you've also confirmed that this is the way to go between the two. It was also interesting to know that the (humbucker?) Goldtop fell short of the Fortus in sounding "huge"... another real life "anecdote" I appreciate hearing. There is some truth, then, to what Richard is claiming about these pickups being able to fill both shoes!
@@joesasser4421 Why would you say that? There are several Gretsch's that have similar configurations, players editions, double cuts etc. I don't even like GnR, but this seems like a nice guitar, and Richard Fortus seems like a genuine person. Nothing compares to my 1 of 16 Left-handed Silver Falcon of course.
The tonal range is insane. I used to play a bunch of vintage Gretsch guitars and I’m happy to be back. Just got a 2010 White Falcon. Plays and sounds like a dream. Congratulations on the signature model!
CMIIW but isn't Richard has been together in Guns N' Roses for the longest time than their any other guitarists? I know, maybe for some people that doesn't really mean anything.. But still, such dedication deserve to be greatly appreciated in my opinion
It's a little tricky playing arch top hollow body guitars at elevated volumes. Feedback can be a problem. I have a poor man's Gretsch Nashville but I'd love to have a White Falcon. I've seen Richard play at a G n R show. We were right in front of the stage. Great show.
Such versatile, beautiful instruments. I understand why Gretsch didn’t mention it, but it would’ve been nice to show the amp & pedal he was using. Tone was spectacular.
A local boy finally getting his due!!! I'm from Southern Illinois, and I'm hoping to get one of these and I'll proudly rock out with it!!! Hoping to finally get that white falcon I've always wanted!!!
@robgrossi2368 not sure id go grey! but a nitro finnish would be awesome 😃. Not a huge fan of glossy guitars. Aged white nitro would be my ultimate. I guess i'll just have to get the white one & wait ⏰ 🤔🤣
@@eyesintheskies I’m wondering why he didn’t go with nitro on these, that’s the main hesitation on my end, tbh. At the price range and considering all of the other Gretsch signatures are, it’s kind of a bummer!
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
I can’t recall an artist so sincerely selling their signature model
Johnny Marr is also quite passionate with his signature Fender Jaguar
@@TEDJTECH was about to comment this, love when artist legitimately use their signatures and find ways to make them better rather than just putting a name on the headstock.
YNGWIE
I agree. I know that he was heavily involved and concerned about making sure it was a high quality final product. There are many artists that just slap their names on a signature series instrument and don’t care how it turns out. I’m sure these Fortus models must play like a dream after all of his input.Well done, Richard.
It's the same price as the other professional model center block Falcons. No huge markup.
Met this guy today, attempted to move a fridge into his house, regret getting a picture, but did get autograph and guitar picks, very humble guy 🖤
Wow too kewl!
The jerks who delivered my fridge to my guitar/cat infested condo were jerks who got !ost and blamed me. I bet you saw some cats or dogs? They make us happy and humble.
This man is 10 times more articulate about guitars than anyone on RUclips (with a few exceptions).
I frickin love Falcons
He is a real player, not just a bedroom wannabe. Great and clean sound! The only right choice to play in GnR.
First discovered this cat with my first GnR show maybe 4 years ago...3 hour set and I was like who the fuck is this guy and where did he come from?
His father was co-owner of St. Louis Music, an instrument manufacturer that built Alvarez guitars and Crate amps.
Damn, these things look pretty damn perfect to me. Love that he's considered all the little things that I always end up changing on guitars. Strap button placement, not using locking tuners to accommodate bigger strings for down tuning, single volume knob, treble bleed on the volume knob. Good stuff.
If Aristides can weazle a .80 gauge string through a hipshot locking tuner, I guess the "no locking to accommodate thicker strings" argument is out of the window.
0.80. Not 0.08.
@@Guitarorpheo Definitely love locking tuners, but a lot of manufacturers commonly found on more vintage style guitars like Grovers for instance tend to max out around .056. Not saying there aren't locking tuners that can accommodate a larger string, just dig the classic tuner setup for this kind of guitar as opposed to something super modern like an Aristides.
@@Guitarorpheo u lost us at weazle
Fortus is an amazing player
I think most of young people are just intimidated by the classic beautiful look of an Gretsch Guitar that they never even play it, when they're in a guitar shop. To be honest, a Gretsch guitar blows everthing off whats on the market today quality wise, even the cheapest models are super good. And when you buy a semi hollow guitar you can use it EASILY without an amp and it sounds good!
What a great player, humble person and as it seams nice guy
Such a great player, perfect blend of feel & chops. Always sounds killer too.
I frickin LOVE the tortoiseshell pickguards & binding. The Falcon is the most iconic Gretsch of all time, so those simple details make Richard's signature models stand out from the other Falcons tastefully.
10:30 What a great tone
Congrats, Richard.. delighted the sig model is out.. sounds beautiful..
Truly wonderful player and a genuine love and care about guitars, what a guy!!
just bought one yesterday. (white one). really like it. great pickups (in between filter and paf as he stated), great built quality and price point.
What a genuinely cool bloke. Great partnership designs
Tried the Bigsby version recently, clean through a Deluxe--what a fantastic instrument. Bravo Gretsch and Richard Fortus for this outstanding collaboration. 👍🏼🤘🏼🤙🏼
I don’t understand about guitars, but this guitar is the most beautifull guitar that i ever seen
Richards work with Richard Butler in Love Spit Love is extraordinary. Really an amazing guitarist on those two albums. Very different from his Guns ‘n Roses work. I saw him live twice with that band and they all blew me away but Richard Fortus was like no other.
Agreed… Love Spit Love is so criminally underrated
I could sit and talk for hours with Fortus. Guy is an absolute gem to be in GNR.
I love the sound of those pickups.
I'm saving for that white one! That's such a gorgeous axe!
Probably the most thought out Gretsch for rather and lead by a seriously great and intelligent player. Think I am going to get one. I don't think you could go wrong with this one...or any guitar with his name on it.
A cogent discussion of the two best signature models currently available. Great - now I 'Need' another guitar.... Also I would love a few guitar lessons from this guy.
Never knew him before but from this interview he seems a really nice guy to hang with! Great little touches on the guitars too!
I have a feeling that this guy is much better than the main guitarist from GnR.
I have two Gretschs, I'm buying my third now, and I am tracking down a 70's orange one. They are truly exceptional guitars.
My Gretsch is a stock Country Gent with Filter 'Tron pickups. I've had it for 21 years and MAN, do I love it!!! I first played one like it when I was nine years old, and lusted after one all my life. My lovely wife bought me this one for Christmas 21 years ago and when I first played it, this guitar struck me as being even better than the first one I played so many years ago! And sure, I have modeling amps and solid state amps, but when you plug a Gretsch into TUBES, it just plain SINGS! There's something about the sound of the original Filter 'Tron design and REAL vacuum tubes which NOTHING SOLID STATE can match! I've thanked Fred Gretsch III for the build quality and playability of my 6122 many times over the 21 years I've owned this one (there's not a scratch on it, by the way), but I'll say it again: The only guy on this planet who loves a Gretsch Guitar more than I do is FRED!
Great demonstration, great guitar and great player
Absolutely beautiful guitars. I intended to treat myself to a Les Paul for Christmas but after watching this, I think the Gretsch is more versatile.
That is one cool white Falcon!!! I love that he had them do 2 different scale lengths on these.
Richard sounds great, the Gretsch sounds great, and whatever reverb he's using also sounds fantastic.
Works of art, and a master's hands, bring much joy and beauty to this world.
Impressive, he has such a broad range of styles and techniques that he is very good at. I guess that's why Gretsch gave him two signature guitars. Each guitar model is unique with very well thought out features. The binding on the black one is a show stopper. It's very subtle but just beautiful to look at. I was surprised at how versatile his White Falcon is with the reverse treble bleed volume circuit.
Mr Fortus is such an underrated player and I think he is a great fit for GNR seen them twice with them and he fits in so amazingly well and this seems like a great signature guitar. I love my Slash Les Paul and I love my 335, as well. This seems like an amazing Semi-Hollow guitar
Trust me - it IT IS! NOBODY makes a semi-hollow like Gretsch. They have a few patented things they do inside the body for feedback suppression, and in the bargain, they turn both the top and back into sounding boards like no other guitar ever made. And I don’t think he’s actually measured the lower bout on his guitar. 335’s are 17”. These are 18”!.
In a parallel universe, Richard and Izzy Stradlin would be in a band together 💪
He’s a smart dude. Very well spoken.
Nice addition to the Gretsch artist catalog. Richard has a beautiful collection of guitars. It's good to see him get a signiture guitar.
The tortoiseshell binding is so cool! I really think it makes these guitars, plus they sound killer hahaha
Richard Fortus is a phenomenal player his work with The Dead Daisies was excellent
Great presentation by Richard about what makes this guitar spectacular. If I ever go Pro Series, his White Falcon will be it.
The guitar sounds amazing!
Richard Fortus is criminally underrated. Such a virtuoso.
Just got an amazing deal on one of these. Still in the process of shipping!
Retail or 2nd hand?
Stunning guitars! Congratulations on the signature 4tus Gretsch!
Is that even a Volume Knob? The functionality of it is INSANE.
I just got my first Gretsch in old age.Wanted one since 64 as my first teacher Doug Torres had one. Why did I wait so long?
I found a Japanese 6120 looks new at 7 yrs old.
Hes a great narrator and plsyer!
The real treat here is listening to Richard talk about guitars and what he likes about Gretsch.
This is great, he knows his stuff.
this guitar looks sooo beautiful I want one!!
The black one, FTW. x
Give me this in a Lefty and I’m in! Great guitar!
As a fan of Gretsch and Richard Fortus i can't be' happier!! Monster player fantastic guitar, keep uploading videos!
I concur with all of the other comments. I learned a lot from his commentary. Richard 's playing reminds me of Keith Richard.
I just got one and it really floored me! (and my friends that have tried it) Lightweight, sustains for days, it's the most flawless guitar I've ever bought/owned and such a joy to play. I've been playing for over 25 years now and owned a lot of cool guitars, but there's just something about this one that puts it at no. 1 in my collection. So thanks to Gretsch and mr. Fortus for designing such a fantastic guitar.
Which one did you get? The white and black are so different from one another, I’m having trouble deciding!
@@robgrossi2368 Hi! I got the black one. I've owned the guitar for almost a year now and it just keeps getting better, amazing guitar! Easily my number one.
Did a video with it a while back, check it out if you want to hear it in action.
And if you have any questions etc., I'll gladly give my feedback. Cheers!
@@tomireunanen8033 thanks so much for the quick reply and for pointing me to your videos! 👏 Well, it sounds incredible on your post, both sonically (albeit through my phone), and by your tasteful playing. Great camera angles, btw, it really captures its shape as if the viewer was standing right there in the room.
Considering that you have/had the two other Gretsches - on top of a pretty nice, varied assortment! -, I’m interested to hear what makes the RF stand out slightly above its cousins, assuming it does? One of the main things I’m curious about that he chose poly over nitro, could you weigh in on that? After spending some time with it now, is it something that you would personally change?
@@robgrossi2368 Thanks a lot for the kind words!
Out of all the Gretsch's I've had (which have all been amazing), the Fortus Falcon seems to have more sustain, is a bit more comfortable since it's not as deep, the electronics are very well thought out. To me, they really hit a homerun in making a players guitar but with a timeless look. Also when comparing the Falcon to the hollow Gretsch's I've had (6120 and a 6196), I really like the control I get from the center-block, since the hollow ones could be a bit wild when using them on loud stages.
The poly is still very thin, so you can see the grain of the wood and it rings out like a bell acoustically, so it has not bothered me at all.
To be honest, I don't think I'd change anything, haha! I was very meticulous about the specs when I bought this one, it has all the things I was looking for.
And the pickups are fantastic! My friend ended up selling his Goldtop Les Paul after we compared the two. Even with higher gain, the Falcon sounds tight, clear and huge. You can still get the classic Filtertron chime, but when needed, there's more oomph.
@tomireunanen8033 (I had written a response and it disappeared just now, somehow, after hitting a wrong key!)
In any case, thanks for the feedback! Having real life time with it, especially on top of being a musician with experience, makes your take on it extremely valuable. as I mentioned, the only real pause I had was on the finish, especially knowing that the other high end Gretsch models featured nitro, so it's good to know that it's not even something to really factor in. Other than that, it truly looks like as close to a perfect guitar as I could hope to design myself, so I'm seriously considering it despite not being a performing guitarist. At first, I was leaning towards this black model for its feature set, and you've also confirmed that this is the way to go between the two.
It was also interesting to know that the (humbucker?) Goldtop fell short of the Fortus in sounding "huge"... another real life "anecdote" I appreciate hearing. There is some truth, then, to what Richard is claiming about these pickups being able to fill both shoes!
Congratulations!Nothing sounds or looks as cool as a Grestch.
Too bad this isn’t one.
@@joesasser4421 Why would you say that?
There are several Gretsch's that have similar configurations, players editions, double cuts etc.
I don't even like GnR, but this seems like a nice guitar, and Richard Fortus seems like a genuine person.
Nothing compares to my 1 of 16 Left-handed Silver Falcon of course.
Both of those guitars are beautiful. The Tortoise binding on the black one really looks fantastic. Congratulations on the signature models!
🤠👍
I love richard fortus.he and slash are the perfect combonation for gnr
I love my Gretsch duo jet 6228 players edition it's in Cadillac green
The tonal range is insane. I used to play a bunch of vintage Gretsch guitars and I’m happy to be back. Just got a 2010 White Falcon. Plays and sounds like a dream. Congratulations on the signature model!
Joe Walsh too...Very cool Congrats.sure liking this especially the pick ups
Correction. Gretsch did make the g6139t-cb black and white single cut falcons. The petty one is a silver falcon with the G tailpiece.
Never cared much for black guitars, but this is an exception. LOVE the tortoise binding on both.
Classy instruments for a great player.✌️
CMIIW but isn't Richard has been together in Guns N' Roses for the longest time than their any other guitarists? I know, maybe for some people that doesn't really mean anything.. But still, such dedication deserve to be greatly appreciated in my opinion
Congratulations Izzy ….👍🏼
Absolutely great guitars!!
It's a little tricky playing arch top hollow body guitars at elevated volumes. Feedback can be a problem. I have a poor man's Gretsch Nashville but I'd love to have a White Falcon. I've seen Richard play at a G n R show. We were right in front of the stage. Great show.
Such versatile, beautiful instruments. I understand why Gretsch didn’t mention it, but it would’ve been nice to show the amp & pedal he was using. Tone was spectacular.
More than likely it is a Supro amp
@@Tremonti78 why?
@@Tremonti78 more likely it is a tweed with a klon type pedal
Pod 2.0
@@fernandobarahona9683 Thanks bub! I had a LINE 6 amp 20yrs ago, I wish I still had it. May be time for a Pod. Thanks again…
Sounds great Richard.
So would the pickups in these guitars “a classic Filterton sound with more midrange” basically be like a higher-end Broadtron?
Great to hear Humble Pie!
Stunning guitar & rundown!
A genius guitar construction formula!
I have a feeling he’s the kind of guy you could just sit down with and talk about gear for hours
A local boy finally getting his due!!! I'm from Southern Illinois, and I'm hoping to get one of these and I'll proudly rock out with it!!! Hoping to finally get that white falcon I've always wanted!!!
Luv my Gretsch !
Looks and sounds killer 🤘😎.
Love my Gretsch guitars, but definitely need this one.
Great demo ❤
Congrats Richard!
The black one cries for a G tailpiece to be perfect
They take mod effects so well
amazing guitar
Anyone else here caught in the black vs white conundrum!?
(Think I may have to let the bigsby decide for me!!!)
Yes! Seriously considering getting one but jumping between the two. Grrr.
@@robgrossi2368 frustrating huh!?
There both great...
If only they made a grey one 😂
@@eyesintheskies ooh! If only! A dark grey-somewhere-in-between model, with a nitro finish would be close to perfection! 😬
@robgrossi2368 not sure id go grey! but a nitro finnish would be awesome 😃. Not a huge fan of glossy guitars. Aged white nitro would be my ultimate. I guess i'll just have to get the white one & wait ⏰ 🤔🤣
@@eyesintheskies I’m wondering why he didn’t go with nitro on these, that’s the main hesitation on my end, tbh. At the price range and considering all of the other Gretsch signatures are, it’s kind of a bummer!
What's the signal chain at 7:37?????
Congrats Rich! Great guy and wonderfully thoughtful machines
COOL 😎 very good guitar player why we not heard more about him 😊
Have always wanted a Gretsch & this one’s looking 👌
As they say the devils in the details , lot of thoughts gone into this one ☝ nicely executed 🤛
Great guy, great guitar.
Nice ta moko on your arm bro. Really nice
Very cool indeed!
I need a falcon
Great video, Great Guitar! Love you Bro! Always have!
As far as design,the only other gretsch like the white one the i have seen was the single cut black falcon that Petty had on a few years ago.
Curious to know what rig he's playing through. Some nice tones there!
I’m waiting for the Fortus Streamliner
Love both models!
Such beauties!!!! And what a sound! Great player 😍
Anyone know the name of the rag type tune Richard plays around 15.45...it's pretty cool .. a cracking pair of Gretsch's BTW
Cannonball Rag. by Merle Travis,
Nice! Great tone, cheers
Very cool video!
Nothing like the sound of a Gretsch
what type of Gretsch is the white one in the video? It defintely doesn't look as a Falcon model