Why do Terada Falcons have 22 frets?

[ForTheLoveOfIvy]

Vintage 50's Falcons have 21 frets so it just struck me as interesting that Terada made Gretsch White Falcons have 22 frets. Particularly strange when Terada Country Clubs which are identical proportion and dimension wise (except for the headstock) have 21 frets. You'd think it would have been easier for them to make them with 21.

Just my random thought for the day.

 

[musicofanatic]

I wish they were (21 frets), then the pickups could be properly spaced

 

[Bertotti]

This is simple to answer, seriously, it’s like getting an amp that goes to 11, now your acoustic for to 22! What’s not to love!

 

[Bertotti]

I wish they were (21 frets), then the pickups could be properly spaced

Out of true curiosity how will that change the tone? I have not played one so I do not know what is to be gained by changing the pup spacing.

 

[JohnnyLaw]

Inflation?
Personally, I expect I’d find either tremendously amusing.

 

[6187LX]

Could be another way of differentiating vintage from modern. Lotsa fraudsters in the vintage guitar biz. Vintage Falcons (and most vintage Gretsches) will also have un-kerfed linings on the inside body. Modern Gretsches (x-cept Custom Shop '55 6120s and maybe other CS Gretsches) don't.

 

[Cryin_Caleb_Aaron]

Vintage Falcons (and most vintage Gretsches) will also have un-kerfed linings on the inside body. Modern Gretsches (x-cept Custom Shop '55 6120s and maybe other CS Gretsches) don't.

My 1995 6120 also lacks kerfing inside, but it’s nearly a 40 year old guitar. Not exactly modern. I’m not sure about other pre-FMIC models.

 

[Pete66]

I didn't notice that but, you're right. My Country Club has 21 frets and my Falcon has 22.

 

[BuddyHollywood]

+



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22. It's one more idnit.

 

[Bertotti]

View attachment 203415

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View attachment 203416

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22. It's one more idnit.

Exactly! I can’t believe I missed that connection.

 

[tartanphantom]

Some Terada CC's have 22 playing frets, and some have 21 playing frets plus the zero fret.

Mine (2011 6196T) falls into the latter category (w/ zero fret), but the one currently pictured on the Gretsch website has 22 frets.

It probably has something to do with the year they are trying to replicate. The current VS model is based off of a 1959 CC,

The modern Terada Dyna-equipped CC's (currently out of production) generally have 21 fret necks with no zero fret.

 

[BuddyHollywood]

Exactly! I can’t believe I missed that connection.

I was following your trail.

 

[Bertotti]

I was following your trail.

Nice back up!

 

[Henry]

Some Terada CC's have 22 playing frets, and some have 21 playing frets plus the zero fret.

Mine (2011 6196T) falls into the latter category (w/ zero fret), but the one currently pictured on the Gretsch website has 22 frets.

It probably has something to do with the year they are trying to replicate. The current VS model is based off of a 1959 CC,

The modern Terada Dyna-equipped CC's (currently out of production) generally have 21 fret necks with no zero fret.

That's kind of weird, is the neck joint placed differently or is there a difference at the headstock end to account for the zero fret.

I personally prefer 22 frets.

 

[ForTheLoveOfIvy]

Some Terada CC's have 22 playing frets, and some have 21 playing frets plus the zero fret.

Mine (2011 6196T) falls into the latter category (w/ zero fret), but the one currently pictured on the Gretsch website has 22 frets.

It probably has something to do with the year they are trying to replicate. The current VS model is based off of a 1959 CC,

The modern Terada Dyna-equipped CC's (currently out of production) generally have 21 fret necks with no zero fret.

Interesting. I've never seen modern CC's with 22 frets and the zero fret. Good to know.

 

[petit professeur]

This is simple to answer, seriously, it’s like getting an amp that goes to 11, now your acoustic for to 22! What’s not to love!

Ha ha that was the first thing to come in my mind

 

[ruger9]

Because more is more.

 

[Cryin_Caleb_Aaron]

I’ve never counted the frets on my 2004 Falcon. I think there’s about 90 of them.

 

[gretsch-to-go]

Bonus high notes for range are a good thing, when you need that higher high. 24 frets have 2 full octaves for any given string.

 

[afire]

Huh. I never would have noticed it. FWIW, Custom Shop Falcons have 21 frets.