Perhaps Gretsch's single most famous guitar, the White Falcon was designed a showpiece and not initially intended for commercial production. Following a showing at the 1954 NAMM show, interest was so piqued that Gretsch entered the model into regular production in 1955. The guitar was conceived as the absolute top of the line; the Cadillac of archtops. With a large 17-inch body and 25 1/2-inch scale length, this Gretsch came replete with all the highest end cosmetic appointments including four-ply binding and a generous helping of gold-plated hardware and detailing. The design started to change in 1957 when the block fretboard inlays were replaced with humptop inlays.