In celebration of The Cult’s monumental 40th Anniversary, Gretsch is proud to announce a special collaboration with guitarist Billy Duffy, unveiling the Limited Edition G8424T Billy Duffy Signature Falcon. This unique guitar marks the 40-year journey of Billy’s playing which has continuously evolved while maintaining his signature sound. Emerging from England’s early 80s post-punk scene, The Cult debuted in 1984 with a powerful blend of psychedelia, goth, and hard rock, driven by the riffs of guitarist Billy Duffy. As they celebrate this incredible milestone, dubbed “8424” (with “84” denoting their debut year and “24” marking their 40th Anniversary), The Cult continues to electrify audiences worldwide with their legendary live performances.
Throughout his career, Duffy has used the White Falcon as his primary instrument, and its presence on stage has become synonymous with The Cult’s powerful performances, further cementing its status as a legendary icon in the world of music.
“The Gretsch allowed me to create, what I think is the most important thing for any guitar player, and that is to find your own sound and your style. That’s what playing a guitar with this certain set of attributes did for me,” Duffy says.
The Limited Edition G8424TG Billy Duffy Signature Falcon features an array of premium specifications tailored to meet the needs of musicians and collectors alike. Each guitar is individually hand-signed by Billy Duffy, adorned with a commemorative “8424” metal truss rod cover, and comes with a premium Gretsch® Billy Duffy hardshell case along with exclusive case candy items. It boasts a 17”-wide, 2.75”-deep maple body with parallel tone bars that provide rich resonance, while the standard “U”-shaped maple neck with a 25.5” scale length ensures comfort and playability. The guitar also includes a 12”-radius ebony fingerboard with 22 vintage small frets and pearloid wide block inlays for both style and functionality. Equipped with custom-wound Black TopTM Filter’TronTM humbucking pickups, the guitar delivers the signature sound that fans have come to love. Additionally, it features a Bigsby® B6GW vibrato tailpiece for expressive pitch modulation. Visually stunning, the G8424TG is available in Vintage White with gold sparkle binding and gold hardware
In an exclusive demo video, Billy Duffy reflects on his enduring relationship with Gretsch Guitars, highlighting how the White Falcon has been instrumental in shaping his iconic sound. This intimate look into Duffy’s history with Gretsch invites fans to appreciate the deep connection between the artist and his beloved Falcon, celebrating the powerful role it has played in his musical legacy. Duffy expresses his desire to turn people on to the possibilities of music, emphasizing that Gretsch makes it possible for musicians to find their own unique sound and style.
Fans can learn more about the Gretsch G8424T Billy Duffy Signature Falcon LTD Hollow Body at www.GretschGuitars.com. High-resolution artist photos and images of the G8424T Billy Duffy Signature Falcon LTD Hollow Body can be found HERE.
For technical specs, additional information on new Gretsch products and to find a retail partner near you, visit www.gretschguitars.com. Join the conversation on social media by following @OfficialGretsch on Instagram and @GretschGuitars on YouTube.
G8424T Billy Duffy Signature Falcon LTD Hollow Body ($4,499.99 USD, £4,349.00 GBP, €4,999.00 EUR, $7,899.00 AUD, ¥500,000 JPY) The launch of the Limited Edition 8424 Billy Duffy Signature Gretsch Falcon marks a monumental celebration of The Cult’s 40th Anniversary. This exclusive guitar, hand-signed by Billy Duffy, pays tribute to his long-standing relationship with Gretsch and his passion for the iconic White Falcon. This limited edition guitar promises to be a cherished piece of rock history, embodying the spirit of The Cult’s influential music and Duffy’s artistic journey.
ABOUT GRETSCH
Since 1883, Gretsch® guitars have been the guitar of choice for musical revolutionaries due to the rich, full sound, smooth playability, and boldly classic visual style it offers. From modern versions of legendary Gretsch® instruments to artist tribute models, Grestch’s emphasis on hand-craftsmanship and commitment to quality has pioneered new designs and manufacturing techniques, winning endorsements from some of the music industry’s most respected artists and creating what is known among performers as “The Great Gretsch Sound!TM” Throughout the 20th century, Gretsch® guitars were seen and heard on the biggest stages in rock ‘n’ roll and played by some of the most iconic guitarists in music history, from Chet Akins and George Harrison to Bo Diddley and Malcolm Young. Today Gretsch is a licensed brand under Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) and together, they’ve expanded the Gretsch footprint across musical genres, sprawling demographics and diverse geography while maintaining its unique sound, distinctive style and authentic legacy. For more information, visit www.gretschguitars.com. Join the conversation on social media by following @OfficialGretsch on Instagram and @GretschGuitars on YouTube.