The charismatic lead singer of U2, Bono has been a force in the music industry since the late 1970s. Known for his powerful vocals, thought-provoking lyrics, and larger-than-life stage presence, Bono is not just a musician; he’s a global icon.
While Bono is primarily known as a singer rather than a guitarist, his collaboration with Gretsch, resulting in the G6136I Bono Falcon, is something that needs to be talked about. It’s a guitar that brings together the design aesthetics of Gretsch with the unique flair of Bono.
But before we get into the details of this guitar, let’s delve a bit into the life of the man who inspired it.
Table of Contents
Who Is Bono?
Paul David Hewson was born on May 10, 1960 in Dublin, Ireland. He attended Mount Temple Comprehensive School, where he formed a band with schoolmates called Feedback, which later evolved into U2.
With hits like “With or Without You,” “Sunday Bloody Sunday,” and “Where the Streets Have No Name,” U2 quickly rose to international fame, becoming one of the best-selling music artists in history.
Bono soon established himself as the band’s passionate frontman, thanks to his expressive vocal style and songwriting. His lyrics often incorporate social and political themes, as well as religious imagery. In the early years, Bono’s lyrics contributed to the band’s rebellious and spiritual tone. As the band matured, his lyrics became more inspired by the personal experiences he shared with the other members.
As a member of U2, Bono has won 22 Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Outside of the band, he has recorded with many artists. He has collaborated with U2 bandmate The Edge on several projects, including: songs for Roy Orbison, Tina Turner, and Martin Garrix; and the soundtracks for the musical Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark and the London stage adaptation of A Clockwork Orange.
In addition to his music, Bono is an activist for social justice. He is particularly active in campaigns to combat extreme poverty and HIV/AIDS in Africa, for which he co-founded DATA, EDUN, the ONE Campaign, and Product Red. In pursuit of these causes, he has performed at benefit concerts and lobbied politicians and heads of state for aid.
Bono has received awards for his philanthropic efforts. In 2005, Bono was named one of Time Persons of the Year. In 2007, Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom awarded him an honorary knighthood for “his services to the music industry and for his humanitarian work.” In 2013, he was made a Commandeur of the French Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.
Gretsch G6136I Bono Falcon
Bono and Gretsch collaborated on this version of the iconic Gretsch guitar known as the Irish Falcon.
This guitar was used extensively on U2’s 2005 Vertigo tour. The G6136I has classic Gretsch Falcon features including a curved laminated maple body with multiple gold glitter bindings, a two-piece maple neck with an ebony fingerboard, High Sensitive Filter’Tron pickups, a Gretsch Cadillac “G” tailpiece, and a high-gloss Evergreen finish.
Design
At first glance, the Gretsch G6136I Bono Falcon is a stunner. Finished in a striking green, it’s a nod to Bono’s Irish heritage. The gold hardware, including the pickguard adorned with a phoenix emblem, gives the guitar a regal, majestic look.
Other features include mother-of-pearl inlays with Bono’s signature etched at the 12th fret, a gold plexiglass pickguard with “The Goal Is Soul” graphics, an ebony Space Control bridge, Grover Imperial tuners, a gold glitter fingerboard and headstock, and jeweled knobs.
Sound and Playability
It’s equipped with dual High Sensitive Filter’Tron pickups, which provide that signature Gretsch sound – clear, dynamic, and with a touch of growl when you need it.
The guitar boasts a standard U-shaped neck, making it comfortable for prolonged playing. Whether you’re playing rhythm or diving into a solo, the Bono Falcon responds beautifully.
A Guitar with a Cause
One of the standout features of the Gretsch G6136I Bono Falcon is its association with a cause. A portion of the sales of this guitar goes to RED, an organization co-founded by Bono to help fight AIDS in Africa. It’s not just about making music; it’s about making a difference.
For any U2 fan, this guitar is a must-have, not just because it’s associated with Bono, but because it’s a fantastic instrument in its own right.
Specification Table
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| General | |
| Brand: | Gretsch |
| Configuration: | HH |
| Strings: | 6 |
| Made in: | Japan |
| Series: | Professional Collection |
| Colors: | Green |
| Left-Handed Version: | No |
| Body | |
| Top: | Arched Laminated Maple |
| Type: | Hollowbody |
| Body Material: | Laminated Maple |
| Bridge: | Gretsch G Cadillac Tailpiece |
| Neck | |
| Neck Joint: | Set |
| Tuners: | Grover Imperial Die-Cast |
| Fretboard: | Ebony |
| Neck Material: | Maple |
| Decoration: | Mother of Pearl Humpblock with Feather Engraving |
| Scale Size: | 25.5″ |
| Shape: | Bono Falcon |
| Frets: | 22 Medium Jumbo |
| Fretboard Radius: | 12″ |
| Nut: | Synthetic Bone |
| Nut Width: | 42.9mm (1.688”) |
| Electronics | |
| Switch: | 3 Way |
| Knobs: | Speed |
| Pickup Mods: | Multi-Voicing |
| Volume Controls: | 3 |
| Tone Controls: | 0 |
| Bridge Pickup: | Gretsch High Sensitive Filter’Tron (Humbucker / Passive) |
| Neck Pickup: | Gretsch High Sensitive Filter’Tron (Humbucker / Passive) |