Gretsch Filtertrons?

[Len Amaral]

I have a Brian Setzer model Gretsch. I’m looking to replace the pickups with a Filtertron type pickup. Anyone know of an aftermarket Filtertron type pickup?

[John Larson]

I know TV Jones are well regarded.

https://tvjones.com/guitar-pickups/

Fralin has them as well.

https://www.fralinpickups.com/product-c ... n-pickups/

Seymour Duncan

https://www.seymourduncan.com/single-pr ... filtertron

DiMarzio
https://www.dimarzio.com/pickups/filtertron

[Jim Fogarty]

The Setzer model already has TV Jones pickups in it, if I recall correctly. So, if you want stock, classic filtertron style, you're not likely to do better.

That said, TV offers a variety of great pickups of differing character. All highly recommended.

[Bob Carlucci]

Len... You might want to reconsider... Your guitar came with a $375 set of TV Jones Filtertron pickups stock...

Why do you want to replace them?... If they aren;t doing what you want, with a guitar of that quality, I would contact Fralin,tell them exactly what you are looking for as far as tone, dynamics, response from this guitar and these pickups, and then have them rewind your stock pickups to YOUR specs. I don't think Lollar does custom builds or rewinds any more, but you could check, they might.

I don't know there is anything better out there in an "off the shelf" Filtertron than what came with your Gretsch. You might like a lollar or fralin better, but it will cost $400+ to try either brand!

A custom made set , wound to your specs might be the best bet in your case.. Wish I had your guitar, those pickups would stay right where they are. However, we all hear something different, and if your pickups aren't doing what you want, I understand your desire to replace them..

Too thin sounding? Too muddy?... Not enough punch?, Clarity? .. bob

[Len Amaral]

Hey guys, thanks for your input. I also have a Gretsch White Falcon with Filtertrons and it sounds lovely. The TV Jones pickups to my ears is harsh.

[Bob Carlucci]

Hey guys, thanks for your input. I also have a Gretsch White Falcon with Filtertrons and it sounds lovely. The TV Jones pickups to my ears is harsh.

You could try a set of standard Gretsch Filtertrons,, they are a lot cheaper than fralins.. Also there are a ton of "cheap" Filtertron clones out there.. Priced right, and if you don't care about brand labels, many are really good sounding pickups. I have read a crap ton of stories on guitar forums where guys pulled very expensive, "high end" pickups out of expensive guitars, put a set of cheap ebay alnico pickups in and were thrilled with the results.. One of the worst pickup sets I own is a set of VERY expensive, signed Fender Custom Shop pickups.. very harsh, and too clear and bright.. No character at all.. I have a set of $30 alnicos on a cheap China strat that sounds a lot better than the fender strat with CS pickups.. Thats just the way it works sometimes..
Might want to try a cheaper set of alnico Filtertron clones, and sell your TV Jones set for a good dollar... However, Fralin really knows good pickups, and if you tell them what you want, they will wind them for you, and most likely you will love them.. however, as we know, you pay pretty dearly for that level of pickup craftsmanship .....

[David Ball]

I have a 6120 Setzer Nashville and love the stock Setzer model TV Jones Filtertrons. The newer ones have the Ray Butts Filtertrons instead--I can't imagine I'd like them any better than what I have...My previous 6119 had stock Gretsch Filtertrons and they were good, but I like the TV's better.

On my other Gretsch, I have T Armonds and I love those too.


Dave

[John Larson]

If you want something totally crazy in a filtertron form factor Dimarzio makes their famous super distortion pickup in filtertron style.
https://www.dimarzio.com/pickups/filter ... distortron

[Len Amaral]

The issue with my Brian Setzer model is no tone control or tone switch, 1 volume control only and 3 way pickup selector switch. If I was using it as a rockabilly guitar it would probably by OK but when I play the White Falcon the pickups are sensitive and warm. I know they are 2 different guitars. The Setzer feels wonderful and the neck is sweet. I’ll source out some Filtertron cones and roll the dice to see what happens.

[Jeff Highland]

Changing the pickups is unlikely to achieve "warm" tone.
It's not the pickups that are the problem but the whole circuit which is designed to avoid treble loss.
First the lack of a tone control, which loads the pickups and reduces treble slightly even fully up
Secondly There is a treble bleed circuit on the volume which avoids treble loss when turned down.

Unless you modify the circuit by adding a tone control and maybe removing the treble bleed, you are not going to get "warm regardless of pickup choice.

[Len Amaral]

Jeff, thank you for the insight on the treble bleed circuit. I have tried the tb caps on other guitars and preferred to have a bit of darker tone when rolling the volume back, especially with the neck pickup. I’ll remove the tb cap on the Setzer and see if that makes a difference.

[David Ball]

You could get a preview of what removing the TB circuit would do by keeping the volume full up on the guitar and plugging into a passive volume pedal, rolling the volume off there. Won't be exactly the same but should be close...

Dave

[Jeff Highland]

Something like this might help https://www.swamp.net.au/neutrik-np2rx- ... 3kLtqF2iDQ

[Bob Carlucci]

Or take a much easier route, and dial any frequency you dislike OUT, and dial any frequency that appeals to you IN-
https://www.boss.info/us/products/ge-7/

[Len Amaral]

Jeff, the Nuetric plug sounds like a great idea without any modifications.

Thank you,

Lenny

[Len Amaral]

I ordered the Neutrik Timber plug and I’ll report how it works when I receive it.