Members Beyer160 Posted March 31, 2012 Members Share Posted March 31, 2012 So I've got an old model Gretsch Electromatic Jet (the one with minibuckers, not the new one with Filtertrons). It's a great player, but after mucking with pole pieces and pickup height for about a year I've finally had it. The neck pickup isn't bad, but it's so low output (5.4K) that I don't think I can find a bridge pickup to match it. The stock bridge pickup sounds thin and sterile, and the output levels are mismatched (the bridge is 7.2K, a nice 33% overwind). The GFS NYIIs are a pretty popular upgrade for these, but I have no idea what they sound like. I could fit a set of P90s or real Gretsch Filtertrons in it, too. I dig P90s, but I'd like to try something different in this one. I go for '70s rock-ish tones (low-medium overdrive, no Police-y cleans or brootalz), so I need something that handles dirt. Has anyone compared the NYIIs to P90s? Does anyone have feedback as to how Filtertrons do as "rock" pickups? Any other Electromatic Jet owners been down this road? Any/all feedback is appreciated, thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members PunkKitty Posted March 31, 2012 Members Share Posted March 31, 2012 I currently have a set of NYII's in my ProJet. They sound very nice. My issue is with the quality of the pickups themselves. If you push a bit too hard on the bobbin, the chrome ring will pop off. It doesn't need to be a lot of pressure. A bit too much with your thumb will do it. So they are relatively fragile. I plan to replace the NYII's with a set of Filtertrons as soon as I have a chance to. I have the parts. I just haven't gotten to the project. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members jjpistols Posted March 31, 2012 Members Share Posted March 31, 2012 Pete Townsend on Who's Next is all Filtertron. It seems like a no brainer for a Gretsch. you can get them for $49 on eBay, or splurge and go tv jones. Either way, you should appreciate them. If you get the Gretsch ones, you may have to fashion a mount, which isn't too hard, depending on your existing set up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Elias Graves Posted March 31, 2012 Members Share Posted March 31, 2012 I've tried the NYII. I'll echo PK's comments and add that they are very noisy. Go with something else. EG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members X-Jester Posted March 31, 2012 Members Share Posted March 31, 2012 Gotta go filtertrons. I'm GAS'ing so hard for a DuoJet 6128T. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Beyer160 Posted March 31, 2012 Author Members Share Posted March 31, 2012 I've tried the NYII. I'll echo PK's comments and add that they are very noisy. Go with something else. Like, regular single coil noisy, or really noisy? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members jjpistols Posted March 31, 2012 Members Share Posted March 31, 2012 I pulled out my filtertron equipped tele last night in honor of this thread. The trons perform beautifully under crunchier conditions. They are humbucking, so noise is not much issue usually. They retain a clarity even as the gain goes up, you can hear each note in a big chord. I think I'm going to put some in a second guitar now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Elias Graves Posted March 31, 2012 Members Share Posted March 31, 2012 This is kind of embarrassing- I'm a die-hard Who fan, and Who's Next is basically coded into my DNA by now. I knew about PT's Gretsch, but since he was using P90 equipped SG Specials on stage at that point, I figured those were responsible for the more "rock" guitar sounds on the album. Now, after some internet geekery and closer listening than I've done in years, I can hear the Gretsch.I've basically decided not to go with P90s on this guitar unless I rule out every other option (I already have two P90 guitars). My only hesitation with Filtertrons is that they're so low output I wonder if they'd be noisy with gain or effects. Like, regular single coil noisy, or really noisy? Let's put it this way...my two choices were the NYII or a 60s Teisco Gold Foil. The gold foil is quieter. They were way noisier than my tele pups and even P90s. And, they were more P90 in tone than Gretsch. EG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members kulardenu Posted March 31, 2012 Members Share Posted March 31, 2012 Anyone ever try Artec Mini Filtertron pups? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members jjpistols Posted March 31, 2012 Members Share Posted March 31, 2012 Seller joshmsr on eBay has Gretsch Filtertrons for $54 each after shipping. That's about $10 more for each pickup than GFS retrotrons. One of the best pickup deals out there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frets99 Posted March 31, 2012 Share Posted March 31, 2012 Seller joshmsr on eBay has Gretsch Filtertrons for $54 each after shipping. That's about $10 more for each pickup than GFS retrotrons. One of the best pickup deals out there. Can't beat that and I have a stick!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.