TV Jones Filtertron

Pickup features: Humbucking, Passive
Impedence or other specs: 4.7k, I think

Model of guitar or bass: 1989 Gretsch Nashville Western 6120
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: stock ceramic bridge filtertron
Other pickups on guitar: ceramic neck filtertron
Artists using this pickup: Brian Setzer, and anyone smart enough to buy a Gretsch with stock TV Jones pickups
You musical style(s): rockabilly, twang, punk, cheese
Reason for pickup change: The ceramic Filtertrons sounded harsh, and seemed to lack the "flavor" I was expecting to get out of a Gretsch. I bought this guitar on EBay, and once I got it all set up, I was a little upset that it didn't have the "spank" and balls that I had heard all these years on the records by Stray Cats, early Beatles, etc. It was usable, but the TV Jones Filtertron really showed me the way. I wasn't sure if a pickup change would fix my dilemma, but it did. Now I just have to save the money for the TV Jones Filtertron neck replacement. I probably won't sleep 'til I do!!!

Perceived output level: 4.7K, I believe. Resembles a tele bridge pickup, but has a bit more growl and balls to it.
Tone: It seems trebly, but in a beautiful way.
Sonic evaluation: Amplifier is a Traynor Custom Valve 80, and the guitar is a 1989 Gretsch 6120 Nashville Western.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: It's a match made in heaven. This pickup is suitable for all positions, but it's wound specifically for the bridge. However, I'm sure it would be good in the missionary, doggie-style, whatever. It's that good! WOW!!!

Comments: I have bought TV Jones pickups before, and as soon as I get the money, I'm getting the Filtertron neck replacement pickup. If it got stolen and I bought another Gretsch, I'd have to have TV's pickups in it, otherwise I'd feel like I had a second-rate setup. They're pricey, but i was churning out top-notch quality pickups, I'd charge, too. It's well worth the money in the end. Plus, you can call the guy on the phone, tell him your problem, and he'll hook up one of his guitars loaded with the pickup model in question and give you a dose of what you're buying before you buy it. I'll rate it a "9" only due to the steep price, but it's still well worth the quality. Thanks for being in business, TV!

Pickup features: Humbucking pickups, just like in an old Gretsch from the late '50s
Impedence or other specs: Neck: 4.0k, Bridge: 4.4k (I think)

Model of guitar or bass: Gretsch 6120 Nashville and Gretsch Brian Setzer Signature
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Ceramic Filtertrons and Setzer Alnico Filtertrons
Other pickups on guitar: none
Artists using this pickup: Brian Setzer
You musical style(s): Rockabilly and country (on these guitars)
Reason for pickup change: The ceramic Filtertrons are very one dimensional and harsh sounding. The Setzer Alnicos are much better, but still don't have the depth and growl that the TV Jones Filtertrons have.

Perceived output level: Much greater than stock, probably because of the greater pickup height and taller polepieces.
Tone: In the case of the neck pickup, clear and mellow. Very jazzy sounding. The bridge sounds like a punchier than average Tele pickup with more growl and sparkle. Incredible twang!
Sonic evaluation: I typically plug my Gretsches into a Fender Prosonic amp. The sound from the bridge pickup in particular is almost hypnotic to play. It sounds punchy, three dimensional, and sparkly, with an incredible growl on the lower strings. Wonderful!

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I use the Gretsches for rockabilly and country style music, and they're wonderful for that.

Comments: These pickups were a great purchase. I originally installed them in the 6120 Nashville because of my dissatisfaction with the original ceramics. They completely transformed the guitar, and when I purchased the Setzer Signature there was little doubt that I wouldn't be getting another set. The Setzer sounded pretty decent with the stock pickups, but who wants decent when you could have fantastic?
In addition to the great tone, these pickups look beautiful and more closely resemble the originals. The bridge pickup is considerably taller than the neck, which enables you to get the pickup much closer to the strings. TV Jones includes a brochure that recommends an initial setup for the pickups. This setup positions the pickups quite close to the strings, but I've seen no problems with his recommendation, and the guitar certainly sounds sweet.
Don't think that because of the low impedence these pickups must be thin and low in output. They're not - they're just a different pickup design. One thing is true, though, you won't find other humbuckers with this kind of clarity and twang.

Pickup features: Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: 4K ohm neck and 8K ohm bridge

Model of guitar or bass: Gretsch 6120 Re-Issue from 1991
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Stock ceramic Filtertrons
Other pickups on guitar: N/A
Artists using this pickup: N/A
You musical style(s): Rock, Blues, Jazz, Surf, Country
Reason for pickup change: The reason for switching from the stock ceramic magnet p/u?s in the first place was that although they legitimately sounded ?good?, they lacked a certain roundness, sweetness and compression that I hear in other 6120?s with original 50?s and early ?60?s ?Trons. Obviously these are terms that mean different things to everyone, but suffice it to say that they lacked ?that Great Gretsch Sound?.

Perceived output level: Output level on the 4k ohm neck p/u is slightly less than stock while 8k ohm bridge p/u is the same or slightly more than stock
Tone: See Below
Sonic evaluation: I'm using this guitar with either a '61 Fender Pro or '73 (pre-MV) Fender Pro Reverb and a Roland RE-150 Space Echo for slap.
I had high expectations for the TV Jones p/u?s after speaking with Tom and receiving his 100% satisfaction guarantee. I was not disappointed, and here?s why: The new p/u?s address each of the shortcomings which I felt were inherent in the stock p/u?s and then some. They add a third dimension of ?jangle? and crispness, really bringing out the full value of each note with superb string articulation. Where I really noticed a major improvement is when the amp is breaking up, that?s when the p/u?/s really compress and sing with the angels. By comparison the stock ceramic mag p/u?s sounded one dimensional and icepicky.
The bass notes with the neck p/u are rounder and smoother sounding with a velvety texture (I know that?s a tough one to picture, I?m reaching for adjectives here). Full chords with both p/u?s engaged really shimmer and each note is perfectly defined.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: See above

Comments: These p/u's are the final word in Filtertrons. If you like the sound of your RI Gretsch with the stock 'Trons, you'll be shocked at how much better they can sound with TV Jones. I've found what I've been looking for.