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Gretsch Filtertron vs TV Jones Thundertron

M

Mattyboy17

Dec 14, 2011
3
0
Hesston, KS
#1
Hello all, I have Gretsch G2202 that I am about to begin overhauling! I am adding a second humbucker on the bridge position. The question that I have is should I go with another Filtertron or throw a Thundertron in there.
I haven't heard a thundertron PU played before which is one reason for my hesitation. I have already replaced the factory PU w/ the filtertron and I like that well enough. I was wanting to know if the thundertron would help me a little more in the bottom end. Any input would be greatly appreciated :help:
 
#3
The Thunder'tron is a Filter'tron. TV Jones makes the pickups for Gretsch, and even designs some of their instruments.

The Thunder'Tron is standard equipment on the TV Jones-designed Gretsch Spectra Sonic Bass
Click to expand...

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The pickup on the Gretsch G2202 is not a Filter'tron, it's a TV Jones Designed Gretsch mini-humbucker.
 
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#5
Mattyboy17 said:
I am aware the Factory is NOT a filtertron. I have already replaced the junk mini bucker with a filtertron. and if as you say they are the same thing then why the $75 price difference?
Click to expand...

It might be that some of the Gretsch units are not made exactly like the TV Jones units, which are very accurate. He also made the mini bucker, so it's not exactly junk.

I see the new bass Filter'trons don't have pole pieces. So inside it might not be anything like a real Filter'tron. From what I have read, the new Filter'trons use ceramic magnets.

But if you like the way it sounds, that's what counts.
 
#6
Mattyboy17 said:
I am aware the Factory is NOT a filtertron. I have already replaced the junk mini bucker with a filtertron. and if as you say they are the same thing then why the $75 price difference?
Click to expand...

Before you call that stock 2202 pickup junk, you should do some homework. Reviews all over the web agree that pickup one of the hottest, best sounding pickups you can find in any lower-priced bass, and it's one of my favorites.

I installed one of those in a Squier Bronco, and that mod turned it into a KILLER short scale bass.

Frankly, the Gretsch 2202 is one of the best-sounding budget basses you can buy, and that pickup is the main reason - although overall, the fit and finish of the 2202 is superior to that of most basses in its price range.

That mini bucker is a fine pickup, and was designed by TV Jones; although built overseas, it's nothing to sneeze at. I can buy the Filtertrons on Ebay for $49 (and I like them), but I have resold the 2202 pickups (when I can get them) for more than that.
 
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#8
No knowledge of the Filter Trons, but I do like the new Thundertrons. Lots of lows that are smooth, not boomy. Have them on my Gretsch 5123 and a set will be in my Epiphone Flying V when I get it back. They seem to like flats and tapewounds. I have the GHS Tapes on my Gretsch and the "V" will have DaAddario Tapes on it.
 
#9
i realize this is an old thread so this may be irrelevent. i rebuilt a 1968 gretsch 6072 and used the tv jones thundertrons and hated them. weak volume and weak tone, i had heard nothing but great reviews about these pickups so i tried 3 different sets of strings, had the wiring checked, etc. i have also had the pickups gone over by if few different repairmen thinking that maybe i had a defective set. i ordered them direct from tv jones so i think it was just a bad purchase after ruling everything else out. i would suggest going with another pickup... my 2 cents anyway
 
#10
I also have a Gretsch 5123 bass fitted with Thundertrons and must admit I was slightly disappointed with them. Although the sound is very twangy and distinctively Gretsch, the actual output is much lower than the mini-humbuckers fitted to my Gretsch Jet Junior, and there is a noticeable volume drop on the E string even though I adjusted the pole piece. I suppose if you've got a powerful rig it's no big deal. Anyway I've decided to put the 5123 up for sale and stick to the Jet Junior, which, by the way only cost a quarter of the price of the 5123.
 

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