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2004 Gretsch Dynasonics ??

- Rated: 21 ↑
Nov 18, 2008 12:10 a.m. DrGretsch:

This should have been here: ...

I just got in a used and good shape, Gretsch 2004 RoundUp 6121!

Great Guitar but I'm wondering about the pickups a little, now?

I'm very picky too, of course ,,,

Are they the good Dynas??

Also, the reason why I'm asking is that I noticed right away that the bobbin is loose on the bridge Pickup.

It moves around inside, loose,

The Rhythm pup sounds exquisite but the lead is alittle bit thinner and metalic sounding but still is good.

In combination, listening back to tapes and videos I say the guitar sounds quite good but sometimes a little "Glassy" ringy?

I'm wondering if I should replace the Dynas with Seymour Duncans, TV Jones or any other Custom brand to get the Ultimate Sound?

Should I lower them?

They are about 1/8 - 1/4 inch below the strings near the bridge.

Still getting familiar with the Guitar.

As far as everything else, it seems like a winner guitar but I still don't know too much about the world of Dynasonic pickups? and I see alot of talk on the subject!

Many Thanks!
- Rated: 48 ↑
Nov 18, 2008 6:14 a.m. dmanlow:

I'd suggest reading this thread as an intro to Dyna's.

In Search of ... Dynasonic Facts, Fiction, Myth, and Truth
- Rated: 28 ↑
Nov 18, 2008 12:16 p.m. troy6120:

The DeArmonds were wound with higher ouput, and you can have the Duncans wound to your own specs, or to an "average" output rating. A vintage set of DeArmonds or a new set of Duncans are expensive. Go with whatever suits you. That being said, I'm usually a "grass is greener on the other side" guy when it comes to replacing stock pickups, EXCEPT in the case of FMIC-Dynas vs. Dearmond/Duncans. I'm totally satisfied with new Dynas. Good luck in your quest. Long live THE TONE!
- Rated: 48 ↑
Nov 18, 2008 12:28 p.m. dmanlow:

Just too add to what troy6120 has said, Fralin will also rewind the stock ones as well.
- Rated: 21 ↑
Nov 18, 2008 2:01 p.m. DrGretsch:

Great material and good reading, Dmanlow!

I think I'll stick to the stock for while now, tweak with the heights little too,

I may take apart my bridge pup and find out why it's loose?

That may be the culprit?
- Rated: 48 ↑
Nov 18, 2008 2:15 p.m. dmanlow:

It's likely loose because of the cheapo silicone or hot glue they use to adhere the bobbin to the casing. Some guys have been using epoxy as an alternative but I'd think it would be a pretty permanent fix. I think BZ said he uses just some black silicone to fix his. Hope this helps.

While you have it apart you might as well ground the casing to the pickup as well.
- Rated: 21 ↑
Nov 18, 2008 3:09 p.m. DrGretsch:

Right on!

I think there was slight ground noise too , come to think of it?
- Rated: 17 ↑
Nov 18, 2008 3:22 p.m. Dr Nyl:

Had the same loose bridge pickup thang on my DynaJet. I was adviced from Daves Guitar to use "Duco cement" (whatever that is) or silicone glue.
- Rated: 8 ↑
Nov 19, 2008 8:08 a.m. ChuckH:

I think Duco cement is alot like the glue used for building plastic model airplanes.
- Rated: 21 ↑
Nov 20, 2008 12:57 p.m. DrGretsch:

Hi,

Thanks guys!

I went down and bought some "Devcon" high strength Epoxy mix from the hobby shop and it worked really well!

Was kind of messy and gooey cause it dries quick but I put some on the parameters underneath with a toothpick and the bobbin stopped moving inside ,,, also, it seems the tone is tighter ,,, but that may be psychological too - Eh?

Guitar sounds great!
- Rated: 48 ↑
Nov 20, 2008 1:22 p.m. dmanlow:

It could be psychological too-Eh? I thought only us Canadians said "Eh?".
- Rated: 16 ↑
Nov 20, 2008 1:39 p.m. Gigatron:

Today the Gretsch Pages, tomorrow the world - MWAHAHAHA!
- Rated: 3 ↑
Nov 22, 2008 8:35 a.m. TNO:

The original glue used on the DeArmonds looks to be Pliobond. It's an ooooold tech adhesive but some hardware stores still carry it. Fly fishing shops will have it because it's the only knot dressing that stays flexible in cold weather.
- Rated: 48 ↑
Nov 22, 2008 11:54 a.m. BillyZoom:

The glue changed from year to year. There are a few different colors. It's all very hard, but softens with careful application of heat. I've had to repair a few. It's a very delicate business. I would recommend using something less permanent if you're putting one back together. It's very easy to damage the pickup trying to get the glue loose. If you want to ground the case, the Japanese pickups have a cast alloy housing that you can't solder to. You'll have to run a little wire around one of the mounting screws. The vintage DeArmonds and Seymours have stamped steel housings that will take solder if you scrape the chrome off.

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