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Tele_MEL · April 13th, 2012, 04:30 PM

With no money to spend.. I have plenty of time to ponder which Gretsch I'll get ... when I get a Gretsch...

A professional series is just out of the question.. and Dynasonics would be awesome..

Could one put Dynasonics on a 5122 ? without too much trouble?

Dirtymug666 · April 13th, 2012, 05:15 PM

Don't know how east it would be to put actual dynas in, but GFS makes "surf 90s" that are very popular around here that are supposed to sound like dynas and drop into humbucker routings

www.reverbnation.com/thedirtymugs

Synchro · April 13th, 2012, 05:43 PM

TV Jones T-Armonds are available in a wide variety of mounting styles.

Tele_MEL · April 13th, 2012, 08:10 PM

quite the price range..

GFS Surf90 = $35 each

Real Gretsch Dynasonics = $110 ea

TV Jones T-Armonds = $160 each.

since budget is a factor..

The GFS would demand a hard look..

and there's still the idea of:
what would it take to get a Dynasonics into the 5122..

and as many have noted.. there's always the notion to just throw quarters into the jar .. longer.. and get a Pro line.

Seems like in the interim at the very least.. finding a used 5122.. and popping in some GFS would be poor mans Gretsch w/ Dynasonics ! ( Love the Orange 5122's . .. only seem to be avail at Musicians Friend. I think they were a special run for them.. )

dgshooter · April 13th, 2012, 08:45 PM

You might have to fill the holes attaching the plastic covers and drill new ones for Dynas.

Bill C. · April 14th, 2012, 01:22 AM

Tele_MEL,

There is a, "taste test," featuring clips of the GFS Surf 90, Dynasonic, and DeArmond 2000 (NOT to be confused with the DeArmond 2k, which is an altogether different creature):

HERE.

Before the answers were given you'll see that a number of people thought the Surf 90s were the Dynasonics.

Having a set of GFS Surf 90s currently in this ride:

and having had a red (special run for Musician's Friend at the beginning of the 5122 run.... they really took their time on the unit I had, paid attention to details... impeccable) 5122:

I can say that Surf 90s in a 5122 would be a great match.

Plenty of Great Gretsch Sound.

The Marlin · April 14th, 2012, 08:06 AM

Well, Dynasonics or T-Armonds are gonna set you back about £200-$250 a set, plus maybe $50 fitting (if you can't fit them yourself). If you want to upgrade the wiring loom and pots (a good idea), then maybe add another $150 On top of that, you have to buy the 5122, so that's another $800.

So, you're in for $1000 - $1150 now. If you take your time, and surf on eBay or Craigs List, you'll get a Pro Line Gretsch for not much more. After a quick eBay search, I came up with this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gretsch-6120...item20c4a5f668 Ok, it's not got Dyna's, but it was a 30 second search.

If I were you, I would continue to save money for a bit longer, and take advantge of the economic downturn. Be patient, and pick up a used, minty, Pro line at around the $1000-1250 mark.

Patience pays off.

It's just and idea. There are bargain to be had out there.

Marlin

Synchro · April 14th, 2012, 08:11 AM

That appears to be a 6120 Jr. Look at the Bigsby.

The Marlin · April 14th, 2012, 09:55 AM

I know, it was just a quick example. With a bit of time and petience, you'll dig up a Dyna hollow body for the right price.

Marlin

Lizardkinged · April 14th, 2012, 01:07 PM

It's do-able. I've been looking into doing it on my buddy's t-rose. Another memeber here and over @ the GDP has a thread about it (2000's in his 5120) Looked really nice.

Paul Setzer made some shims to tack/glue/screw into the bucker cavity.

It requires a bit of drilling, a tad of precise routing in the tone-rails (which I describe as modifying the tone rail) because I wanted it done so we could put filters back in after, MEASUREMENTS and PATIENCE. But totally do-able.

As for the T-Armond. They are probably the best of the DeArmond/Dyna style surface mounts around. Also Pricey, but are more vintage correct, and have reduced microphonics by comparisons to the others. They also require less routing as they're pole pieces dont sink so far into the body.

One thing I cant reccomend is buying a TV wiring harness... He pretty much charges you 70 dollars just to wire the thing together... and honestly since he probably pays about 15 dollars for parts in a harness. (you and I can build them 1 @ a time for like 25 dollars... and its only about 2 hours of labor @ the most to make one. (2 and a half on your first time probably)

Even after you buy Soldering-iron and all the parts for your harness, your still saving money, and honestly soldering Iron's are just nice to have. Not to mention that ridiculous hose/dowel kit... Seriously, Long screw-driver and dental floss... Works the same...

6stings · April 14th, 2012, 01:18 PM

I'll be quiet and watch!
Cool surf guitar Bill C, I like those 'eyes'

polishbroadcast · April 14th, 2012, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tele_MEL

Could one put Dynasonics on a 5122 ? without too much trouble?

The Surf 90s are a great suggestion. I am a huge Dyna / DeArmond fan and took a chance on the GFS pickups and was blown away. They sound great, are well made, and are cheap. Additionally they should be a direct drop in for Gretschbuckers