[Rowland1]

I had mentioned in another thread that I had ordered a TV Jones Classic for the bridge position on my g5122. I had Surf 90s, loved the neck pup but not the bridge. Well the TV J came a couple days ago (pretty fast) and I put it in yesterday. Ahhh, it sounds fantastic. Finally the Great Gretsch sound.

Now the big question is do I pay another $140 for a neck TVJ? I like the Surf 90 a lot for clean sound so I am leaning towards keeping it. But it looks a little weird. What do you think?

[Anakin2Solo]

I like it like that. If you are happy with the tone, I say keep it. I have classics in both spots on my 5120 and prefer the bridge tone. I might need to lower my neck pickup or something as it just seems a little too strong for a clean sound.

[polishbroadcast]

Originally Posted by Rowland1

Now the big question is do I pay another $140 for a neck TVJ?

I don't think so. The Surf 90 at the neck is the stuff of legends—i too have a 5122 w/ Surf 90s, feels like a pro guitar in every way. With the TV Jones Classic you will be losing some texture and openness that makes the Surf 90 so nice. It makes it a very different guitar, which isn't a bad thing, but if you are keeping things clean, and don't have a hum issue, keep the Surf 90.

I have a 6118 w/ HS Filtertrons and the 5122 w/ S90s, and i play both an equal amount. They have a similar sound but are different enough that i would never jettison one. So what i am saying is, the real solution is to buy a 6118 so you have Filters and single coils. Sorted!

[drmilktruck]

If it sounds good with the TVJ keep it.

[Rowland1]

Originally Posted by polishbroadcast

So what i am saying is, the real solution is to buy a 6118 so you have Filters and single coils. Sorted!

Thanks everyone. I will keep it, but may put a chrome pickup ring around the Surf 90. That might make it match a bit more. Ultimately I think polishbroadcast has the right solution. Buy another Gretsch so I can have one with single coils and one with TVJs or filtertrons. Thanks again!

[fender62custom]

You could always put a TV supertron in the neck..awesome combo!!! very versatile IMO...cheers!!

[calvin lee]

it looks odd. but it's one of those things that will make people go "hey, what's that?". and if it has a good tone, changing it out for something more expensive would be silly.

[polishbroadcast]

Originally Posted by fender62custom

You could always put a TV supertron in the neck..awesome combo!!! very versatile IMO...cheers!!

Won't argue with you on the quality, but a Supertron is pretty polar opposite sound to a Surf 90.

[fender62custom]

Originally Posted by polishbroadcast

Won't argue with you on the quality, but a Supertron is pretty polar opposite sound to a Surf 90.

Agreed..if l only had one guitar with Humbuckers i'd look at the Super/classic combo for versatility that can Jazz or Rock..i'd buy one with singles coils as well if that's what l was chasing..that's just me...he's got a very unique guitar with great usable tone so that's great..cheers!!

[Rowland1]

I gotta say the Super'Tron is pretty cool looking. The sound clips on the TVJ website sound good too. I might have to try that at some point. So many options...

[fender62custom]

Originally Posted by Rowland1

I gotta say the Super'Tron is pretty cool looking. The sound clips on the TVJ website sound good too. I might have to try that at some point. So many options...

Greetings Rowland...i've just had my Jet installed with Supertrons and can't believe how good they sound...l reckon they are the most underrated pup out there..[in the wider guitar community].. they're magical!! it sounds like your on a good thing with your current set up...congrats!!! well;l suppose you have another option there.. 2 guitars might just fully satisfy you down the track...all the best with your guitar...l think she looks great!!! cheers

[Rowland1]

Hi Fender62, thanks for the recommendation on those Powertrons. I think I might need one of those new g5420s to put those in. I've got some other non-Gretsch guitars, but they don't get played that often since I came to the Gretsch side. Anyway I am definitely interested in some other TVJ pups, but pretty happy with my current set up. Thanks again!!

[Dirtymug666]

Just my opinion, but keep the tvjc/s90 combo. There are a lot of guitars on this forum (mine included) that went the standard classic neck and bridge route (or any other tv/tv combo route), and as far as I can remember you are the first person that has posted about the combination you have; if you are happy with it, keep it, as I'm sur right now you are able to get tones very few (if any) people can get.

But I also agree that making the bezels match would be a good thing

www.reverbnation.com/thedirtymugs

[mike77rios]

I have Surf90's in the neck and Hot Nashville's in the bridge position, everyone that Ive let play my 5120 is awed by the tonal variation. Keep it like it is. It is not worth the trouble to change out your neck PUP to find out that you love this combo.