TV Jones Ray Butts Pickup
A true vintage spec Ful-Fidelity Filter'Tron, built just like the original
Replicated from Ray Butts design, this pickup captures the sound and soul of the the classic Gretsch guitars.
Some parts of history are so legendary that they never die. The original Filter'Tron, invented by Ray Butts and originally called the "Ful-Fidelity" in his technical journals is one of those things. These pickups are made according to Ray's personal notes, designs and TV Jones extensive, multi-decade analysis of original Filter'Tron pickups. Butts was awarded one of the first patents for a hum-canceling guitar pickup (No. 2,892,371, June 30, 1959.)
From TV Jones himself: "This is the real deal...each offering includes all of the original design's bells and whistles...the vintage pole spacing, covers, original zinc-coated backplate used by Gretsch at that time—and more. In Ray's era, factory made guitar pickups were not wax saturated as they are now. These pickups will not be saturated in order to remain absolutely historically correct," said Jones. "I notice a more three-dimensional, open-air quality to the tone of a pickup that is not saturated in wax. Microphonic feedback is not a big issue with this design. To be clear though—I do find waxing necessary for higher-gain, "squeal-less" applications."
Tone/Characteristics
Tighter bass response and slightly more top end EQ than a TV Classic. Truly unique sparkle and dynamics provided by the lower output and absence of wax. If you want the that unmistakable Great Gretsch Sound then these pickups are the way to go.
Installation
This pickup is a drop-in replacement for original sized Filter'Trons with the vintage "tabs". It comes with two pieces of foam and 2 mounting (wood) screws.
Wiring Notes
In keeping with original spec, these pickups feature vintage spec 2-conductor wire.
Features:
- Original construction for vintage tone
- Drop-in replacement for vintage Filter'Tron
- Vintage correct 2-conductor wiring
- Vintage-style mounting with screws or included tabs
Bridge model output: 4.2k ohms
Neck model output: 3.8k ohms
Dimensions:
Length: 2.812" (71.24mm), with mounting tabs 3.16" (80.39mm)
Width: 1.375" (34.92mm)
Bridge pickup height: 0.750" (19.05mm)
Neck pickup height: 0.625" (15.875mm)
