By C.

This time on “Choosing Your Pickups”, we’re going to be exploring a pickup option that’s somewhat off the beaten path from your more traditional offerings. While we’ve yet to touch on the many more available options out there, it’s about time that we shine the spotlight on these distinctive pickups, as they have a large fanbase of players that have used them on numerous recordings and performances. They are the (drum roll please)… Gretsch Filter’Trons!

The Gretsch Filter’Tron pickups are a hallmark of the Gretsch guitar brand, known for their distinctive sound and sleek appearance. These pickups have played a significant role in shaping the sonic landscape of various music genres, particularly in rockabilly, rock ‘n’ roll, and classic rock. With their unique design and magnetic properties, the Filter’Tron pickups have become a favorite among many guitarists for their signature tone and versatility.

Do you have a vintage guitar or bass you’d like to sell? Contact us here

Or looking to find out current market value of your instrument? Schedule an appraisal

Gretsch electrics had previously featured DeArmond Dynasonic single-coils pickups, as seen on this ’58 6129 Silver Jet we have here at IVG, until Ray Butts developed the Filter’Trons in the mid 1950’s. Filter’Trons were designed to address some of the limitations of traditional single-coil pickups. They were initially introduced in the Chet Atkins models produced by Gretsch, and their popularity quickly spread to other Gretsch guitars by mid-1958. The Filter’Tron name reflects their ability to “filter out” unwanted noise and interference while delivering a crisp, clean, and warm tone.

One of the distinctive features of the Filter’Tron pickups is their unique construction. They consist of a thinner coil wire, which results in a lower output compared to other pickups like Gibson humbuckers. This lower output contributes to the pickups’ clarity, allowing them to capture the nuances of the player’s technique and the guitar’s tonal characteristics. The choice of alnico magnets adds to the pickups’ vintage appeal and warmth, resulting in a balanced and smooth sound that is perfect for clean and lightly overdriven tones.

The Filter’Tron pickups are renowned for their ability to cut through the mix with clarity, making them an excellent choice for genres where articulation and definition are crucial. Guitarists like Chet Atkins, Brian Setzer, and Malcolm Young have all relied on Filter’Tron-equipped Gretsch guitars to achieve their distinctive sounds.

The iconic appearance of the Filter’Tron pickups also contributes to their allure. Encased in a distinctive metal cover, they feature large pole pieces and an attractive geometric design. This unique look not only adds to the hot rod-esque aesthetics of Gretsch guitars but also plays a major role in how they sound. The metal covers can influence the magnetic field, affecting the pickups’ response and dynamics, which further adds to that unique Gretsch tone.

One of the key advantages of the Filter’Tron pickups is their versatility. While they excel in clean and mildly overdriven tones, they can also handle higher levels of gain without excessive feedback. This adaptability makes Filter’Tron pickups suitable for a wide range of musical styles, from country and rockabilly to punk and even heavier flavors of hard rock.

In addition to the original Filter’Tron design, there have been various iterations and adaptations over the years. Gretsch has continued to refine and innovate the Filter’Tron pickups to meet the changing needs of guitarists. TV Jones, a renowned pickup maker of the modern era, has also made several enhanced Filter’Tron models for players seeking vintage authenticity and enhanced clarity, as well as models with slightly altered specs for unique tones beyond the stock Filter’Tron sound.

The Gretsch Filter’Trons are a true icon in the world of guitar pickups. Their unique design, vintage aesthetics, and versatile sonic characteristics have made them a sought-after choice among guitarists in various musical genres. If you’re looking for the twangy tones of rockabilly, the classic rock sound of the ’70s, or something in between, Filter’Tron pickups are sure to deliver their distinctive voice and clarity, setting them apart as a timeless and cherished component of Gretsch guitars.