By C.

Ah, the ever-expanding universe of guitar pickups. You can never have too many options, and there’s always a potential new brush to choose for your next masterpiece. Today we’ll be exploring another beloved pickup from the 1950’s that you may or may not have heard of, the DeArmond Dynasonics!

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DeArmond Dynasonic pickups are a prime example of tonal prowess within the realm of electric guitar pickups. These iconic components, first introduced in the 1940s, have become renowned for their distinct sonic character and their association with many great vintage guitar tones and recordings of the 1950’s and 60’s.

The story of the Dynasonic begins with the DeArmond company, a pioneering force in the field of guitar pickups and electronics. In an era dominated by single-coil designs, the Dynasonic emerged as a unique creation, offering musicians a new sonic palette to explore.

What sets the Dynasonic apart is its construction. Unlike many other single-coil pickups, the Dynasonic features a larger, wider coil with a unique magnet configuration. This design, characterized by its broader magnetic field and distinctive pole pieces, contributes significantly to the pickup’s sonic characteristics. The DeArmond Dynasonic was the first of its kind to offer adjustment of individual pole piece magnets, allowing players to balance the volume of each string to their preferences.

One of the standout features of the Dynasonic is its ability to produce a bright, clear, and articulate sound. It delivers a rich tonal spectrum with sparkling highs, a robust midrange, and a fairly well-defined low end. This sonic profile made it a popular choice among guitarists across various genres, from rockabilly and country to jazz and blues.

The Dynasonic pickups found a home on several iconic guitars, but most notably Gretsch instruments, like this 1957 Gretsch 6120 Chet Atkins, for sale here at IVG.

In fact, these pickups became synonymous with Gretsch guitars of the early-mid 50’s, adorning models like the Duo Jet, 6120, Penguin and White Falcon. Musicians like Chet Atkins and Eddie Cochran helped popularize these guitars and the distinctive Dynasonic sound, further cementing their place in musical history. One of their most eye-catching guitars ever made by Gretsch also featured Dynasonics, the signature guitar made for Bo Diddley.

Beyond their tonal prowess, Dynasonics have also been praised for their responsiveness and sensitivity to picking dynamics. They capture the nuances of a player’s touch, allowing for expressive playing styles and facilitating a wide range of tonal variations simply by adjusting picking intensity.

However, while celebrated for their unique sonic character, Dynasonic pickups were not without their quirks. Their wider profile posed challenges for manufacturers in terms of consistency and mass production. Additionally, their susceptibility to interference and noise in high-gain situations led some guitarists to seek alternatives in certain musical contexts. For Gretsch, this was incentive to go in a different direction. And in 1958, they made the the switch to the new Filter’Tron humbucking pickups on electric models.

Despite these limitations, the legacy of the DeArmond Dynasonic pickups lives on! Their vintage allure continues to captivate guitar enthusiasts and collectors, with original Gretsch guitars equipped with these pickups fetching high prices in the market.

Moreover, the influence of Dynasonics extends beyond their original era. Modern guitar manufacturers and pickup builders draw inspiration from their design and tonal qualities, creating contemporary iterations that pay homage to the classic sound while addressing some of the vintage pickups’ shortcomings.

The DeArmond Dynasonic guitar pickups remain an integral part of electric guitar history, revered for their unique sonic character, association with iconic guitars and artists, and lasting impact on the world of pickup design. Their bright, articulate sound continues to resonate with musicians and enthusiasts alike, ensuring their place as a timeless gem in the realm of guitar tonality. If you’ve been looking for something to add a unique tonal character to your music, a Gretsch equipped with Dynasonics may have just what you need.