Broad'Tron vs Filter'Tron Pickups

In this video I compare the Broad'Tron Pickups that came with my Gretsch Streamliner G2622T and the Gretsch Filter'Trons that I put on the guitar.
The difference is obvious and I can't be more happy with the change.

[@esrd43]

BT Neck --> 0:45 || 2:02 1:17 || 2:33 1:40 || 2:59

[@douglaughlin6139]

Thanks for putting these time sequences in here so we can listen side by side if we want.

[@rjward5440]

The FT Bridge pickup is actually at 2:02, not 2:59. The difference between that and the BT is very clear. It's much clearer, twangy and well-articulated.

[@averagejoe8213]

@@rjward5440 you're wrong. Denis C.P. accidentally mislabeled that section (although it's in the correct spot). Look closely at the switch position.

[@TeamAwezome]

Filtertrons sound much clearer and twangier. Sounds really good.

[@stankfanger1366]

I'm leaning toward the Broad-trons as well, but thank you a ton for posting a fair and unbiased video. If you like the Filter-trons better, it's all a matter of taste and others' opinions are irrelevant!

[@averagejoe8213]

I agree. It's a matter of personal preference. The difference is negligible and probably only noticeable back to back and not on their own. Personally, I like em both! That said though, I have a P2215 with a Broad'Tron in the tail and have a skewed opinion in it's favor, I'm sure.

[@djangle67]

BT neck 0:44 FT neck. 2:02 BT middle 1:16. FT middle. 2:33 BT bridge 1:40 FT bridge. 2:59

[@douchecraft3113]

Should be the top comment. Massive difference between the two, the video doesn't quite arrange itself the way it should.

[@IamMusicNerd]

I swapped my Broadtrons out for Gretsch filtertrons, and they were too harsh sounding for my ears. I went back to the Broadtrons and love them. They still give that jangly sound with the amp set properly, without all the brittle high end in the filtertrons I had.

[@joeladams2540]

I love my broadtrons for that reason.

[@gibsonxpl85]

Thank you for posting this, I really enjoy the sound of the BroadTrons in my streamliner junior, but was also considering swapping for FilterTrons for a more 'authentic' Gretsch tone. Based on your results, I don't think it quite transformed the tone the way I was expecting. It's thinner and brighter, but still missing that distinct twang. I think I'll keep the Broads on mine.

[@theyearoftherat]

His guitar sounded like a Gretsch. They (Filters) have more clarity and single coil-like high end without the ice pick. Don't forget an amp has EQ (who know if his was flat when he made this or dialed in differently for each set).

[@intuitivecat]

I have both a chambered solid body gretsch g5232t double cutaway with filtertrons and a g5655t semi hollow/centerblock w broadtrons. I’ve found that the broadtrons have a slightly more rounded and raspy tone that is a little warmer and feels more ‘twangy’ to me than the filtertrons, which give a cleaner, brighter more pristine sound that doesn’t break up as quickly. If i want sparkle and definition, i use the guitar with the filtertrons, if i want just a little woolliness/ grittiness and potential growl to the tone, i grab the one with the broadtrons. Absolutely love them both.

[@fistovuzi]

@@intuitivecat yeah, i just got a g5655t and now DESPERATELY want a Jet with these glorious Broadtron things that i just bloody discovered. best humbucker ever. but i watch ed a comparison video the other day with the Jet with the Fitertron Blacktops (i think your g5232t? double jet w/bigsby), and, if i remember right, the single cut jet with the V-stop hardtail which has Broadtrons the same as the g5655t. it was VERY clear to me after playing the Broads for a little while and watching that video i REALLY want Filly Blacktops in the g5655t because as soon as i get one of the black hardtail jets the g5655t (just call it the Broadkaster Junior, that's what they call the Player Series version so that's it's name, if i can call an Electromatic Jet a Jet) will be used 90+% for clean tones. so the Fllys would better suit it for my purposes. from the vid i watched the fillys didn't have the *immediate* strong response of the Broads, making the Broads response very humbuckery, but the fillys needed more "coaxing" and had a larger dynamic *range* giving your fingers access to more expression, especially in a low gain situation. the Junior RINGS gloriously, doesn't it? and i don't mean plugged in, the whole guitar chimes like a bell because of the hollow chambers top and bottom of a centerblock with a BIG brass Bigsby vibrating on top of it. man, GREAT guitar, i'm loving it, and i low-key *hate* Bigsbys finicky tuning stability and don't use one anyway but it was clear from the first notes i played acoustically in the store that that giant bit of brass was vibrating stronger than the same "full size" bigsby on a larger centerblock, it *comes alive* under your fingers. i plugged it in for a bit, did some clean, did some dirt. realized this great feeling, sonically lovely little semi-hollow had the best humbuckers i'd ever played and i really need them in my life (sleeping on Trons for 30 years? i know, i know, let's drop it) had a deposit on it before i left the store based on the clean tones alone, and knew i'd be getting a hard-tail Jet with those Broads and i've never even played a Jet. but Les Paul is my all-time favorite shape and scale, so i suspect i'll like the Jet even better. it's possible Filtertrons wont drop right in the Junior's routs, in which case i'll get some TV Jones.

[@elduderino7916]

First song sounded like 'Fly Me to the Moon.' Never heard that before on guitar. Cool video. I have a 2655 with Broad'Trons and it's a nice guitar. Very light, very playable and you can get some sweet tones out of the broadtron pickups.

[@johne1599]

BroadTron is more modern Rock 'n' Roll sound. FilterTron is that classic twangy 50s Rockabilly sound.

[@malcolmhardwick4258]

Broadtrons sound good. But the Filtertrons have that classic Gretsch sound ~

[@johne1599]

Absolutely!

[@MrJones-ge5sl]

Agreed that if you're going for the "classic Gretsch tone" that the FTs get you there. The BTs provide a different sound (clearer and more precise, vs. warmer and richer)... it all depends on what you're looking for. Comparing them is kind of unfair, as the BTs are not even trying to be FTs. I have a G5220 with BTs, which sounds great in its' own unique way, and will be getting a G5422TG with FTs. I'm also considering a G2410TG with the BT-2S, which I expect to be completely different from the BTs in the 5220 (slightly different sound, and hollow vs. chambered body). Thanks for this... nice playing, and exactly the comparison I was looking for!

[@mattgilbert7347]

I like the stock Broadtons in my 2622T. However, I also like Filtertrons, so I'm looking at another Gretsch with TV Jones Powertrons. Great video, fair comparison.

[@2bikemikesguitartopics145]

The broadtrons sounded good but filters had more high end and snap. My ears preferred filters.

[@bradlii]

This was a wonderful video... thanks so much for creating it for us. I think the broadtrons sound much more like a 335 sound with perhaps a bit more immediate breakup-very cool. I think the filtertrons sound more authentically Gretch, if you will, and provide more of the classic, more open, almost single coil like sound, but with faster breakup (similar to a tele neck, in this regard) and less low end response. I almost think I prefer broadtrons on semi hollow bodies, as I am accustomed to the 335 sound myself. Whereas, on a solid body guitar (like one my luthier has recently built), I found the filtertrons to really shine, as the low end of a solid body tends to be more full and the top tends to be less open by default. But, of course, this is just my latest thought, and I think it’s wonderful to have two distinct varieties of Gretch pickups, and I’d enjoy you playing anything! Congratulations on picking up the filtertrons... they do sound beautiful and classic. How are you feeling about the change some two years later? Are you still happy? Thanks again!🙏🏼

[@venomouspontifex4434]

In terms of which sounds better, I know it’s a matter of opinion, but I can definitely appreciate the bite and bark off the low end of the Filter’Trons for certain styles. For me personally, I like the versatility and balance of the stock Broad’Trons (much like the slightly more open sounding Black Tops in my G5622), but the FTs certainly have their rightfully-earned place.

[@RaySS1488]

I actually prefer the warmer tone of the broadtron pickups

[@craigdines7604]

I think they sound thinner

[@rapiststan5272]

Craig Dines you deaf

[@johne1599]

@@craigdines7604 I think you're mistaking more clarity as being thinner. But each to their own. Tone is in the ear of the listener.

[@douglaughlin6139]

Everyone apparently has their preference. The classic Gretsch sound is the Filtertron tones here. They are clearer and more articulate (almost like a single coil tone). I will have some Broadtron pickups to sell you cheaply very soon 😁

[@TruthSurge]

filtertron is clearly brighter. Volumes seem about the same. It'd just go for a brighter tone cuz you can always dull it down easy but brightening a darker pickup will just add more hiss to your signal.

[@job108]

You can get the filtertron sound using brodtrons.. just slightly scoop the bass and mids then add treble on the amp

[@job108]

Saves u some money

[@2000SkyView]

You can also try swapping out the pots, this can change the sounds as well. guitar.com/guides/diy-workshop/20-gretsch-top-tips/

[@squirelova1815]

Viola! Like, Dhuuuh! Seriously though, I feel like a Beavis or Butthead for not thinking of that firstly before looking at other guitars. You have more practice time and less soldering and setup time.

[@annatranslations4608]

Thanks for doing the comparison! Both sound lovely! :) Keep rocking!

[@douchecraft3113]

Love the Real Estate riffs. Cool comparison!

[@Kenneth-nVA]

Filtertron has me sold!

[@weruuunLA]

Very helpful vid. I have the same guitar and love Real Estate. I just about jumped out of my seat! More Gretsch & Real Estate vids pls! 😎

[@cr8cat794]

In addition to being brighter and twangier, the filtertrons seem to bring out more string detail. Thank you for the A / B comparison.

[@wadeteach]

I have a big hollow body Gretsch with filtertrons. I just ordered a solid body Gretsch with broadtrons (for crunch). Can’t wait to compare them myself.

[@autistichead8137]

I love my Broad’Trons, filter tons are different.

[@bradfordjeff]

Excellent comparison! Thank you very much!

[@bobaldo2339]

The Filtertrons are a big improvement over the Broadtrons. The clarity is much better. Congrats! I wonder if you changed the pots as well?

[@dustyhatkins]

great video - thanks for making it short and quick to the point!

[@brunofaraldo5760]

Good review! I like Real Estate! I think Im going for the 2655t with broadtrons even though I like so much the electromatic 5435t. Greetings from Argentina

[@nickhadjirallis4888]

The Filtertrons have more sparkle, definition and volume. The Broadtrons sound a little flat

[@douglaughlin6139]

Filtertrons have a much more airy and articulate sound than the Broadtrons which are a bit muddy. The closest you seem to be able to get to the Gretsch sound with the Broadtrons is the middle position. This video has been very helpful for me as I am less that satisfied with my Broadtron pickup tones.

[@douglaughlin6139]

@Primedragoon I just received my Filtertron pickups and will be replacing the Broadtrons soon. Looking forward to the difference. I'm hoping for the brighter more chimey tone.

[@douglaughlin6139]

@Primedragoon I'd be happy to accommodate but I don't have the video-creation capability for KZbin so what I can do instead is give you my observations once I switch them out. I have read reviews from other people that made this swap and were much happier when the switched to the Filtertrons (clarity, more high end, more classic Gretsch tones).

[@jimdunstan798]

I love my Broadtrons. I wonder how many people would switch them out if they didn't listen to others telling them to do so.

[@Mountainrock70]

I have both. I don’t understand people swapping out pickups in every guitar. My first Gretsch had FT. Then I got one with BT. Problem solved. Different tones for different moods.

[@MusicbyLou]

Thanks for the straight-up and honest comparison. Actually, I preferred the BTs because of the way they handled the 5th and 6th string bass notes.

[@kimhansen6384]

I liked the filtertrons best, but I am afraid you overloaded your soundcard on the last recording.

[@patientswim6888]

How could you possibly hear at which stage in the signal path the distortion occurs lol

[@LanceJordan]

To my ears there's a weird spike on the low notes on the Filtertrons, especially the low E string. Not as balanced, more like a scooped mid kind of tone. Def more "Gretsch" sounding, but on this guitar, I think you'd need roll off some low end to balance it out The low notes are just booming in places. It seems to me this guitar was more well designed for the stock pickups it came with. But thanks for the demo!

[@djangle67]

I agree the ft's were boomy on the low strings.

[@johne1599]

Thanks, now I want 2 Gretschs! 1 with Broad'Trons and 1 with Filter'Trons Both great sounding pickups with 2 completely different sounds.

[@Explorerofthesea]

How is for the distortion with broad trons ? is it satisfying ?

[@johne1599]

@@Explorerofthesea Yes, Broad'Trons do distortion well. Broad'Trons are medium strength (gain) humbuckers. They work well at all volume levels and can rock out. If you want to shred, I'd put something like an EHX Metal Muff in front of them. Filter'Trons are more like noiseless single coil pickups, clean with clarity They'll cut through a mix better than Broad'Trons. My subjective opinions. YMMV

[@autistichead8137]

Excellent analysis John. I think you are correct the filter trans have more of a single coil characteristic. I love the hot breaking up of the broads though. I have a G5622T I think I’m going to put a FilterTron in the neck, and leave the Broad’Tron in the bridge and see how that goes. I play progressive rock so I need a wide variety of tone.

[@johne1599]

@@autistichead8137 Cool. Please keep us updated. I'm really interested to hear which Filter'Tron you go with and how you like it. I'm glad somebody agrees with my analysis. Thanks! 😎

[@autistichead8137]

I’m asking around and asking a lot of experts what the most versatile Filter’Trons are. I’m welcome to any input.

[@AlainCarayon]

I think I prefer Broad'Tron ... They have more sound.

[@savedandblessed79]

Broadtrons far warmer and bell like. Id have kept them in

[@granpatomic7775]

I own the same guitar with BT2s and it sounded a little bit to muddy in my opinion. I was thinking about changing the pick ups. But then I read about the following pick up mod: just remove the e a and d pole pieces closest to the bridge and the g b and e closest to the neck on both pickups. Made my guitar sound a little bit brighter and less muddy.

[@merwinjm]

I did that mod. I liked the guitart before and after the mod. The mod gives the guitart a bit more sparkle. I replaced the missing screws with black plastic screws, which is a visual only improvement. The best thing is that I did the mod in a minute and it's fully reversable.

[@boimesa8190]

is this reversible in case you want to restore it as was?

[@2000SkyView]

revisiting this video, now i want to learn the songs you are playing :-)

[@2000SkyView]

Did you try an EQ pedal first? Much cheaper and so much easier.

[@wjniemi]

If the guitar pickups can be mixed in the center position it would be useful to see what you can do by turning down each pickup a bit. Thanks for the video. I'm looking at Gretsch, Ibanez, and Epiphone, this was good info.

[@travelinman617]

Very nice playing I have the gretsch streamliner left handed from Amazon I love it I have eight guitars all made left handed but this gretsch is my favorite for the price and the playability it is amazing

[@jamescoughlan8193]

Both great I guess the broadtrons are more versatile for different genre of music whereas the filtertron are very classic 40s 50s twang country / rockabilly sounds, you just need two gretsch guitars lol

[@Ferruidoblanco]

Nice to.hear some real estate

[@kevsimpson88keys77]

wow filtertrons rocked it

[@auntjenifer7774]

Hi , you could have just cut the mids and turned up the highs and bass and got the exact sound effect without buying $400.00 set of pickups but they do sounds nice and vintage and expensive .

[@DMSProduktions]

Broadies just sound like bright PAF style hum buckers! (Which is WHAT they are!) Filters are much better. The REAL Gretsch sound! \m/

[@Fuzzbrain61]

Filtertrons slightly smoother and rounder sounding. Thanks good comparison

[@TruthSurge]

man, that neck is ULTRA backbowed! wicked! hehehe Yet you still have no buzz!

[@alandennis3853]

They both sound really good, Broadtrons are not classic Gretsch, but sound good to my ears, nice and warm and have a lot of girth. They do not clean up badly either.

[@darwinsaye]

Did you get special mounting rings to adapt the smaller Filter’Trons into the larger Broad’Trons spaces?

[@theyearoftherat]

If I buy a Gretsch I want it to sound like one. It's simple really. Want your Gretsch to actually sound like a Gretsch? Use Filters or TV Jones. Broad'Trons aren't bad but don't sound unique and lack clarity. If you like sitting around in your room might not be a big deal and you might like that darker sound, but in a mix or with a band the clarity of the Filter'Trons comes through easily.

[@real_mrmime9617]

Gear snob alert

[@bluz7846]

wow i never expected that song! like for darling riff

[@jimbrew4529]

I considered switching pups in my 2622T until I played it through my new Vox AC 10. No need now, and I'm quite satisfied with the Broadtrons.

[@not_sutton]

hey i know this comment is quite old now, but how do you like this combo? i’m considering a vox ac15 with a 2622 and i’m wondering how they pair together. thanks!

[@jimbrew4529]

@@not_suttonThe AC15 would be a great gigging combination. It might be a bit much for home use.

[@not_sutton]

@@jimbrew4529 thanks jim!

[@jellyfishinterrupted8085]

Filtertrons are that Gretsch sound, broadtrons less so

[@benjaminfrog]

Hi, Denis. Thanks for the video. Did you have to get different pickups rings for the Filter'Trons or did the originals work?

[@patientswim6888]

Yeah I dont understand how you mounted the filtertrons 😯

[@tlister67]

The broadtrons in my g5220 are very hot and is hard to dial out the crunch if you clean. The neck is a bit woofy sounding. This video makes my decision easier, thanks!

[@baabaabaa2293]

Hey mate, sorry this is a yr late, only just found this vid. I had the same problems, the neck pup was too woofy etc..l lowered them both..it helps.. but it ain't a Filtertron.

[@tub8r]

To me the Broad’trons sound closer to a regular humbucker having more powerful mid range. And Filtertron seem to produce wider and thicker bass, it reminds me of HiLo’Trons but with more power. What cover plate was used? Since they seem to of different dimensions. Is there some sort of adapter plate?

[@dekzan]

Good job , tyvm.

[@rubenaple]

Muy bueno compañero! !!

[@denisplesa]

Muchas gracias!

[@IM02-i2l]

Neck: B 0:45 F 2:03 Both: B 1:17 F 2:33 Bridge: B 1:41 F 2:59

[@Kai-pk7dv]

Thanks, this is helpful. Though it was the neck position first, the last one was the bridge

[@IM02-i2l]

@@Kai-pk7dv Yes you're right, thanx for correcting :)

[@fenderjazzface999]

Thank you! I genuinely don't understand why most people don't structure comparison videos that way in the first place. I'm very grateful that people choose to take the time to record and upload these videos though.

[@AaronLewisDesign]

Thanks. I was literally about to do the same thing.

[@onepro1234]

Can't tell overall but can hear more brighter tone would have like to hear more chords including lower 5th and 6th strings. If you like more treble these pickups are probably okay. I prefer more warmer tone of the stock pickups.

[@leonardcanter4596]

Thank You for the Comparison ! I've been thinking about getting a Gretsch G6229TG with BroadTron pickups, but have never heard one. You sounded good with either pickups . Presently I have : A 1992 Gretsch G7594 White Falcon with Alinco FilterTron Pickups, a 1998 Gretsch G6120 Nashville with FilterTon Humbuckers, and a 2003 Gretsch 3110 Synchromatic Historic Series with DeArmond Pickups. Love them all.. Still considering which is the best investment for me: BroadTron or TV Jones pickups. This video and everyone's comments helps.

[@hajwitlox6548]

For me..well they both sound nice..minor difference ( at least for me)/// at first i wanted to swap my broadtrons out but.....i always think with a touch of correction on my preamp pedal the difference almost disapaers?

[@varanzmaj]

My 2c: Broadtrons are absolutely godawful. At least those that came stock on my guitar (G5222) They lack definition and sound muddy when overdriven. Filtertrones\TV Jones all the way...

[@only-legitness]

whats that song you're playing on the bridge pickups?

[@mrredritehand]

Filtertrons sound fizzy and undefined imo. Broadtrons definitely more defined and punch in midrange.

[@kosmicwizard]

I'm in the filtertron camp

[@chrisboldtm]

Nice guitar & setup. Both sound lovely. What's the name of that second song? I know it .. but can't put my finger on it .. ;)

[@SatyrProds]

Hey, what pickup height was in broadtrons?

[@simontschigg3553]

what do I need for the replacement? the Broadteons have a different size and ring... :o

[@matouscervenka7248]

It si easy. Use Googe/ebay for those search phrases: - rings: "GIBSON BEZEL SET FOR ENGLISH MOUNT EM1" - mounting adapter "Filtertron Humbucker Adapter Plate" I did it many times... Rings must be litlle drilled in the inner corners, but it is easy :-)

[@simontschigg3553]

@@matouscervenka7248 thx a lot for your answer. I'll try that out! :)

[@Explorerofthesea]

Very nice playing ! How are the Distortion and OD tones ? are they satisfying ? I d like to play alternative rock and hard rock u think this guitar would be good for me ?

[@johne1599]

Filter'Trons for Alternative Rock and Broad'Trons for Hard Rock. For distortion, you'll probably be happier with Broad'Trons.

[@Explorerofthesea]

@@johne1599 thank you !

[@johne1599]

@@Explorerofthesea You're welcome. Rock on!

[@Explorerofthesea]

@@johne1599 I use epi sg g400 pro, and somebody who has gibson sg told me since he got the streamliner he is so satisfied, as it is rocking so badly! He said he doesn't touch to sg anymore because streamliners distortion tones are quite satisfying!

[@dominicmcmahon4798]

@@Explorerofthesea that's interesting cos I'm eyeing off the new double jet with broadtrons. And I play fuzz heavy rock. So now I'm super interested in these especially since they should be under 1k in Australia.

[@sashashevchuk519]

hey man! how you installed this Filter'Tron? did you use a different frame or something?

[@greyline3173]

Think the broadtrons here are easily superior

[@albalicruckyt7573]

Hola soy un alumno tuyo. Que bien hablas inglés y que bien tocas

[@MrDrTheJniac]

So basically, the BroadTrons have more output and more low end.

[@baabaabaa2293]

Yes mate, the Broadtrons on mine are 'hotter' than my mates 6220 with Filtertrons... The BTs push the front end of my amp harder...lve lowered the pups height & it's helped, but still a different sound.

[@jepatawaran]

To me, Filtertron sounds fuller/punchier. Broadtron sounds warmer. I like the Broads...

[@jepatawaran]

Welp. Didn't know that I was here a year ago. And now, I'm planning to buy the G5655T. I still like the Broads.

[@johnalex3023]

Were the Broadtron and Filtertron the same size?

[@montag4516]

Yes. Filtertrons are stock Gretsch pickups, and the TV Jones Broadtrons are made as exact fitting replacements. TV Jones makes other model pickups that will also fit as exact replacements for Filtertrons. This is assuming they are going into a an American or Japanese made Gretsch. The Chinese and Korean Gretsch models have slightly different sidings and may require some altering to get the TV Jones pickups to fit properly.

[@kurtzantingh4795]

How did you wire the filtertrons onto the pots?

[@-Pol-]

Tie off lengths of string or wire to the knob shafts, unscrew them and then pull the pots and wiring out through the pickup hole. Then once you've connected the new pups use the string to draw everything back through and back into place.

[@2000SkyView]

would have been nice if you just played some simple open chords, like a G and just let is resonate.

[@miquel808]

hola soy alumno tuyo i me gusta tus clases i como tocas la guitarra

[@gfj06]

I think the broads are a little thin and weak sounding

[@rjward5440]

The

[@2000SkyView]

need to edit this video - we need to jump around to much to compare them.

[@2000SkyView]

@@shannonadkinsmusic5767 I gave some positive constructive criticism on how to improve the video, sorry you don't get that and took my comments as negative. I find it disappointing when individuals can't determine the difference between cruel negative comments and constructive comments, perhaps you had a bad day or just misunderstood my comments.

[@2000SkyView]

@@shannonadkinsmusic5767 You still obvious are not reading my comments as they are meant; KZbin has nothing to do with it, possibly my fault. Maybe my comments could have been written clearer. My comments concern the editing of this video, it is much easier to compare A and B when they are closer, meaning breaking the video up by "song" for the A and B comparison vs. the big block A and B comparison in this video, forcing the viewer to jump back and forth to figure out what the point is... here is an example of better comparison video editing: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q33GqKeqi6p_qdk Hope this makes my comments clear, have a great day. Thanks for the opportunity to clear this up.

[@jefffassett5960]

lame!

[@Fuckishare]

didnt expect to hear a real estate song there at 1:17 , nice my man