DYNASONIC SHOOTOUT: Gretsch vs Seymour Duncan

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I swear I didn't plan to wear the same shirt as Ryan @60CycleHumcast
Here's a quick pickup comparison featuring my friend John's amazing Gretsch 6120. The Dynasonic is one of my favorite pickups and I think the Duncan wins out for me.
This is basically a test video to help me hone in on how to do this properly, so let me know what you'd like to see in the comments! Thanks for watching!

[@thesurfjunkies]

Man, the Duncan pickups sound great with the gain but we have a feeling that the originals would sound better clean. We’re all about the clean tones though so we will gladly admit our bias Mike. ;-)

[@garyptaszek]

I definitely preferred the sound of the new pickup. Got me GASing for a Gretsch again. You’re such a natural in front of the camera Mike, I hope that helps with the crippling self doubt.

[@jamesgretsch4894]

Thanks. Interesting you have the Western but headstock is a horseshoe not a steers head. Would you mind doing it again but clean tones. Thanks.

[@nacienlos70]

Cool video. How do you think a dynasonic pickup would work on a jazzmaster build. Trying to decide between low output p90 and dynasonics.

[@rinosphere]

Great stuff. Agreed a few too many jump cuts.... but I trust the content! Can't wait to hear a P90 shootout.

[@Glicksman1]

I have a new Harrison Duo-Jet with Gretsch Dynasonic TM pickups. Sounds great, authentic to my ears and I have no problems with them. Listening to this vid, the Duncans were a bit louder and, accordingly gainier, and as you said "more'. However loudness and gain is not what I like about or look for in Dynasonics, or any pickup for that matter. I like the clear, chiming, balanced tone, similar to a good P-90 (are there any bad ones?) or Tele bridge pickup played clean. I find that there is more audible tonal content in lower output pickups. You want "more"? Turn up the amp. Accordingly, the difference that I heard between these two pickups could easily be equalized by turning up the amp volume on the Gretsch pickups or vice versa on the Duncans. Otherwise, I heard no substantial tonal differences. Also, listening in isolation, (with no other instruments and not in any musical context, etc.) is not, IMO, a good way to do this. I mean, except in these shootouts, and at home alone, when do we hear an electric guitar play alone? To accurately hear what an electric guitar sounds like, it should be heard in a band setting, on a recordings, etc. That's also why auditioning a guitar in a store is so misleading. Please try this next time. Cheers.

[@dogsgobooom]

One of the main guitar techniques I want to nail is the “Oh yeah, this is good isn’t it? Look” mid riff.

[@Manmadehorse87]

Love that you broke out some Living End!

[@dogsgobooom]

Mixing the pickups over the course of the tune is good. So many comparison vids are “I’ll play this riff and noodle and stuff for five minutes and then do the same with the other one.” And both things end up sounding the same.

[@bluewallinc7878]

What model Gretsch is that? I’ve never seen block western motif inlays with the horseshoe headstock

[@shellw1506]

It looks like a reissue of the Gretsch G6120 Chet Atkins model (I think it’s the Vintage Select series with the Dynasonic pickups, so possibly G6120T-55 Chet Atkins model). Hope that helps.

[@bluewallinc7878]

@@shellw1506 the 55 vintage select doesn’t have the horseshoe headstock and come stock w TV Jones T-armonds

[@shellw1506]

@@bluewallinc7878 Thanks. Then perhaps it’s the Players Edition. Trying to figure out Gretsch models and model numbers are more of an art than a science for me these days, lol. Whatever model that is, it’s definitely a beautiful guitar.

[@bluewallinc7878]

@@shellw1506 I appreciate the help! I’m a huge fan of the configuration so I’ve been on the search

[@jts3339]

There are cheaper ways to increase the gain other than replacing the pickups. I think I’d try a Seymour Duncan pickup booster first or an EQ pedal first.

[@lightintentions]

Great idea, I'll try one at the store; thanks! I have a few vintage-style guitars with slightly anemic sound.

[@etiennemamo8604]

Great video! Very clear explanations and to the point. Keep it up!

[@buckchurch1551]

I did th exact same change, still not sure which i like better...

[@midnight-special]

I did the same swap on a Jet and Penguin, great idea for a video. Simple is better. Keep it up, I’m subscribing :-) That said, and knowing both pickups well (I’ve had original ‘50’s DeArmond’s, Gretsch Dynasonics in a Penguin, Jet and 6120, Duncan CS’s and TV Jones T’Armonds), if you insist on recording a demo with digital modeling please use the cleanest tone possible. I listened to this video with a top-shelf pair of reference headphones and my studio monitors and compared to the sound of these pickups live at best you’re getting 20% of the variance. Your audio doesn’t begin to capture the differences between these two sets of pickups, the overdrive is obliterating the frequency spectrum and absolutely destroys the nuances and massive difference in fidelity and dynamic response between stock Dynas and Duncans. You don’t need a tube amp either, even if a Vox, Old Fender, Marshall or Hiwatt is always preferable. A Quilter, Roland JC120 or even 1980’s Peavey is more than adequate for demo purposes and you could probably trade in your digital gear for analog amps that do accurately capture the tone of the instrument and get $$ back. Anyway, I love the A/B on the bridge pickup. I wish everyone would do their demos exactly like you did it and please do more of these!

[@matt_ess153]

Putting sound into words is a little bit like drinking wine and describing the flavor or multitude of flavors(fruit forward, oak, butter, stone fruit and on). It's something that takes practice. I believe that pointing out mids is tricky. For my ear. Here it goes. I hear a better sound out of the new pups. I think it is upper mids as my ear doesn't relate the "better" to a lower end sound. The new pick ups feel as if they would come off more forward in a mix. That's all I got. I need to search a video that isolates the mids so I can train my ear to pick it out with a little more ease. Thank you. Love that you are putting out more videos now!

[@Puisheen]

Ah, see I want to avoid better if at all possible as I don't really believe in it in terms of sound -- somethings work for some people but not all. It's better for me and I can definitely say that, but the upper mids were way more pronounced to my ears

[@LuckyKoman7]

Original is my winner. More tone separation more akoestieksound so I hear more from the guitar that is always the case with lower output.

[@ShiroiTengu]

Old pickup wins by a mile. Much more clarity and chime. New one too hot and too much midrange, basically sounds more like a p-90 rather than a dynasonic.

[@themagnetc]

Seems that the Duncans are noticeably hotter which make them sound different. You heard more of all that stuff because it’s got more output. you just have to apply more gain from your source of dirt

[@raymondanselmo141]

Have not slept since April 1979. Good video.

[@jazzboxrecordings3414]

The Duncan’s were more alive and dynamic. I like this format. Simple and to the point. Now if we could just a little bit of Vinz.

[@Puisheen]

I'll work him in I promise!

[@N2F1]

What a coincidence! Just this last week I bought a used 6120 DSW locally I have to say that I am underwhelmed with the stock pickups, especially the neck pickup Pretty muddy buddy Yes yes yes....the SD bridge pickup sounds MUCH bigger, better and definitely has MORE than the stock And I thought my OX4 PAF's were pricey Now if i could only figure out how to make my guitar stay anywhere close to in tune Quick edits? Well you're keeping the segments short for an easy comparison between the two Short segments get quick edits Nice job Mike

[@musicmatty67]

It’s all subjective of course. However, I prefer the original pickups. The original pickups had just the right amount of crunch for my ears… especially for rhythm playing.

[@markferguson3745]

Not too surprisingly, the Duncan's have a harsher, grainier,attack and lack the original twang.If like you say they encourage lighter picking, then adjustments could be made.On the originals I really liked that feeling of having to force the content out of them; after getting use to Fender hyper sensitivity, it's a refreshing change.

[@verbageddon]

Mike, would you recommend the TV Jones Dynas or the Fralin Dynas for shimmery reverb tones.

[@23skidoo46]

hey, thanks for the some dynasonic w/some push to them. sick of all the just the clean dynasonic demos. some ppl like me play w/some gain.

[@youssefkasim7556]

What about the tv Jones version?

[@thefilmandmusic]

I bought a Gretsch pro 6128t thé Dynasonics are crap, they whistle at volume and the guitar is completely microphonic( ok if you play in yr bedroom) $5 p/ups on a supposedly pro , expensive guitar .. Are these Seymour’s potted ..

[@60CycleHumcast]

Nice shirt content boiiiiii

[@Puisheen]

SAME TO YOU ORIGINAL CB

[@averyadrian1534]

The Duncan’s would be my choice - I don’t like digging in only to have the note quickly die - I need sustain - higher output

[@lydmo8287]

A better comparison would have been in clean as well as with so much gain.

[@gaigedespain3857]

Hey CONTENT BOY, I know this is a bit old for your channel now and you've sort of "found your stride" with KZbin since this video was made but I think this is a great comparison. I'm just watching all of your videos that I haven't seen at this point and I've always been curious about Duncan's take on these. If you end up doing another Gretsch pickup swap, I would be curious about how any of the TV Jones pickups compare to Seymour Duncan pickups for Gretsch guitars. I always get a generally good idea from your pickup swap videos. Thanks for making so much content lately!

[@cheeseUout]

YEAH THE LIVING END!!! but i'm not too much of a fan of their Roll On album. Still, Chris Cheney legitimized the Gretsch for rock and roll for me

[@Puisheen]

I haven't listened to the whole record in a bit, but I remember having great feelings about it. But that riff though... just eternally stuck in my head.

[@Romanesquire]

I like the OG

[@Lukamar15]

Agree with everyone here - MORE CONTENT! Also keep playing TLE and Tom Petty tunes on Gretsches. I need as many comprehensive videos about Gretsch electronics as I can get.

[@automaticfantastic]

As audience boy: more content, CONTENT BOY! Jk pls take it easy on yourself and eventually get good sleep

[@automaticfantastic]

Also thanks for making this consumable so i can go back and really hear what you do, and the duration is perfect

[@Alex-jq5ft]

*CONTENT BOY*

[@abbreviated1098]

I’d love to hear these pickups demonstrated by a guitarist

[@andyk295]

I noticed more top end from the SD's.

[@ZachariahConnor]

Love this video and the format!! Please keep uploading!

[@Puisheen]

Thanks, Zachariah!

[@stringtheoryx]

If you put about 5 more overdrives in front, then the subtle differences would be more apparent. NOTE: That was a joke. I find absolutely no use in pickup demos with fuzz.

[@TonySermeno]

KEEP DOING IT!! and please please tell me how to pronounce Puisheen!!! sound it out, a dedicated video, or an instagram story. maybe pin it to the time line.. LOVE THIS VIDEO!!! I'd love to hear a side by side comparison of the squire J mascis jazzmaster and other jazzmster pick ups. Great video!

[@AllbeeHivezChristianAllbee]

The Duncans sound a little hotter, which is totally fine by me😏

[@Puisheen]

I need some HEAT in my life. My love of hot sauce influences my tonal appetite as well

[@lydmo8287]

I hear NO DIFF at all. I have headphones on, listened clearly, and no difference. Maybe try comparing clean tones. This review was not very useful.

[@BadgersInTheAttic]

So, did Solas break your heart? 😉 To me, the Seymour Duncans sound more humbuckery (is that a word?) or maybe P-90ish. Definitely more Gibsonetic. I like the SD better in the example you played, but since Gretsch guitars are known for their sweet, bell-like tones, I would like to hear them compared clean, and while playing some different styles of music. Also, as an MTV-era kid, the jump cuts don't bother me. 😁

[@Puisheen]

Solas broke my heart and nobody warned me

[@javierico3817]

As a long time gretsch dynasonic user I have to tell you that they have very very low output. everybody after a while try to shim them to improve response. They are good if you play at home but for live playing they are so low that you have to adjust the amp.Ever a danelectro has more output. Duncan's one are great and more like the vintage ones that I have too.If you like Gretsch's ones perfect, but they are not like the original dearmonds.

[@mohamedtlass3842]

I think depends example to example, I have that are hotter in my George Harrison

[@uanua]

Honestly, I really dug the sound of the original pickup a lot more. I also really dug this vid man. The format is great, my sole issue is the editing. It’s just a little too many jump cuts while you’re talking, I just get a little thrown off by that sort of thing. Other than that, I thought this was both golden and informative, you’re a very clear speaker and I appreciate that so very much.

[@Puisheen]

Haha, I've made a huge mistake! Thanks for the feedback. I'm still getting this whole video thing figured out so the jump cuts will fade away on their own soon enough. Though I've noticed a lot of youtube videos seem to do that but most people don't talk with their hands as much as I do. I can definitely see that coming off as jarring. I'll keep at it!

[@uanua]

@@Puisheen I forgot to mention that you're a really rad player too! Please keep at it, I'm excited to see what you'll do in the future with this format.

[@TheAerovons]

Duncan is way too hot...original pickup isn't too weak...is on 8000 records lol

[@Grant_Ferstat]

The currrent stock Gretsch Dynasonics are actually really tame compared to vintage models.

[@sopanmcfadden276]

The Duncan pickups are a bit rough and raspy. Gretsch all the way

[@shaalis]

I like the originals a bit better.

[@craigoog]

Gretsches should sound clean. I liked the originals better.