Les Paul with Filtertron Pickups! - Adding some "Gretsch" to your Gibson!

Have you ever wondered what a "tron" type pickup sounds like in a Les Paul? I did, so here ya go!
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Soli Deo Gloria!

[@neilregan2488]

Came to hear the Filtertrons on a Les Paul, left with a Gretch on the shopping list.

[@monmixer]

yep, gretch makes a great guitar.

[@springbloom5940]

Yeah, that Gretsch sounds amazing, at the bridge, but the LP tron, sounded best at the neck.

[@stillbill6408]

I agree. That Gretch has a unique sound and look....beautiful.

[@beatlemike9]

Same, I converted!

[@dannygnaniah7552]

The Gretsch I dunno why is just sweeter and more musical if that meant anything. I just can’t get enough of those guitars

[@greatvanzini]

Well the Trons sounded pretty good but I'll take the Gretsch from beginning to end.

[@monkmchorning]

Clean through both pickups, that Duo-jet rang like a bell.

[@HARwinsOUTagain]

Insane. That's literally the bright sharp snap that I've always wanted out of a Les Paul but could never find.

[@bryantherocker]

GRETSCH DESTROYED THEM ALL !

[@joeliska313]

I love the definition, clarity, and 'crispness' of the notes with the Trons. Amazing.

[@launder0]

There's just something about that Gretsch, I love that sound...

[@elnyoutube123]

TV Jones pickups. Super underrated

[@rubbadubdub6543]

@@elnyoutube123Not by anyone who knows anything about Gretsch guitars!

[@elnyoutube123]

@@rubbadubdub6543 Well I've changed my tune about TV Jones pickups over the years.... Over priced crooks and most of their pickups sound the same. DiMarzio is the only company making good and actually unique filtertrons right now.

[@trevormccue9585]

So here's what I learned; That Gretsch is killer! What a great guitar. My wife happened to be near by, and watched with me. The Gretsch was her fave, then the Les Paul, then the experiment. And I agree with her. I think it shows how much thought goes into the design of the guitars. Certain pickups, with certain body shapes and woods, make the best sounds. So yes the LP with the new PUP's was unique, but it wasn't as good as the Les Paul or Gretsch. Great video and great playing as always!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Thanks! It was really fun to try out ☺

[@PedalPoopers]

Yeah but also bare in mind that some of the best results YOU play on now came about by experimentation and happy accidents, not "careful" design through planning. Just wanted to point that out

[@189harvesterofsorrow]

I think the Gretsch sounded the best.

[@Sally-uu3yt]

The gretsch sounded best but not gonna lie, the lp x tron combo sounded amazing in my opinion. Really has character

[@Pim3211]

It sounds fantastic, I love the fact that you get more clarity without sacrificing the big sound that a les Paul gives! It's a sweet spot for me!

[@jeremiahmalsack4718]

I agree with this. I was looking into getting a gretsch but now might just get some of these pickups.

[@zebdoz333]

As a Gretsch guy, I love my Gretsch! , that sounded pretty good to my ear that tone was better than I thought it would be and looked pretty darn good to! Thanks for the upload!

[@ishank512]

The Grestch sounded better IMO, but this was a fun experiment to watch.

[@Nooboroshi]

After hearing the Les Paul and then hearing the Trons for the first time, it felt like my ears opened up! That tone !!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

😀👍

[@ptrisonic]

That black Gretsch sounded amazing!

[@RudyAyoub]

Next add some Kiesel to your fender

[@tripletango]

He should als add some Kramer to his Gretsch...

[@semouwehand5112]

Yea and also add some Charvel to your Cort

[@Metalfan-ve1zg]

Turn The gretsch into an Ibanez S Series.

[@everychannel1025]

Some milk to your cereal

[@schlo9358]

i love the look of the guitar with the new pickups

[@mts982]

the black gretsch sounds the best and sounds great.

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

It's a keeper for sure! ☺

[@mikemorse7058]

@@DarrellBraunGuitar What model Gretsch is that? Have to agree with a lot of folks...loved the Gretsch tones

[@JeromeHattKronen1664]

@@mikemorse7058 I think G6128 Jet. about $2000

[@Po1itica11yNcorrect]

Wasn't sure what the results would be but I must admit, I was actually impressed with the sound of the Filtertrons in a Les Paul.

[@RobertBakerGuitar]

Really cool video buddy

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Thanks man! 😀

[@RoloTomasie]

Please, please, please, please get together and make a video, you two!

[@myewgul]

I read it as really cool video DADDY😂

[@Ale2065Tate]

The two best guitar channels

[@keithlenski1648]

Robert Baker

[@nidranrebreski2828]

You can't beat a Les Paul when it comes to blues and R&R. The rest sound muddy in the bass but for clean sound, oh my God, that Gretch is heaven.

[@wesleywhite9782]

Never really paid attention tp Gretch's but damn that thing sounds good , now I want one

[@stockguitar]

totally agree. I always loved the way Gretsch guitars look. I think the Pink Penguin is the coolest guitar look I've yet seen. But the sound on the black Gretsch in this vid is amazing. Do you know what model it is?

[@JohnBarrow1961]

They're fantastic sounding guitars.

[@marcstager1284]

Ditto - What model, is it current?

[@marcstager1284]

​Ditto - What model - is it current?

[@sambracken3325]

It's a Gretsch powerjet (duojet with tv jones powertrons) comes stock. Can get em around 1400-1600 used on verb. My dream guitar if I can ever get ahead financially lol

[@milonso650]

i love the clearance of those pickups. they fit the overall look quite well IMO.

[@akeeperofoddknowledge4956]

Love that Gretsch tone !

[@syfman6]

The Filtertrons with the blades would be Supertrons. Nice video, beautiful Axe! 💚🎸

[@NoBSMusicReviews]

I’m sure I am an apostate, but I like these guys, both the Gretsch originals, and the ones you put in the Les Paul, a LOT more than THE PAF’s!!!

[@sowhat5150]

That Duo Sonic sounds amazing. Very unique vibe and tone in a Les Paul. Thanks for doing theses interesting combinations.

[@sowhat5150]

Actually meant Duo Jet which normally has the Dynasonics pickups.

[@mick1167]

The HH Gibson sounded as expected but the Gretsch sounded amazing. Didn't like the sound of the modded Gibbo though. Sounded thin and scratchy to my ears. Nice project, thanks.

[@Chemist1076]

Mick sounded like scratching to me... much like the gretch

[@legozach77584]

That last backing track is AWESOME

[@tuckerlane7995]

Any idea what it is

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Today I try something I've wanted to experiment with for a long time - "tron" pickups in a Les Paul! Enjoy! JBE recommends 250k pots with these pickups, and the LP had 500k. With the recommended pots it would have been just about perfect!

[@scarlettepunk2087]

To me it sounded almost Lucille like...the B.B. King model...I loved the bridge sound...I would have never guessed just by listening that it was a Tronned LP but well I’m not that good by ear any ways...but yeah homerun bases loaded on that one Darrell...yay!

[@scarlettepunk2087]

VapingwithJan AndGoonther420 right...and an interesting stomp box...Oof ...facemelt

[@Riverdeepnwide]

Andrew, who's buying? 😂😂 🎸🎸$$$$ 😱

[@davidallen346]

You look like that guy Nick in the States , he also does guitar gear demos, those JBE Tron pickups sounded great in that les paul gives a extra kick in brightness and snappy tone.

[@calebward7773]

Hey Darrell. I've been watching your stuff for awhile, and I think you may be able to help me. I am just learning how to work on pickups. I am going to buy an ebony epiphone SG so I can mess around with it. I want to make it a kind of punk rock type guitar as my other guitar is wired up for metal. I've seen you use a lot of pickups. Is there any specific pickup you would recommend for this experiment? I'm thinking of using Seymour Duncan P rails. I really love the way they sounded in your Epiphone Les Paul. But, I hope you don't mind me asking what you think.

[@jakenogard9667]

Gretsch has the best sounds for me man🤘

[@MitchHaman]

The sunburst color Les Paul sounded the best to me. The Gretsch and the Blue Lp sounds very similar. Great video.

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Thanks Mitch!

[@ricardodealmeida4174]

They sound incredibely good on the LP ! Good job Darrell we love mods 😁😁

[@bobboitt3126]

Great vid. That Blueberry burst is beautiful! Love the drop in electronics with no soldering. All guitars should be like that! All the tones were great.

[@wincarian]

Luv the gretch sound is different

[@garyheighway7635]

Tron pickups sounded great but love that Gretsch.

[@harveycan5820]

The Gretsch has real Filtertrons...

[@45scienceproject]

My God! What a great sound you got out of that Les Paul. I just bought my first Gretsch yesterday. I picked it over getting a second Les Paul for the sheer uniqueness of the playing experience it offers and I am absolutely smitten with it. Between the Les Paul I already have and my new Jet I have such a wide variety of tones to choose from. I made the right choice.

[@mikejones-vd3fg]

As Im listening and enjoying the smooth licks while looking down doing something else I totally forget youer doing a comparison video and I couldnt tell you switched pickups let alone guitars, it all sounded good.

[@picksalot1]

Besides your awesome guitars and musicianship, you've got exceptional video production skills. Kudos!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Thanks man! I appreciated it ☺

[@milunbosiljcic]

That Gretch thing is amazing I think.

[@hanomag251]

That was a very interesting video. Those experiments are fun to watch. It is fun to enjoy those modifications and discover new sounds. Great job on this one again!!!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Thanks Clarence!

[@bigfootingermany]

Those are interesting pups. Brighter than the Gibsons for sure, very similar to the Gretsch filtertrons. But to my ears, has a little bit more balls. The one thing I really love about the filtertrons is the incredible note clarity. As for having these Trons in your blue LP, actually they really make it look totally badass Darrell!! It gives it a very updated modern look with those blades in the pup. Between the black surrounds, the deep chrome covers and the blades surrounded in black as well, it really spices up the look of that LP. I don't know what it would do to the looks of a traditional. after all those are supposed to be... well.... traditional. Bob in Germany

[@stevenmgyori3826]

Well done, nice to enjoy different flavors, vanilla is widely accepted and even praised by the masses. Thanks brother enjoyed that New and different flavor!

[@AmyKSpreadborough]

Thank you! Was really curious to hear a side-by-side comparison, and I can totally hear the difference! Les Paul humbuckers are warmer and a little more organic. The Filtertrons are tighter, with a bit more grit. Love them both!

[@andyglamrock]

That Gretsch is glorious

[@munkeatphotography]

That black Gretsch sounds amazing ....

[@twstdelf]

Very cool, would actually love to see more of these types of experiments / frankenbuilds ;)

[@ajack913]

The bridge sounded great. The neck sounded better on the gretch to me. The both pickup setting all of them sounded amazing all for different reasons. Great video and such a good idea i was just wondering about this type of setup

[@David__]

Really liked the tone of the "Gretsch Gibson"... particularly on both pickups :) Thanks for sharing!

[@alainbrisebois8334]

Wow much more clarity with the Trons

[@fireball676]

I honestly like the sound of 500k’s even on single coils. I can always pull brightness off, but I cannot add it without a pedal. The Gretch sounds as if it has 500k’s in it.

[@SuperGolgotha]

I like that a lot. The Les Paul sounds great with those pickups, I really like the original sound too though,

[@skillsandskills3028]

those pickups look and sound amazing

[@joshuacowger6740]

I am very thankful you showed the process of what you were doing. I personally find it interesting and calming. weird yes but who isn't.

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Anytime! ☺

[@WeeFreeMan78]

Man that aqua burst looks stunning...

[@avjake]

With both pickups selected, the humbuckers sounded a little more buttery, but otherwise, the trons were nice and chimey with a bit more grain, a nice sound. If you want that famous LP tone, this is not the thing to do. Great comparo vid.

[@blaineweber5047]

Really liking that Gretsch more and more every time I hear it , might be trading my G&L

[@2ndEditionBryce]

n=n+1

[@kenwinston2245]

Very nice. Wanting this for mine, and now I know I do.

[@briancicio7738]

With the help of my wife I did this as a blind test. Thought the Gretsch sounded best, until the 3rd test, where I felt the tron Gibson sounded best. Great video as always.

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Anytime! ☺ That's a great way to do it 👍

[@danielhartman6529]

Nice. Sounded real good. With the change out of the pickups.

[@saddle8bag]

Bridge doesn't sound all that different. Neck loses all that LP nasal tone. Sounded nice clean with the two pups though. I think I'd buy and gain a Gretsch rather than lose a LP, but it was a neat experiment.

[@KnoVic0617]

I like that crunch sound!

[@stratman247]

I think I like the Filtertron in the neck position and the LP humbucker at the bridge.

[@chantzarcher4807]

Wonder what the combination of both at once would sound like. Probably amazing

[@0800333pedro]

Gretsch always wins, no mater what you put in front of it

[@c3920]

This is awesome! I love the sound of the Gretsch pickups. What a great and unique idea to swap those babies out. You should have way more subscribers.

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Thanks man!

[@domenicocusumano]

In the paul sounds amazing

[@Davo2233]

Keep this up!! This is fresh content. Never seen or heard this comparison. Always wondered A+

[@tim7of717]

That Gretsch sounds so good.

[@WibblyWobblyBob]

The Gretsch sound is so much 'more'. And don't forget that if it is too bright, you can roll off the tone a little. I can get very similar tones to a Les Paul from my Gretsch by reducing the tone on my overdrive pedal. This gives Gretsch cleans and Gibson like distortion with a single foot switch.

[@mjallenuk]

Fascinating ... There's a good few hours to spend playing with sounds!

[@ChristianIce]

Looks like a toaster :)

[@thedisciple1764]

Another great video Darrell. I really enjoyed the neck tones on all three guitars. Keep up the good work. Hope all is well.

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Thanks Al! Things are going well! I hope things are good on your end as well. ☺

[@verysillypenguin]

cool video man. and idk prolly someone already mentioned but... killer backing track my dude.

[@mikeoutlawpunk]

I love that Gretsch

[@tuckerlane7995]

It's great to hear that jet in a context that is not rockabilly... Something I'm not a fan of. People get so caught up in associating a tone with a genre, and using certain sounds for these genres. It's really great to hear unique and standout tones in different settings

[@meschadarc141]

if you want a no-nonsense approach to a great guitar idea, go darrell braun! i love this crossbreed gribetschon. being a gretsch fan myself, i'd say: you can find a great sounding and playing gretsch for a fourth of the price of a good gibson, but not the other way around. and yet, a stellar gibson is a righteously crowned queen.

[@calebhendrix4664]

For some reason I’m thinking I want these in my strat?? Craziest thing I’ve said all day... and as always, thanks for another great video!!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Do it!!!

[@anthonyward8587]

Great vid Darrell..Love the Gretsch..

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Thanks! It's a sweet guitar for sure!

[@paulsummerside]

Loved the tone, very close to the top end Gretsch, so might be a good mod also for Electromatic Gretsch's to bring them up to spec.

[@339Jackscarify]

Goddammit that Gretsch sweeps the floor with those LPs, awesome!

[@lamecasuelas2]

I love the super meaty sound from the new pickups

[@melanie2663]

I really wasn't a fan of the end sound but then I have hand made custom pups by Gemini Pickups. That guy is a wizard with pickups.

[@U2WB]

Awesome video and an interesting experiment. Truthfully, for me the Gibson pickups sounded best in the Gibson and the real Gretsch pickups sounded better than those after market ones. Perhaps next time you could repeat the experiment with a pair of TV Jones pickups ? Also, I’ve never thought Gretsch and distortion worked well together. The Gretsch vibe is all about clean.

[@cass2771]

Wow! What a difference! The HH Les Paul sounded familiar and very nice, but with the Filtertron pick ups, it sounded like the blanket had been lifted between the speaker and my ears (esp at the 8.00 min mark with the 'both pick ups comparison). I could HEAR the notes better. Lovely vid, thank you. I'm lusting for a Gretsch now!

[@MegicShiba]

I have a pair of GFS filtertrons that were supposed to go into a Gretsch streamlined before I had to let it go, but imma be getting an Epi Les Paul Trad IV in gold and now I know what imma do with those GF'Trons

[@JWCFB]

Hey Darrell, you got me liking those filtertron so I bought a Gretsch Les Paul style guitar with filtertrons today. Its a special edition G5435. Pro Jet in natural wood finish. They marked them down to just 300 bucks and they give you a free pro set up, they double the manufacturers warranty and ship it free. The store is in Minnesota, it's called Riff City Guitars.

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Congratulations! That is an amazing deal! 👍🎸

[@kalebabel1348]

Those pickups look like a toaster

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

😄 That must be why I'm always hungry after jamming!

[@chrismartinez1370]

A very sexy toaster though

[@scarlettepunk2087]

Darrell Braun Guitar toast and jam...mmm mmmhm!

[@scarlettepunk2087]

Officer Pagen but they burn like a flamethrower...haaawt

[@iVironment]

get out

[@danielcox9850]

Looks great , the gretsch sounded better than the 2 Les Paul's (never thought I would say that ) Good vid

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Thanks Danny! Yeah, that Duo Jet is a sweet guitar!

[@kanelee1871]

That great Gretsch sound. Great video.

[@JAce94007]

Earlier today, I decided to customise my epiphone g310 sg ebony. I've decided to give it a white pickguard, a Saturday Night Special bridge humbucker, and a gretsch filtertron neck pickup. Your video was super helpful in my research!

[@JohnBarrow1961]

Very cool. I love the aquamarine finish on the LP.

[@jasonwalls1012]

I really like the black Gretsch. I'd buy one if I had a job.maybe someday. Like those pickups at the neck at the bridge they drop out when theres distortion no crunch. But I love the clean sound of the filtertrons and that's what I came to see. I may use em in a build someday.

[@57Joe]

I own one of each and after buying my Gretsch (a Nashville Western 6120W), it's now the go-to sound I always reach for, My SG standard with the 490 series humbuckers sounds like mud compared to the Gretsch. Any bottom end you lose with the Filtertrons is more than made up for in bite and articulation, with a signature growl to it. Open chords ring right through with some overdrive, and individual notes are super expressive. The pickup swap is cool if you really like Gibson guitars but still want some of the Gretsch sound. I think I may wind up swapping out the humbuckers in my SG for P90s though.

[@coyperez3924]

Yes sir I do love the way those sound

[@killerdude35]

What this taught me is humbuckers belong in a Les Paul and 'trons belong in a Grtesch. Both should stay in their lanes, lol! I really want a Gretsch now!

[@trontosaurusrex9532]

Very interesting! Cool project and I am looking forward to the one those Trons are for!

[@RC32Smiths01]

ahhhh awesome video my man! Really interesting hybrid indeed my friend!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Thanks RC!

[@RC32Smiths01]

Ahh no problem my man!

[@stageb2233]

Cool! a 120th anniversary Les Paul!

[@GretschenMunch]

That's a supertron style pickup rather than filtertron. Chet Atkins wanted more consistency on bent notes, hence the blade polepiece that became the supertron. Original supertrons had laminated blade polepieces, later ones were solid like these.

[@boraromp]

I'd watch your videos just for the beautiful guitars in HD, but everything else is perfect too, so...

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Thanks man!

[@MarcCoteMusic]

Well, as I've said many a time, pickups are most of a guitar's tone... everything else is small potatoes by comparison - important, perhaps, but not necessarily critical. I thought the Filtertron-equipped LP sounded rather similar to the Gretsch - and certainly nothing like the conventional LP. One point of note... the clean sound on the Filtertrons was much more to my liking than it was on ordinary humbuckers. Great idea for a quickie vid, Darrell.

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Agree! 👍

[@doomguy1430]

Marc Cote You're wrong. 90% of a guitar's tone is from amp. Then your fingers,pickups,strings...

[@MarcCoteMusic]

I meant the sound that comes from your guitar... Obviously, an amp has a huge impact on the sound that hits the audience. But a Strat sounds like a Strat, a Tele sounds like a Tele, and so on... if you throw a couple of humbuckers in a Strat it doesn't sound like a Strat anymore.

[@arbitermatt]

@@doomguy1430 you can't even quantify it like this