TVJ Powertrons vs. Classic Plus & Supertron combo

[Mr. Lumbergh]

Thanks again to everyone who has offered their experience so far. I'm starting to lean in the direct of the C+/Super combo for the Gretsch, and maybe look into getting a decent EQ pedal when I want to give it the more mid-focused sound. I wouldn't want my Gretsch to lack that sparkle; it just wouldn't be right.

+1. The Powertrons are called "dark" or "muddy" around these parts because they are compared to the Classics and most people here play pretty clean. The Powertrons are not as dark/muddy/whatever as a PAF.

I actually just today decided I'm going with a Ptron PLUS and Ptron in my thinline Cabronita. But then, I LIKE dirt. My "cleans" are when I turn down the volume pot.

I'm pondering a dual P'tron setup for my Cab Tele as well. Let me know how that one goes. I've also gotten the components together to put a tone circuit on an S-1 switch for it as well which I may put on this weekend.

 

[Faye]

If you're using a hot rod wiring loom
(one pickup switch, one master volume only), then Powertrons will sound great.

I use a three way switch and single master volume only, and am considering Powertrons to replace the Blacktop Filtertrons in my Double Jet.

I'm usually a P90 player, so am resisting the urge to just go for T-90s. Also considering the Classic Plus, Supertron combo, but don't want anything too bright or twangy. I'm more at the Neil Young end of the spectrum.

Don't want anything to compressed or fizzy either, though. How do Powertrons clean up with the volume rolled off?

 

[Neal]

The Classic +/Supertron combination was installed on Chet Atkins' 1959 single-cut 6122. You might want to listen to his tone on that Country Gentleman to get an idea of what he was able to do with that combination.

 

[ronbo]

I'm runnng the Supertron/Classic+ combo on my 5420 and it sounds fantastic. Actually got the pickups from Synchro and periodically think of replacing them (because I'm always thinking...) and even occasionally selling the 5420 and getting a proline, but then I play it and realize that there is no need...it does everything I need it to! The Supertron is so clear with the right amount of Gretsch sparkle and I play it clean most of the time. The Classic+ has just the right amount of sizzle that it sounds great clean but also takes overdrives really well. If I ever do sell it, I'll replace the pickups and keep them for something else

 

[Faye]

I know I like the sound of the Supertron/ Classic Plus combination when I've heard it (Marc Ribot, specifically), just wondering about how much it pushes the amp when you mainly use power amp overdrive, as I do.

My reason for wanting to swap out the blacktop filters is more down to their output than the tone. They work well enough if I throw a few pedals into the mix, but I don't always want to do that.

I don't want to have to change the settings I use with my P90 guitars either, so I need an equivalent level of drive from the guitar. The low output of the Supertron is what concerns me in that set up.

 

[BuddyHollywood]

I installed a Power'Tron Plus in the bridge of my Duo Jet with a 1 meg CTS volume pot with a treble bleed. It's paired up with a Dynasonic in the neck also with a 1 meg volume pot with a treble bleed.

So, for your 5120 I would recommend a Power'Tron Plus in the bridge with a 1 meg CTS pot and a Magnatron in the neck also with a 1 meg CTS pot. The Power'Tron Plus can get you 335ish tones when you turn down the tone knob a few to take off the toppermost of the top end. If you turn down the volume a few with the treble bleed you can get more in the Classic vibe. It's my favorite sounding bridge pickup in the universe. I prefer slug magnet pole piece style pickups for the neck pickup to get a Gretsch tone that leans more towards Fender which is why I suggested a Magnatron. If you prefer jazz tones over funk or blues tones for your neck pickup you may want something different.

 

[Synchro]

I’ve had both the Supertron/Classic+ combination, and Powertrons. Both sound quite good, the Powertrons being slightly darker; but only slightly.

 

[Faye]

the Powertrons being slightly darker; but only slightly.

This is useful, ta.

 

[TobyB]

Don't know if they are available... but the pickups in my RF Falcon are full of Gretsch character and have lots of great tones clean and heavily distorted... it fairly well out-335's my Gibson.

 

[Neal]

The output of the Supertron/Classic + combination on my 6122-59 is hotter than the Filtertrons on my Double Annie, by a considerable margin.