When it comes to electric guitars, the tone and sound quality are crucial aspects that set them apart from one another. One of the key components that contribute to a guitar’s distinct sound is the pickup. Among the many types of pickups available, Filtertron pickups stand out for their unique design and tonal characteristics. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Filtertron pickups and explore what makes them different from other types of pickups.
The Origins Of Filtertron Pickups
Filtertron pickups were first introduced in the 1950s by the Gretsch guitar company. The innovative design was the brainchild of Ray Butts, a musician and inventor who sought to create a pickup that would provide a brighter, more articulate sound. Butts’ design was inspired by the early humbucker pickups developed by Gibson, but he added his own twist by incorporating a unique filter system.
The Filter System: The Heart Of Filtertron Pickups
The filter system is the key component that sets Filtertron pickups apart from other types of pickups. Essentially, the filter system acts as a tone-shaping device that helps to eliminate unwanted frequencies and emphasize the desired tones. The filter consists of a pair of resonant coils wound around a central core, which is surrounded by a shielding material. This design allows the pickup to reject hum and noise, while retaining a clear, crisp tone.
How the Filter System Works
When a string vibrates above the Filtertron pickup, it disturbs the magnetic field, inducing a voltage in the coils. The resonant coils are designed to resonate at a specific frequency, which is then shaped by the filter system. The filter acts as a low-pass filter, allowing the lower frequencies to pass through while attenuating the higher frequencies. This results in a warm, balanced tone with a strong midrange presence.
Tonal Characteristics Of Filtertron Pickups
One of the most distinctive aspects of Filtertron pickups is their tone, which is often described as bright, articulate, and percussive. The pickups are known for their exceptional clarity and definition, making them ideal for a wide range of musical styles.
Twangy Highs And Warm Lows
Filtertron pickups are renowned for their twangy, snappy highs, which add a sense of crispness and clarity to the tone. At the same time, the pickups retain a warm, rounded low-end response that provides a solid foundation for the tone. This balance of high and low frequencies creates a rich, harmonically complex tone that is both engaging and versatile.
Midrange Magic
The midrange frequencies are where Filtertron pickups truly shine. The pickups have a strong, well-defined midrange presence that adds a sense of body and substance to the tone. This makes them particularly well-suited to country, rockabilly, and jazz music, where a strong midrange is essential for cutting through the mix.
The Advantages Of Filtertron Pickups
So, what makes Filtertron pickups so special? Here are just a few of the advantages they offer over other types of pickups:
Reduced Hum And Noise
The filter system in Filtertron pickups is incredibly effective at rejecting hum and noise. This means that players can enjoy a clean, quiet tone even at high gain settings.
Increased Versatility
Filtertron pickups are incredibly versatile, making them suitable for a wide range of musical styles. From country to rock to jazz, these pickups can handle it all.
Notable Users Of Filtertron Pickups
Filtertron pickups have been used by a wide range of influential guitarists over the years. Here are just a few notable examples:
| Guitarist | Band/Genre |
|---|---|
| Brian Setzer | Stray Cats/Rockabilly |
| Chet Atkins | Country/Jazz |
| Duane Eddy | Rockabilly/Instrumental |
Conclusion
In conclusion, Filtertron pickups are a unique and versatile type of pickup that offer a range of tonal characteristics and advantages. From their bright, articulate highs to their warm, balanced lows, these pickups are capable of producing a wide range of tones. Whether you’re a country player looking for a twangy, snapppy tone or a rock player seeking a heavy, aggressive sound, Filtertron pickups are definitely worth exploring. So, tune in to the unique sound of Filtertron pickups and discover a whole new world of tonal possibilities!
What Are Filtertron Pickups?
Filtertron pickups are a type of humbucker guitar pickup designed by Gretsch and produced by TV Jones. They are known for their bright, clear, and crisp tone, with a unique character that sets them apart from other humbuckers. Filtertron pickups are often described as having a “chimey” or “bell-like” quality, with a strong midrange presence and a slightly scooped low end.
The Filtertron design is characterized by its use of a pair of coils wired in series, with a unique filtering system that helps to reduce hum and noise. This design allows for a wider frequency response and a more detailed, articulate tone. Filtertron pickups are often associated with country and rockabilly music, but they’re versatile enough to be used in a wide range of genres.
How Do Filtertron Pickups Sound Compared To Other Humbuckers?
Filtertron pickups have a distinct tone that’s different from other humbuckers. While they share some similarities with PAF-style humbuckers, they tend to be brighter and more articulate, with a stronger midrange presence. Filtertron pickups are often described as being more “aggressive” and “in-your-face” than other humbuckers, with a slightly nasal or “honky” quality that adds character to the tone.
That being said, Filtertron pickups are still humbuckers, and they share many of the same characteristics as other humbuckers. They’re warm and full, with a strong low end and a smooth high end. However, the unique filtering system and coil design give them a distinct personality that sets them apart from other humbuckers.
What Types Of Music Are Filtertron Pickups Best Suited For?
Filtertron pickups are often associated with country and rockabilly music, where their bright, twangy tone is a perfect fit. However, they’re versatile enough to be used in a wide range of genres, from rock and blues to jazz and beyond. Many players love the way Filtertron pickups add a touch of vintage charm and character to their tone, making them a great choice for anyone looking to add some personality to their sound.
In particular, Filtertron pickups are well-suited for players who want a strong, articulate tone with a lot of midrange presence. They’re great for rhythm playing, where their clarity and definition help to cut through the mix. They’re also great for lead playing, where their bright, biting tone helps to add a touch of drama and excitement to solos and melodies.
Can I Use Filtertron Pickups In A Solid-body Guitar?
While Filtertron pickups are often associated with hollowbody guitars, they can definitely be used in solid-body guitars as well. In fact, many players love the way Filtertron pickups sound in a solid-body guitar, where their bright, articulate tone helps to cut through the density of the instrument.
That being said, it’s worth noting that Filtertron pickups may require some adjustments to the guitar’s electronics and setup to get the best tone. Because they’re designed to be bright and articulate, they may benefit from a slightly hotter output than other humbuckers. Additionally, the unique filtering system may require some adjustments to the tone controls to get the best balance of tone and noise reduction.
Are Filtertron Pickups Noisy?
One of the benefits of Filtertron pickups is that they’re designed to be relatively quiet and hum-free. The unique filtering system helps to reduce hum and noise, making them a great choice for players who want a clean, articulate tone without the hassle of hum and buzz.
That being said, like any humbucker, Filtertron pickups may still be susceptible to some degree of hum and noise, especially in high-gain situations. However, their design helps to minimize these issues, and many players find that they’re able to get a very quiet, hum-free tone with Filtertron pickups.
Can I Coil-split Or Coil-tap Filtertron Pickups?
While it’s technically possible to coil-split or coil-tap Filtertron pickups, it’s not necessarily recommended. The unique filtering system and coil design of Filtertron pickups are integral to their tone, and altering them can affect the way they sound.
That being said, some players do experiment with coil-splitting or coil-tapping Filtertron pickups to get different tones and textures. If you’re interested in trying this, it’s best to work with a knowledgeable guitar tech or electronics expert to ensure that the modifications are done correctly and without damaging the pickups.
Are Filtertron Pickups Worth The Investment?
Filtertron pickups are a significant investment, but for many players, they’re well worth it. The unique tone and character of Filtertron pickups can help to elevate your playing and add a new level of depth and complexity to your sound.
That being said, whether or not Filtertron pickups are worth the investment depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a bright, articulate tone with a lot of midrange presence, and you’re willing to invest in a high-quality pickup, then Filtertron pickups may be a great choice. However, if you’re on a tight budget or you’re not sure what tone you’re looking for, you may want to explore other options.