NGD: Dream Fulfilled

fitz said:
HNGD!
More specs please?
Is that a piezo pup?
Looks like the reflections go across the F holes.
And what are those do-dads sticking out of either side near the Bigsby?
(I know next to nothing about Gretsch guitars)
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Thanks, and OK.
Not piezo. The pups are TV Jones brand. I believe that TV Jones based then on Ray Butts Filter'trons, and put his spin on them. Purportedly to make them more quiet. But until I see them, I won't know. They are humbuckers.
The "f" holes are painted on, and not true "f" holes. They were incorporated to reduce feedback.
The "do-dads", and I had to look it up, are toggle switches that engage felt mute pads: one bass, one treble. Chet made good use of those. It frees up your hands to pick anywhere without having to palm mute.
The electronics are unique: there are no tone controls for the pups. At the bottom there are volume controls for each pickup. On the treble horn, there is a master volume control. On the bass side upper horn, there is one 3 position toggle: Low Cut, No effect, Hi Cut. The other is a 3 position toggle: Bridge, Both, Neck.
The toggle below the volume control is a "stand-by" switch. Handy because with it in the mid position, the pups are disconnected, so no need to touch the volume or unplug.
On the rear, there is a padded backing that covers pretty muck the whole guitar. That allows access to the inside of the guitar. And prevents belt rash.
There are many multiple variations of "The Country Gentleman". Some have "f" holes, some not, padding vs. no padding, blah blah.
A high school friend had a CG, and that was pre-70. THIS is the one that he had, so, that's the standard for me. This one checks ALL the boxes.
 
fitz said:
TV Jones Filtertrons I understand.
But what is this thingamabob?

View attachment 108763
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So, those are string mutes/dampers.
The two toggle switched on the sides of the Bigsby, with the red felt, engage those mutes: up or down.
If you give a listen to some Chet Atkins, you can hear that some of is picking, especially his "chicken' pickin" is staccato. Almost pizzicato.
By muting the strings with the felt pads, it frees his had to pick upwards towards the neck without having to "palm mute". This gives a little more range in tone based on the pickup/volume settings.
I've not tried it, but when I palm mute on any of my guitars, I tent to keep my palm toward the bridge.
Or, it was just a marketing thing by Gretsch. I don't know. I think it's cool. People ask :cool:
 
GrooVey said:
@Old Music Guy Guy
Nice Job! It’s a beauty. And I’m guessing plays amazingly well.


@DirtySteve @Boubou

I have a Country Gentleman 12 with a similar top. Acousticly It rings out beautifully. I can’t explain it.
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I had a Gretsch Electromatic 12 string that I absolutely adored! It was a great guitar in every way.
I have no doubt that this guy will be just as fabulous. There is something about a Gretsch that can't be duplicated.
 
Old Music Guy said:
So, those are string mutes/dampers.
The two toggle switched on the sides of the Bigsby, with the red felt, engage those mutes: up or down.
If you give a listen to some Chet Atkins, you can hear that some of is picking, especially his "chicken' pickin" is staccato. Almost pizzicato.
By muting the strings with the felt pads, it frees his had to pick upwards towards the neck without having to "palm mute". This gives a little more range in tone based on the pickup/volume settings.
I've not tried it, but when I palm mute on any of my guitars, I tent to keep my palm toward the bridge.
Or, it was just a marketing thing by Gretsch. I don't know. I think it's cool. People ask :cool:
Click to expand...
Ahhhh, ok I think I get it.
The do-dads control the thingamabob. :yesway:
That sounds like a cool feature.
 
That’s a super cool guitar. I had a friend who collected guitars, especially Beatle style guitars, and loaned me a Country Gent with the deadest strings you have ever heard. Which turned out to be the perfect sound for the track I was working on.
 
I rolled out of bed this morning around 11. Pretty normal for me. I took Charlie out, and found a note from UPS on the screen door saying they tried to deliver the guitar. (Note, that it wasn't supposed to be here until Monday).
I had friends over this afternoon to jam. Just some light stuff in my living room. There were three of us, plus another friend just dropping in. Playing neighbor friendly, no drums. When Larry left, I walked ho out, and lo and behold, I see another "Sorry we missed you" sign pasted on the doorway.
Now I ask: If there are 4 cars in the driveway, music coming from the living room, should a reasonable person surmise that there are people in the house? Maybe knock a little louder?
Do I ask too much? I'm losing faith.
 
Old Music Guy said:
I rolled out of bed this morning around 11. Pretty normal for me. I took Charlie out, and found a note from UPS on the screen door saying they tried to deliver the guitar. (Note, that it wasn't supposed to be here until Monday).
I had friends over this afternoon to jam. Just some light stuff in my living room. There were three of us, plus another friend just dropping in. Playing neighbor friendly, no drums. When Larry left, I walked ho out, and lo and behold, I see another "Sorry we missed you" sign pasted on the doorway.
Now I ask: If there are 4 cars in the driveway, music coming from the living room, should a reasonable person surmise that there are people in the house? Maybe knock a little louder?
Do I ask too much? I'm losing faith.
Click to expand...
I’ve had the same problem a few times. Like you. Found a note…. And I had been home all day because I knew there was going to be a delivery I had to sign for. We’ve started leaving a note taped over the doorbell. Please knock. Door bell broken.
 
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