Frequently Asked Questions
Why TV Jones?
Here at TV Jones, we use the highest quality and American made components that we can find. Our magnets produce a warmer bottom end and a broader high-end (broader Q factor-not as harsh). Many imported pickups tend to have sharper highs, and less lows due to impurities in the magnetic material and pole screws. Additionally, imported coils are wound quickly causing the magnet wire to stretched. This leads coils to read a higher DC resistance with less wire on the bobbin (thinner, brighter tone).
Our pickups are proudly hand-crafted in the USA with our own parts (including our own tooling) and with unique magnets and pole screws. As a guitarist / musician you will find our pickups to have clear yet controlled highs with a lot of dynamics. There is a nice clarity combined with a saturated growl when you dig in with your pick. We always strive to make musical pickups as opposed to strictly period correct pickups (except for the Ray Butts Ful-Fidelity of course).
Our pickups are proudly hand-crafted in the USA with our own parts (including our own tooling) and with unique magnets and pole screws. As a guitarist / musician you will find our pickups to have clear yet controlled highs with a lot of dynamics. There is a nice clarity combined with a saturated growl when you dig in with your pick. We always strive to make musical pickups as opposed to strictly period correct pickups (except for the Ray Butts Ful-Fidelity of course).
MAGNETS: We have analyzed the late ‘50s AlNiCo Filter'Tron magnets and reproduced them especially for use in our pickups.
We found the original magnet manufacturer that supplied magnets for the actual vintage Filter’Tron pickups and deal directly with them.
POLE PIECES: Our pole screws are custom manufactured to spec here in the USA.
Different alloys and style of pole pieces (screws, blades, cylinder magnets) are used for different tonal variations.
BOBBIN DESIGN: TV Jones bridge bobbins have a slightly wider pole-to-pole width to aid in centering the pole screws under the guitar strings in the bridge pickup position.
Our neck pickups have a narrower pole-to-pole width. Most factory-made pickups have the same pole-to-pole spacing for the neck and bridge positions.
What Is the Universal Mount?
Universal Mount (and Clip System)
Around 2013 we turned the No Ears and English Mount into the Universal Mount. We no longer sell the NE and EM mounts unless it is a unique situation.
The Clips (aka "ears") in the Clip System can attach to the Universal Mount pickups via screws for ring or pick guard suspension. You can also just use the wood screws and mount straight into the body. The Universal Mount pickups are shipped and sold with the Clip System.
If you have an older style (No Ears Mount) pickup that you want to mount in suspended style, there is a work around.
Make a skinny long bar out of aluminum, or hardwood. This will be used as your “ears” or "clips". Drill holes and to mount to pickup via wood or machine screws through the top of the pickup. Then drill 2 more holes where the pickup can attach to the ring/pick guard via springs and screws. Tap the hole to use with machine screw. Give us a call if you need a more in depth walk through.
Around 2013 we turned the No Ears and English Mount into the Universal Mount. We no longer sell the NE and EM mounts unless it is a unique situation.
The Clips (aka "ears") in the Clip System can attach to the Universal Mount pickups via screws for ring or pick guard suspension. You can also just use the wood screws and mount straight into the body. The Universal Mount pickups are shipped and sold with the Clip System.
If you have an older style (No Ears Mount) pickup that you want to mount in suspended style, there is a work around.
Make a skinny long bar out of aluminum, or hardwood. This will be used as your “ears” or "clips". Drill holes and to mount to pickup via wood or machine screws through the top of the pickup. Then drill 2 more holes where the pickup can attach to the ring/pick guard via springs and screws. Tap the hole to use with machine screw. Give us a call if you need a more in depth walk through.
Can I buy individual pickup parts?
We do not sell any pickup parts separately except for what is available for sale on this website.
Does TV Jones make noiseless single coil pickups?
TV Jones single coil pickups are not noiseless because we believe doing so can negatively affect the integrity of the tone. That being said, our single coil pickups are wound so the middle position (when 2 pickups are on) buck the hum.
Quick tips to combat hum:
- Turning your position in relation to the amp will lessen hum.
- A pedal device called a Noise Gate.
Quick tips to combat hum:
- Turning your position in relation to the amp will lessen hum.
- A pedal device called a Noise Gate.
How are Setzer Signatures different from TV Classics?
In the new Brian Setzer Signature pickups we are using two different coils - one clearer and one thicker. The result is a transparent pickup with great clarity and top-end, and punch in the lower mid-range.
We are also using custom alloy pole screws that enhance the magnetic field, which contributes to the sparkle and wider dynamic range.
This design provides more clarity while producing the punchiest low-end response in our Classic line. It’s a bit more over-the top than our Classics, and even with its slight similarities to the Classics, this is a wholly unique design.
We are also using custom alloy pole screws that enhance the magnetic field, which contributes to the sparkle and wider dynamic range.
This design provides more clarity while producing the punchiest low-end response in our Classic line. It’s a bit more over-the top than our Classics, and even with its slight similarities to the Classics, this is a wholly unique design.
Do I need a short or long switch?
This depends on the width of your guitar. Generally, if you have a guitar that is thinner than 2 1/4" then you will need a short switch. If your switch isn't quite getting through the top of the guitar with a long switch, you can use our Deep Sleeve Nut to get more length out of the threads.
Can I split TV Jones pickups?
All of our humbucking pickups (except the Ray Butts) come with 4-Con wire either standard or as an option. This gives you the ability to use multiple different wiring schemes in your guitar.
Can I change the color (plating) of my pickups?
For $30 per pickup (plus shipping), we will replace the screws and pickups to the color that you prefer. Drop us a call or email to get this done.
How long before my pickups ship?
Here at TV Jones all of our pickups are hand built to order. Some of our pickups are built more often and can be made quicker, but this is still no guarantee that we have them on hand in stock. The average wait time is usually about 3-5 days but it can take longer than that. If timing is an issue, give us a call and we can what options are available.
How can I replace the pickups in my Gretsch G2220 bass?
It is a fairly simple swap. You will need the pickups in the Universal Mount. Some of the cavities are very deep so you may want to screw a small piece of wood in there so the pickups will be at the appropriate height. You will also want a pair of Gretsch rings to cover the cavities. The holes in the rings will not match up exactly with the stock rings because the stock rings are metric, so you would need to fill the old holes with wood glue and a toothpick.
Alternatively, you could use the suspended version of the Universal Mount and suspend it from an EM2 mounting ring but you may have to modify the cavity slightly to accommodate the “feet”.
Alternatively, you could use the suspended version of the Universal Mount and suspend it from an EM2 mounting ring but you may have to modify the cavity slightly to accommodate the “feet”.
What type of bridge do you recommend for a Gretsch?
We recommend the GB 0520 ABR-1 bridge from allparts.com.
The saddles are solid brass. It's a wonderful bridge machined from solid metal, not cast. Many enjoy the works of Tru Arc and Compton bridges as well - so do we. We also prefer a rosewood bridge base and that is what is used on Setzer’s guitars.
The saddles are solid brass. It's a wonderful bridge machined from solid metal, not cast. Many enjoy the works of Tru Arc and Compton bridges as well - so do we. We also prefer a rosewood bridge base and that is what is used on Setzer’s guitars.
Will my English Mount or No Ears Mount pickups work with Universal Mount Clips?
Sadly, they can not. The mostly discontinued English and No Ears Mount are made with different backplates than the Universal Mount.
The T-90 and T-Armond are the only pickups we still sell in the English and No Ears Mount.
The T-90 and T-Armond are the only pickups we still sell in the English and No Ears Mount.
Should I use a bridge or neck pickup in the middle position of my guitar?
If you have a 3 (or more) pickup guitar, we recommend using our neck pickups in the middle pickup position(s).
Common Installation Mistakes
Fine Tuning
Bridge: You will have best results if the bass side (wound strings) of the pickup is closer to the strings and you back away the treble side (plain strings), slightly – BODY OF PICKUP-NOT POLE SCREWS.
Neck: You will have best results if the treble side (plain strings) of the pickup is closer to the strings and you back away the bass side (wound strings), slightly – BODY OF PICKUP-NOT POLE SCREWS.
Pole Screw Height Adjustment
Are the pole screws set as delivered from the factory?
Keep pole screws closer to the body of the pickup, rather than closer to the strings. It is better to raise the pickup body closer to the strings, rather than the pole screws.
Pickup Placement
Are the pickups installed to the correct height in relation to the strings?
If you have any other questions, feel free to call in and ask! We are here to help!
We are open 9:00 am - 5:00 pm PST Monday - Friday
1-360-779-4002 or email tech@tvjones.com