Modified DeArmond M-77

[caliban335]

Although I'm a fan of the Goldtone humbuckers that came with this guitar, I decided I wanted something different and had a set of Harmonic Design Z-90s installed. I'm really pleased with the results. The build quality on these DeArmonds is amazing.

 

[mad dog]

That's a very cool look, and I'll bet it sounds great too. I did the same thing, only with a DA M-72:

At least in that guitar, the HD p/us were a little too clean, a little overpowering. But the M-77 is different. A real maple cap (M-72 has a thin, flat maple top), heavier body. Guessing that will match up just right with those p/us.
MD

 

[caliban335]

That's a very cool look, and I'll bet it sounds great too. I did the same thing, only with a DA M-72:

At least in that guitar, the HD p/us were a little too clean, a little overpowering. But the M-77 is different. A real maple cap (M-72 has a thin, flat maple top), heavier body. Guessing that will match up just right with those p/us.
MD

Thanks Mike. It was actually your guitar that prompted me to do this mod. I believe I first saw it over on the Gretsch Pages site. I'd purchased am M-72 and an M-75, but neither of them seemed a good platform. The M-75 would have worked, but the huge frets were a show stopper for me. That was a shame, as I really liked the contour of the neck and I believe it's a heavier guitar than an M-72 or M-77.

I liked the tone of the M-77 with it's stock Gold Tones, but the Z-90s have a unique tone of their own.

 

[mad dog]

Caliban:

Funny you mention those huge M75 frets. The M-75T was my first dearmond. Which I instantly took too, despite the huge, uncomfortable frets. Had it set up, frets dressed, but still not quite right. Finally gave in and had it refretted. Cost almost as much as the guitar! Stupid in a way, but now it plays just right.

Always been curious about the M77. Heard they were a little thinner, a little lighter. I'm not so fond of heavy guitars, but have a feeling the weight and wood choice are a big reason my M-75T sounds so good. That and the very cool pickups.

Goldtones have their virtues; Those Z-90s go somewhere else tonally ... excellent sound.
MD

 

[dougdnh]

Nice DeArmonds. I've had an M-72, a Jetstar, and an M-77t - all great guitars. The M-72 sounded great with the Goldtones, it was a heavy sucker though. The Jetstar with Goldtones may have been the best sounding guitar I've ever owned, couldn't get into the bizarre shape however. The M-77t was a beautifully made instrument, but I wasn't crazy over sound of the single coils in it. I now own a Bluesbird, but the DeArmonds came pretty close quality and sound wise!