Thanks for that encouraging observation about the original Stratford. I'll be alert for one. Charlie Gracie played a sunburst model. Some of the descriptions say that the wiring has been modified, in particular the removal of certain capacitors. The result, reportedly, is a more twangy sound.
Can you describe the difference in sound between the D'Armond---there are a lot of different spellings for it---and Guild pickups? Is it subtle or very noticeable? I did see a T-400 on Reverb, and, if memory serves correctly, it was attractively priced.
Oh don’t get me wrong - they’re complicated and from what I understand there are a lot of caps in the mix, but the buttons are a single large part that sort of behaves like an old car radio where pushing one button releases the others.
Unfortunately I have no experience with vintage Dearmonds, but the (different models) DeArms I have tried on namesake guitars, Gretsch and Fender Tele-sonic all sounded convincing to me. Basing it on the players you admire, I'd dare say you would find something to like about them too.
Are they readily available?
Great! Thanks for that info. Many Gretsch guitars feature TV Jones pickups, including its Duane Eddy signature model, which I have. It does sound different, brighter. This Guild DE-400 still sounds twangy, no matter what pickups are on it but now I'm curious to identify them.DeArmond Dynasonic Single-Coil Electric Guitar Pickup Nickel/Black Bridge | eBay
DeArmond Dynasonic single-coil electric guitar pickups are faithful reproductions of the original design. It was the first pickup design featuring adjustable pole pieces, originating in the ’40s. Dynasonic pickups have individually adjustable Alnico V poles for glossy highs and a tight, full...www.ebay.com
That's the impression... TV Jones and Seymour Duncan also offer some DeArmond inspired pickups
You're welcome. Take a spin on our honorable GAD's own website and you will find detailed reviews of Guild's humbuckers and more.
