DynaSonic turn count

[Peter Naglitsch]

I'm trying to recreate (no 100% clone, just the overall vibe, sound and look) of the Gretsch DynaSonic/DeArmond 200 pickups for a Gretsch-ish guitar I'm building for a customer. I have most parts down, cannibalizing a set of GFS for the frames, using the drawings from the patents, on line pics and so on to make wooden bobbins topped with pick guard material to match the guitar, but I have not good info on turn count, and some contradictionary info on the wire used. I have seen references to AWG43 and AWG44 being used. Anyone know whats correct? And i have seen a range of DCRs, from 7,5 K to 13 K, although Dave Hunter states 8.5 to 12K in his book.

As I am temporarily out of AWG43 and I tried to wind the bobbin I with AWG42 to see were I ended up. I reached 7.4 K with 7500 turns before the bobbin was a tad more than full. So the 7.5K DCR with 43 or 44 wire seems a bit on the low side. Anyone have any accurate info willing to share?

And the sound of the first try? Promising, but not really there yet. Output on the low side but nice twangy sound with a bit more body than a low output Tele. With a bit more wire on it might sound really good. But I would like to come as close as possible to the real deal with my cheep-ass copy. So any input is highly appreciated.

[Peter Naglitsch]

I know that these pickups are not the easiest to replicate, thus meaning not many have attempted that, but someone must have some info to share! As soon as I have some decent pickups I'll share how I made them. Still missing a few hardware parts to be proud enough to show pics...

[Sweetfinger]

I have three of the recent versions. Two are 8.2 K and one is 8.27K. The bobbins are not full and could take a bunch more winds.

[Peter Naglitsch]

Thanks Sweetfinger. The reissued DynaSonics have not received the best reviews. I can see why: If they are 8.3-ish with 44 wire they must be more than a bit on the weak side. Or how would you rate them in regards of output and sound?

[eehanj]

Gretsch Pickup info Chart

Hi: I've been lurking here for a while and remembered a chart referenced in another thread (search "gretsch pickup info"). Here is the link:

billraymond's Shared Upload | Scribd

This chart was also uploaded to pickupedia in html format as well.

Happy winding...

[soundmasterg]

I seem to remember hearing 45 gauge wire though I could be wrong on that. I have a couple real Dynasonics here and they are around 12-13k. You might see if TV Jones will share any info about them.....

Greg

[Peter Naglitsch]

Thanks for the response guys.

eehanj: Great chart. I searched the pickupedia for info but must have missed that one. 5800 turns of awg44 (0.05 must mean diameter in mm and that equals awg44) sounds reasonably for a pickup in the ballpark of 8K.

Greg: Are those 12-13K pickups original vintage pickups or the new reissues? How do they sound? I might try contacting TV Jones, but I suspect that he has other things on his mind right now: http://music-electronics-forum.com/t19200/#post157886

My test with awg42 (awg43 arriving tomorrow, will do more work then and test both 43 and 44 wire) sounds really promising, especially for a neck pickup. Maybe a bridge pickup with 8000-8500 turns will be a great match (yeah, winding them a bit hotter to match the customers amp) and end up in the 12-13K range. Will make the final HW part today or tomorrow. I’ll report back when I have more to share.

[soundmasterg]

Thanks for the response guys.

eehanj: Great chart. I searched the pickupedia for info but must have missed that one. 5800 turns of awg44 (0.05 must mean diameter in mm and that equals awg44) sounds reasonably for a pickup in the ballpark of 8K.

Greg: Are those 12-13K pickups original vintage pickups or the new reissues? How do they sound? I might try contacting TV Jones, but I suspect that he has other things on his mind right now: http://music-electronics-forum.com/t19200/#post157886

My test with awg42 (awg43 arriving tomorrow, will do more work then and test both 43 and 44 wire) sounds really promising, especially for a neck pickup. Maybe a bridge pickup with 8000-8500 turns will be a great match (yeah, winding them a bit hotter to match the customers amp) and end up in the 12-13K range. Will make the final HW part today or tomorrow. I’ll report back when I have more to share.

The ones that I have are vintage ones. I got them on ebay and haven't had a chance to try them in a guitar yet so I don't know how they sound.

Greg

[Possum]

....

Sorry, haven't been paying attention to this thread.
I have a pair of NOS Dynasonics here, they are:
10.40K
3.575 Henries 13.40 AC resistance

9.993K
3.426 Henries 12.02 AC resistance

These are probably from the mid 60's

[Peter Naglitsch]

Great info guys, thanks a lot. The indusctance measurements was a welcome bonus! I would have thought that a mid 60s would have been a bit higher than 9.99 to 10.4K. Maybee they had started to cut down on wire. Or use 43 wire???

I guess that with 44 wire a turn count in the range of 7-8000 turns doesn't seemt too far away from vintage specs. Unfortunately my wire hasn't arrived yet so I haven't been able to check what a full bobbin of 43 and 44 result in in terms of DCR.

[soundmasterg]

I can get you the inductance and other readings on my vintage Dynasonics if you want....just a couple tests away. I actually have it written down somewhere but can't remember where....

Greg

[Peter Naglitsch]

That would be higly apretiated. My version is 4.17H and I still need to add the springs. Hmmmm, might be a tad high.

[Possum]

...

Greg you don't have any Dynasonics? I think you're confused, they look like Ric pickups but the poles have small adjusting screws next to each pole and underneath they have massive springs the alnico rods are sunk into, and a long thin screw for adjustment, kinda looks like pistons with springs etc....

[Peter Naglitsch]

If anyone wounder what a DynaSonic is:

a real monster to recreate, but worth the time. I've some problems in my personal life lately (my father in law passed away this Monday) so the work on this have been put on hold for a while. Hopefully I get some work done during the weekend.

[LtKojak]

If anyone wounder what a DynaSonic is:

a real monster to recreate, but worth the time. I've some problems in my personal life lately (my father in law passed away this Monday) so the work on this have been put on hold for a while. Hopefully I get some work done during the weekend.

Sorry to hear 'bout your father-in-law.

I really like this design. It reminds me of the Gibson Staple p'up, which I LOVE the sound of.

Good luck with it, it looks like a wholelotta work to do!