Disappointed by Epiphone Century De Luxe archtops...

[mikehartigan]

Originally Posted by BoneDigger

I'll post a pic later, but I had a Gretsch Dynasonic installed as a neck pickup and this guitar sounds 300% better plugged in. Unplugged, I like that it has its own thing going on. Not flat top, not vintage archtop, just its own vibe!

I was actually considering the Dynasonic, since the Shadow it came with is just too stressful to use, if that's a valid emotion here. Did you leave the undersaddle pickup in place or did you remove it and, if so, did it affect the sound noticably? Presumably for the better?

[BoneDigger]

Originally Posted by mikehartigan

I was actually considering the Dynasonic, since the Shadow it came with is just too stressful to use, if that's a valid emotion here. Did you leave the undersaddle pickup in place or did you remove it and, if so, did it affect the sound noticably? Presumably for the better?

I debated about leaving both in place, but since there was almost zero chance I would use the Shadow pickup, I just had him remove it. It is a fabulous guitar with the Dynasonic in place and I don't see this one leaving my collection. As for acoustic tone, it still sounds good. I had a volume and tone knob installed on the pick guard as well.

[rockabilly69]

Originally Posted by BoneDigger

I debated about leaving both in place, but since there was almost zero chance I would use the Shadow pickup, I just had him remove it. It is a fabulous guitar with the Dynasonic in place and I don't see this one leaving my collection. As for acoustic tone, it still sounds good. I had a volume and tone knob installed on the pick guard as well.

can you post a pic of your guitar?

[BoneDigger]

Originally Posted by rockabilly69

can you post a pic of your guitar?

Yes, I thought I had one on my phone but don't. I'll post one up in a bit.

[rockabilly69]

Originally Posted by BoneDigger

Yes, I thought I had one on my phone but don't. I'll post one up in a bit.

Thank you

The reason I ask is that I'm wondering exactly where your tech mounted the dynasonic, as I'm wondering if he came close to the tone bar bracing. I'm getting serious about wiring mine up with a full set. Maybe even slapping a sound post and a new compensated bridge and Bigsby on it Like a mini Gretsch 6120! I bought this guitar for fun so, let's have fun!!!

[BoneDigger]

I forgot I had posted this with pics. See this thread:

https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/...d.php?t=538941

[rockabilly69]

Originally Posted by BoneDigger

I forgot I had posted this with pics. See this thread:

https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/...d.php?t=538941

Thanks, I thought you did it to an Olympic, does the Century also have tone bar bracing?

[BoneDigger]

I think it's all the same, just different sizes.

[rockabilly69]

Originally Posted by BoneDigger

I think it's all the same, just different sizes.

Thanks for your help! I just emailed TV JONES for Dynasonic T-Armond pickups and harness prices.

[BoneDigger]

Originally Posted by rockabilly69

Thanks for your help! I just emailed TV JONES for Dynasonic T-Armond pickups and harness prices.

I bought mine for a good price on Reverb.

[rockabilly69]

Originally Posted by BoneDigger

I bought mine for a good price on Reverb.

I'm looking on Reverb right now This is really going to be a fun project and make a great littler travelling guitar so I don't have to take my 6120 on trips where it can get banged up. I just love the Dynasonic sound that I get with my Gretsch.



This is the set up I would go with (master vol, master tone, individual neck and bridge volumes, and a three way switch). And I would put a small tone post between the top and back.

And then I would pull out the Epiphone bridge and pickup and have this installed (separate 1/4" output jacks jacks on the plastic plate), and dual source through my Grace Felix preamp!...

https://reverb.com/item/7210623-fish...-guitar-pickup

[BoneDigger]

Originally Posted by rockabilly69

I'm looking on Reverb right now This is really going to be a fun project and make a great littler travelling guitar so I don't have to take my 6120 on trips where it can get banged up. I just love the Dynasonic sound that I get with my Gretsch.



This is the set up I would go with (master vol, master tone, individual neck and bridge volumes, and a three way switch). And I would put a small tone post between the top and back.

Very nice! I have to admit, the Dynasonic is a very nice addition.

[BoneDigger]

Originally Posted by rockabilly69

I'm looking on Reverb right now This is really going to be a fun project and make a great littler travelling guitar so I don't have to take my 6120 on trips where it can get banged up. I just love the Dynasonic sound that I get with my Gretsch.



This is the set up I would go with (master vol, master tone, individual neck and bridge volumes, and a three way switch). And I would put a small tone post between the top and back.

And then I would pull out the Epiphone bridge and pickup and have this installed (separate 1/4" output jacks jacks on the plastic plate), and dual source through my Grace Felix preamp!...

https://reverb.com/item/7210623-fish...-guitar-pickup

You may have seen this, but it's where I got the idea from:

https://youtu.be/xhDECovQZfU

[rockabilly69]

Originally Posted by BoneDigger

You may have seen this, but it's where I got the idea from:

https://youtu.be/xhDECovQZfU

No I hadn't seen that but he did a great job with his Epiphone. I don't play with the dirt and echo as much as he does, but I definitely hear that Dynasonic is a good sounding pickup. TV Jones T-Armonds sound a little bit different but they are in the same camp. I've been gigging for the last few weeks with my Gretsch and I'm amazed at how good these pickups fit into my typical acoustic set! It's a nice change in dynamics!

[jazzer44]

The contemporary Epi Century Deluxe archtop is a horrible guitar.
The vintage Epi Deluxe made in NY in 1930s & 40s (before Gibson's parent bought Epiphone) is a truly magnificent top notch instrument.
The two have very little in common.
Looks like Gibson is still sore about Epiphone having made better archtops back in the day. Note that most top jazz guitarists played Epiphone back then, while the singing cowboys played Gibson.