Gretsch Parts, Pickups & Accessories Definitions

Gretsch Definitions

Home > All Guitars > Gretsch Guitars > Parts & Accessories > All Bridges
Synchro-Sonic, DynaSonic, Filter'Tron, HiLo'Tron... what does it all mean? Browse this page to find out

High Sensitive Filter'Tron ™ Pickups

"Gretsch Filter'Tron Electric Guitar Pickups Filter Out Hum, Neon Noises, Crackle and Electrical Disturbance!"

The Filter'Tron "Electronic Guitar Head" was introduced in 1957 at the summer NAMM show in Chicago. Filter'Tron pickups feature dual-coils and are designed to Filter out the elecTronic hum normally associated with single-coil pickups, while adding a warmer tone, and a significant increase in output and sustain.

Beatle Approved

 

HiLo'Tron ™ Single-coil Pickups

"HiLo'Tron Electric Guitar Pickups Feature Full Hi-Fidelity, Brilliant Highs, Mellow Lows and Extra Lively Response!"

Gretsch HiLo'Tron "Electronic Guitar Heads" were developed in 1958 as a replacement for the venerable DeArmond pickups. HiLo'Tron single-coil pickups have an incredibly broad range of tones, from "Brilliant Highs" to "Mellow Lows!"

George Harrison's Country Gentleman came with the Filter'Tron Pickups. But the fact is he used his Tennessean with the HiLo'Trons much more.

Beatle Approved

DynaSonic ™ Single-Coil Pickups

"DynaSonic Pickups Yield a Tone of Incomparable Power and Fidelity!"

Originally known as the Gretsch-DeArmond Fidelatone, the DynaSonic single-coil pickup has been a Gretsch standard since the late '40s. Being one of the first pickups to offer individually adjustable pole-pieces, DynaSonic pickups feature shimmering highs and a rich, full bass response.

 

Bigsby ® Vibrato Tailpieces

"Bigsby Vibrato Tailpieces Provide Exciting Tonal Effects!"

Bigsby vibrato tailpieces have been available on Gretsch guitars since the '50s. Their classic design allows guitarists to add beautiful tremolo and pitch-bending effects to single notes or full chords – while keeping the guitar perfectly in tune.

Beatle Approved

 

Bigsby Stationary Handle

Sometimes called a "Fixed Arm", the Bigsby stationary handle is fixed in one position, moving only up and down to create the vibrato effect.

 

Bigsby Wire Handle

Also known as the "C.A." handle or "arm", the Bigsby Wire handle is preferred by many Gretsch players. Plus, it just looks so darn cool! Also available in a Stationary configuration.

Seen here on the ever popular White Falcon model.  recently Gretsch released a Black Falcon model. We have them in stock,  They look Ultra Cool... Daddy-0

 

G-Cutout Tailpiece

The G-cutout tailpiece is seen on most Country Clubs and Anniversaries, as well as some Jet models. This simple, stamped brass design has become somewhat of a Gretsch hallmark, and is still used on most non-vibrato equipped Gretsch's today.

Billy Gibbons uses this tailpiece on many of the custom guitars & Gretsch guitars he owns.

Beatle Approved 

Chromatic Tailpiece

The Synchromatic 400 "Chromatic Tailpiece" is an exclusive Gretsch feature. The tailpiece is designed to compensate for differing string gauges, thereby reducing tension and equalizing playing finger pressure. The tailpiece makes playing easier with uniform finger action.

Epiphone offered their Frequensator tailpiece on some of their early Riviera models.

 

G-Cadillac Tailpiece

A hallmark feature of the Gretsch Falcon ™ and Penguin ™ models, the hand made "G-Cadillac Tailpiece" symbolizes grace and elegance.

We are using this Tailpiece on our own Abstract Custom Guitar called the Cadillac.

Synchro-Sonic ™ Bridge

A Marvel of Engineering!
First introduced in 1951, the Gretsch Synchro-Sonic Bridge produces perfect intonation in all registers by means of moveable string rests. Each string is allowed to find its own true octave and true intervals in all positions. All strings can be accurately tuned and locked in place. No screwdriver needed!

Available in Chrome, Nickel or Gold

Beatle Approved

Synchronized Bridge

The Synchromatic "Synchronized bridge" is another exclusive Gretsch feature. The bridge is graduated to provide progressively broader contact between the vibrating strings and the top, or sounding board. The result is perfect harmonious balance between the fast vibrating treble strings and slower vibrating bass strings.

This is a very art deco complement to the guitar, everyone who sees it assumes it's a cosmetic thing. This really works though.

 

Space Control ™ Bridge

"With the new GRETSCH SPACE CONTROL BRIDGE" the guitarist can for the first time space his strings to suit every style of playing."

Split hair spacing adjustments can easily be made for the finger stylist, the single string artist or the chord player. With the space control bridge, each string is provided with a transversing adjustment which makes it possible to set a broad spread of the strings for finger style playing or a narrow spread for pick

 

 

Rocking Bar Bridge

No fuss, no muss! A long time favorite among Gretsch players, the Gretsch Bar bridge produces a smooth glassy tone with enhanced sustain.

The updated version of the classic Gretsch Bar bridge features cone shaped post holes allowing the bar to "rock" back and forth when a Bigsby Vibrato is used.

Not recommended by Ed Roman, I would prefer to be able to intonate my guitar. I think that's a little more important than getting a smooth glassy tone on a hollow body Rockabilly guitar!!

 

Adjusto-Matic ™ Bridge

The Adjusto-Matic bridge offers great tone and precise intonation with its six individually adjustable string saddles. When used with a Bigsby vibrato, the bridge slightly "rocks" with the movement of the strings- reducing friction and adding tuning stability.

"Now here's a bridge I can get behind, This is like a Gibson Tune-o-Matic but I don't have to say It's a Gibson part."

Ed Roman

 

Electrotone Hollow Body

Introduced in 1962 to help reduce unwanted feedback while playing at louder volumes, the Electrotone hollow body is typically 2" in depth, and has simulated F-holes.

Beatle Approved

 

Neo-Classic ™ Fingerboard

"Centuries ago, when string instruments were first built, the early craftsmen discovered that pure ebony offered the best basic board for playing performance. As time passed, instrument makers began to decorate these fine playing boards with fancy pearl inlays which were beautiful but in no way helped the playing performance of the board; it only destroyed the wonderful feel only pure ebony could give. It is with these proven facts in mind that we introduce the new Gretsch Neo-Classic fingerboard—the finest in playing performance and sheer beauty. The beautifully inlayed half moons (thumbnails) on the bass side of the board are perfect position markers and do not in any way detract from the classic feel which is so essential to perfect performance. Neo Classic construction preserves the full strength of the fingerboard."

Beatle Approved

 
 

Action-Flow ™ Zero Fret Nut

Introduced in 1959, the Action-Flow Zero Fret Nut allows you to play at fret level from one end of the fingerboard to the other. No more string nuts that are too high or too low!

Beatle Approved

 

Electro-Socket ™ Output Jack

As a return to original specs, the Electro-Socket recessed metal jack dish is once again featured on Jet style solid body guitars.

 

sitemap