Just ordered a pair of Dream 180's...

11 Gauge · July 17th, 2008, 11:15 PM

I couldn't stand it anymore - something about these particular GFS's seem to jump out at me.

I've put all sorts of PAF's in my Squier '51 (routed the neck slot for one as well), with little or no success. All very muddy, microphonic, uninspiring.

I'm hoping these will be just the ticket - some PAF qualities, but with more top end definition, and Fender string spacing! For 60 bucks a pair?

I was gonna go with a pair of Mean 90's, but really wanted something that would almost be the best compromise of both Angus' and Mal's tone combined - I'm hoping that I did the right thing...

JohnS · July 18th, 2008, 09:32 AM

I just ordered a set for a Gretsch G2626 Sparkle Jet. Here's hoping too. Reviews I've read sounded like just what I want.

11 Gauge · July 22nd, 2008, 04:51 PM

Installed 'em yesterday, and have put about 4 hours playing time on them.

Observations -

Not as much top end as it seems is advertised, but they certainly aren't muddy.

Neck and bridge positions are perfectly calibrated. Output is just right.

They sound great thru a Vibrolux Reverb, a JCM800, and just about every amp I have.

My quest for a neck PAF that I'm content with is over. The D180 amply does the trick. The bridge pup comes within spitting distance of a SD 59 or Pearly Gates, so that's obvious saved coin as well. Some guys who dig AII Pro Duncans may dig these as well.

The metal covers make these things absolutely dead quiet. They look gorgeous, too. I can only imagine how the pearl/tuxedo ones look.

bug music · July 22nd, 2008, 10:07 PM

Yeah, I like my 180's here too. I've got them in an acoustically bright sounding semi-hollow, so I didn't really have a problem with the top end on mine.

I have noticed however that the 2 sets of polepiece screws are really pretty sensitive and give you a lot of adjustment in changing the tone. I started by adjusting the 2 sets of (lets say the bridge) polepieces all to the same 1/4" from the strings, and got a pretty good PAF sort of sounding tone. Then I found that lowering the set towards the neck just 1/2 to 3/4 turn I got a brighter more single coil type tone. Conversely lowering the set towards the bridge gave me more midrange. I don't know how strong the magnets are in these, but they are pretty height sensitive. Maybe you could tweak a little more high end out of yours.

Hopefully this helps.

- Jay

JohnS · July 22nd, 2008, 10:20 PM

Mine came in yesterday. They are going into my Gretsch G2626 Sparkle Jet this weekend.

July 17th, 2008, 11:15 PM	#1 (permalink)
11 Gauge Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: The East Coast Posts: 3,015 10 Photos	Just ordered a pair of Dream 180's... I couldn't stand it anymore - something about these particular GFS's seem to jump out at me. I've put all sorts of PAF's in my Squier '51 (routed the neck slot for one as well), with little or no success. All very muddy, microphonic, uninspiring. I'm hoping these will be just the ticket - some PAF qualities, but with more top end definition, and Fender string spacing! For 60 bucks a pair? I was gonna go with a pair of Mean 90's, but really wanted something that would almost be the best compromise of both Angus' and Mal's tone combined - I'm hoping that I did the right thing... __________________

July 22nd, 2008, 04:51 PM	#3 (permalink)
11 Gauge Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: The East Coast Posts: 3,015 10 Photos	Installed 'em yesterday, and have put about 4 hours playing time on them. Observations - Not as much top end as it seems is advertised, but they certainly aren't muddy. Neck and bridge positions are perfectly calibrated. Output is just right. They sound great thru a Vibrolux Reverb, a JCM800, and just about every amp I have. My quest for a neck PAF that I'm content with is over. The D180 amply does the trick. The bridge pup comes within spitting distance of a SD 59 or Pearly Gates, so that's obvious saved coin as well. Some guys who dig AII Pro Duncans may dig these as well. The metal covers make these things absolutely dead quiet. They look gorgeous, too. I can only imagine how the pearl/tuxedo ones look. __________________

July 22nd, 2008, 10:07 PM	#4 (permalink)
bug music Tele-Holic Join Date: May 2004 Location: Taxachusetts Posts: 745 3 Photos	Yeah, I like my 180's here too. I've got them in an acoustically bright sounding semi-hollow, so I didn't really have a problem with the top end on mine. I have noticed however that the 2 sets of polepiece screws are really pretty sensitive and give you a lot of adjustment in changing the tone. I started by adjusting the 2 sets of (lets say the bridge) polepieces all to the same 1/4" from the strings, and got a pretty good PAF sort of sounding tone. Then I found that lowering the set towards the neck just 1/2 to 3/4 turn I got a brighter more single coil type tone. Conversely lowering the set towards the bridge gave me more midrange. I don't know how strong the magnets are in these, but they are pretty height sensitive. Maybe you could tweak a little more high end out of yours. Hopefully this helps. - Jay __________________ "When I die they're gonna say He couldn't play sh*t, but he sure made it sound good" - Hound Dog Taylor

July 18th, 2008, 09:32 AM	#2 (permalink)
JohnS Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: San Jose, CA Age: 59 Posts: 308 12 Photos	I just ordered a set for a Gretsch G2626 Sparkle Jet. Here's hoping too. Reviews I've read sounded like just what I want.

July 22nd, 2008, 10:20 PM	#5 (permalink)
JohnS Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: San Jose, CA Age: 59 Posts: 308 12 Photos	Mine came in yesterday. They are going into my Gretsch G2626 Sparkle Jet this weekend.