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Amplify the Gretsch Honeydipper

Discussion in 'Other T-Types and Partscasters' started by AznGuitarist31, Jan 21, 2021.

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  1. Jan 21, 2021 #1
    AznGuitarist31

    AznGuitarist31 TDPRI Member

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    Hello, it's been a while since I've posted. Not a telecaster question, but I've seen a few posts on resonators here. I just got the Gretsch Honeydipper, I want to learn some things on it before i take it apart lol, but looking at the best way to amplify it. I am willing to drill holes in it, but as few as possible. First though, is it best to put a pickup below the neck or in the biscuit? What are the tonal differences. And what would work best for overdrive? This is the main reason why I want to make it electric. I've seen 2 from Lace Sensor:

    https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/JzKivaYto2ERxtnztB2G3.jpg - humbucker
    https://www.bluestarmusic.com/assets/images/l/lace_dobro_sensor_jack.jpg - Single

    The Schatten pickup: https://www.bluestarmusic.com/assets/images/s/schatten_nr-2_biscuit.jpg
    The Cling on: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1759/2323/products/[email protected]?v=1571824983

    Usually I just get the highest output I can find and pump a ton of distortion though it. But working on a resonator is a totally different animal, that's why i'm asking for advise :)
     
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  2. Jan 21, 2021 #2
    RomanS

    RomanS Poster Extraordinaire

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    I've got the single coil Lace Sensor on a cheapo SX spider bridge resonator.
    The tone is kinda halfway between an unplugged resonator and an electric lap steel.
    Really important: depending on what you plug into, you need something (EQ, preamp, passive bass cut pot) to reduce the low frequencies - or else you'll get howling feedback!
    Also important: string choice - with regular acoustic strings, your unwound high strings will be a lot louder than the wound low ones (and there's no way to adjust this with pickup height, as the Lace is stuck to the guitar with double-sided tape). I use GHS White Bronze strings, those work reasonably well.
    When I was still playing that dobro with a loud band, what I ended up doing was using a microphone in addition to the pickup - the microphone for getting a basic "unplugged" tone, and the pickup for adding volume, without feedback, eg. when taking a solo.

    No experience with the other pickups you mentioned...
     
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  3. Jan 21, 2021 #3
    Obsessed

    Obsessed Telefied Silver Supporter

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    Yup, Lace makes a low profile pick-up just for resonators that sticks to the top of the body just below the fretboard. Keb Mo uses one if you want to check out the sound on YT. I have been considering one for myself.
     
  4. Jan 21, 2021 #4
    bgmacaw

    bgmacaw Poster Extraordinaire

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    I don't know if a Gretsch Deltoluxe will fit on the Honey Dipper, maybe with some modification to the pickup's base. I like how it sounds in my cheapo Rogue acoustic. Check around for deals on them. I paid $47 for mine.

    20210107_092255.jpg
     
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  5. Jan 22, 2021 #5
    AznGuitarist31

    AznGuitarist31 TDPRI Member

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    Thanks. I was looking at the deltodeluxe as well. I don't think it will fit w/o modification. I'm looking at the Schatten right now. I contacted them and he said he would make a custom bracket for the gretch. [​IMG]

    By going this route it wouldnt require any drilling. I just have to see how it would work with overdrive
     
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  6. Jan 22, 2021 #6
    Freeman Keller

    Freeman Keller Poster Extraordinaire

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    Bob Brozman said the best way to amplify any resonator is to point a SM57 towards the sound holes. That is all I've ever used on mine but if I was going to gig it regularly I would put an internal mic in the upper bout and aim it towards the cone.
     
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