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This follows on a bit from Strummer's Filtertron thread .....

We all know a pickup makes up a large % of the sound of a guitar. I have a bit of love for a Gretsch ATM, but just like Strummers, it would be a lot cheaper to buy some TVJ pups (as T&S recommended) and put them in a well built hollow body, ie, Yamaha SA30 or 50.

Do you think it will end up sounding Gretschy or I am dreaming?

I guess we will find out in a few weeks or so from Strummers but in the mean time, what do you think?

TVJs in your red SA30 would sound classy. I reckon the Yamahas are a good place to start in that they're fully hollow. They're not quite the same, being thinner bodied, but definitely have a bit of that vibe going on.

+1

I'm certainly hoping so...
And I can't see why not. But I'm gonna start with something a little less expensive than the TVJ to start with and take it from there.

Yeah theoretically any all maple hollow body with TVs will sound Gretsch-y, but the thickness does change it a little.
I'd say close enough for most peoples tastes and plus you get a killer old Jap Yammy as well

get killer old Jap Yammy as well

Luckily I have some already, so just need the pups

Painting it orange and picking off some of the binding helps too.
Joking aside the Filtertrons are a huge part of the sound.. I had a vintage 6120 dc for years and now have a Japanese made Double Jet..Obviously the body materials and construction are very different but the Gretsch tone is still notable thanks to the pick ups...