So.. I have a Gretsch Electromatic Double Jet, it's the gold one, and it's awesome. I love it. I just really don't like the pickups, they sound rather muddy and they're unusual with the size and sound and all. I just don't like 'em. I guess my favorite choice for alternatives would be actual humbuckers, and not mini ones. I want to know if this is possible. I am willing to add more space in the body so it could fit actual humbuckers. I want more of a thicker, warmer tone. Thanks!

Also, tell me your opinions on the TV Jones and other mini 'buckers.

Does this have the minibuckers, or is it the more recent one with the blacktop filters? Either way, you could go in the direction of Gibson LP Deluxe pickups, or Firebird pickups. I've played the latter and loved them. Neil Young kinda likes them in Ol' Black, too.

Here are directions from the TV Jones web site to replace the stock mini-humbuckers with TV Classics.

TVJ - Replace Minis with TV Classics

I put the TVJones T Armond pickups in the soap bar mount in my '05 double jet. There is a small gap that goes around the pickup, but it looks better than the stock setup. There was no alterations to the body either. So if you look at the soap bar mounts, you should be good...

Man, if you put a TV Magnatron in the neck and a Powertron Plus in the bridge I think you will unleash the Kraken.

Yeah, it's the 2012 version so it has the Filtertron Blacktops.

And would I have any problems with just switching 'em with regular humbuckers?

Just to be clear, we're talking about this guitar in gold?

Electromatic Pro Jet

That is correct.

And would I have any problems with just switching 'em with regular humbuckers?

Yes. With 75% of the members of this forum.

But seriously, you would need to rout the pup cavities. Buckers and Filters have much different dimensions. North to south (as the guitar is hung vertically or on a stand), humbuckers are .125" bigger. So the cavity for the blacktop filters (which are regular filter sized) will likely need to be enlarged. Humbuckers are also smaller east to west.

It sounds like what you want is a Les Paul.

Have you adjusted the pole pieces on the Filters? That should help some.

I would be surprised if you get more clarity from PAF-style humbucker than a Filter'tron . . .even a ceramic mag one.

Man, if you put a TV Magnatron in the neck and a Powertron Plus in the bridge I think you will unleash the Kraken.

Ya, I agree. This would be better than "humbuckers"....

The pole pieces? Those are? And I would have no problem enlarging cavities. And this is the one I own: http://www.gretschguitars.c...

I'd think if you want more clarity, you'd go single coil. Fit it with soapbar P90s or TArmonds.

The pole pieces are the magnetized screw heads on the pickups. There are magnets inside your pickups. Raise your pickups to these recommended heights: http://tvjones.com/site/wp-.... Then you can make finer individual string adjustments by raising particular pole pieces with a screwdriver.

I don't know whether they're a drop in replacement for the Blacktop Filter'Trons in your guitar, but TV Jones Power'Trons might be what you want. Check out sound clips at the TVJ web site.

It seems like Billy Gibbons has been using his Billy-Bo Jupiter on most of the ZZ Top videos I've seen lately and it comes equipped with a pair of Power'Trons. I've heard Power'Trons described as more articulate PAFs and that's a fair (if over simplified) description.

I agree with those who have suggested playing with the pole pieces on the stock pickups first. Those pickups have gotten good reviews from GDP members who have played the new Electro Jets.

Good luck. You have a beautiful guitar.

Okay...I'll fool around with the pole pieces and then see how it sounds. Thanks.