he Dyna-Tele gets some of the look and flavor of the 50’s Gretsch Dynasonic pickups and a classic Tele neck pickup. The Dyna-Tele features an open top design with slightly protruding Alnico 5 magnets, and a shielded nickel silver side cover, with extended magnet length out the bottom, similar to the Dynasonic. This produces a bright, clear and twangy neck tone. The Dyna-Tele is hand wound to approx. 5.6K with 42 gauge Formvar wire (different from the thicker 38 gauge used on the larger bobbins of the Dynasonic) to give the pickup a warm, woody tonality in a smaller platform. Overall expect a neck pickup that is a mix of Gretsch and Fender while being uniquely O.C. Duff.
If you are looking for something different without re-routing or making the leap to larger single coils or humbuckers, the Dyna-Tele is a solid choice. Sounds great alone and gives glorious “pucker” in the in between position. Pairs well with a Fifty-Fifty bridge pickup, Buckaroo or Fillmore.
Ned Wels –
I always loved the original DeArmond Dynatrons that were a standard fixture on early 50s Gretsch guitars….they had a unique sound as heard in the work of Cliff Gallup and Duane Eddy. Making what is essentially a Tele rhythm pickup sized Dynatron is a genius idea on Owen’s part and for those of us who aren’t fans of the insipid stock Fender front pickups, this is a great alternative 🤗
I paired mine with a Buckaroo bridge pickup and with both of them on together, the tone is outstanding. As always, sound is such a subjective thing but if you’re looking for a a louder, cleaner front Tele pickup this would be well worth considering….. thanks again Owen! 🙏