5120 Mods
I have a 5120 I like the stock pickups but I bought it with the intention of getting a more realistic Gretsch sound so I just ordered the TV Classics. I hope made the right decision as I sometimes think I should have put the hotter TV pickup in the bridge position. I like the vintage sound but I want some sustain. Also I would like to install the Bar bridge but I wonder if the intonation will be off (if I do there will be no option to compensate for intonation). As this is a work in progress I wonder if there is a practical option for tuning pegs. Most of my guitars are everything but Gretsch so this is a new animal for me. I do look forward to using it to develop my playing in a different direction. I appreciate advice aspromusic.com JA

I have put the rocking bar on my 5120 and a Bigsby with a Chet arm. I have no problems with intonation. It's in tune all the time. Check with an electronis tuner first the loose strings and then check by fretting on the 12. fret. If it's not in tune on the 12. fret then pull the rocking bar a little back nearer the Bigsby with the bass part of the bar closest to the Bigsby. By the way...I have put a supertron in for the neck and a classic for the bridge. But the supertron may be too smooth for your taste. Jimmy h

I like the idea of a bar. If I start to break strings with this bridge I will definitely go for a Bar. I am so glad these pickups delivered the sound. I get lots of sensitivity and a wide range of sounds. My playing was getting a little stale. These things came along just in time. I did however have to set them higher than I would have set a Gibson or Fender. I called TV and they told me to set them higher and balance out the front and back for vol. I think I will get a Classic and something different next time. I do have a pair of the stock pups that came with that 5120 if you know anyone interested… PS If you are playing in the Chicago area let me know JA aspromusic.com