[b]G5120 Classics & Harness Refit:[/b]
Replaced pickups & wiring harness in a newer Gretsch G5120 with TV Jones Classics with clear EM2 mounts. Only mods to the body was drilling out the mounting holes for the pots due to larger mounting shafts on the TV Jones harness and slight relief of neck pickup hole to center the pickup under the strings. That's an issue caused by the mass production of the guitar body, not anything amiss with the TVJ pickup or mount. As long as you feel confident with a small rasp and some toothpicks and wood glue to fill in the old pickup mounting holes where they misalign (and color matching the finish over the toothpicks) it works fine. Two of the old mount holes at each pickup had to be filled (used round toothpicks) but the filled holes were covered by the new mounts. Still colored the toothpick ends with orange colored pencil to ensure the old holes were well hidden under the clear mounts. Guess I voided my factory warranty, but now I have the real "Great Gretsch Tone" as advertised (and not quite attained with the stock internals) by Gretsch. It was worth it.

Hi, I am new to Gretsch and pick-up switching, so I have a couple of questions for you. I also have a 5120 and I am about to order the TV Classics as well. Here are my questions: 1. When you talk about switching the pods, do the TV Jones come with a all new wiring, or do I have to order a new wiring harness as well? 2. You mentioned filling the holes with tooth picks and glue and color matching. Are these holes hidden under the new clear cover or are they exposed? 3. Did you have to shave the side of the pick-up hole for it to align properly under the strings? 4. Was it hard to re-secure the wiring harness once you fished it through the guitar again? 5. Did you have to replace or remove any wood shims? 6. When you finish mounting is the plastic ring attached to the top of the guitar or is it sitting on the black blocks that are currently on the Gretsch pickups? I have a concern that the pick-up will be way too low with the EM2 mounts? Could you please explain the difference of what is currently there vs what the TV Classic would have? Thank you so much for the information. It is really appreciated. JT

I'd be interested in the answer to these questions as well, especially wrt to the holes showing under the clear mounts. I'm trying to decide whether to order the clear or the silver EM2 mounts for my Orange 5120. Thanks in advance for any feedback. Cheers.

About the only model I can think of which uses the silver surrounds on a sorta-orange background is the Sunburst Anniversary model. There's one shown on the Gretsch site and a bunch more scattered around the web if you simply Google Gretsch G6117 or Gretsch Sunburst Anniversary. Like I say; it's not exactly Orange, but it sorta gives an idea of what the silver would look like.

Hey JT here's a few answers to your questions: 1. When you talk about switching the pods, do the TV Jones come with a all new wiring, or do I have to order a new wiring harness as well? The pickups do not come with a new wiring harness. There's no need to order a new wiring harness though (unless you want 5 to 10% better fidelity). If you order a new wiring harness and want to keep your current knobs, be sure to order a "split-shaft" harness. If you want the American-style 1/4" solid-shaft harness, you'll need new Gretsch knobs. Also if you order a new wiring harness you'll need new switch tips (whether you go with solid or split-shaft pots). TV would recommend you save your money unless your current pots are crackling etc. 2. You mentioned filling the holes with tooth picks and glue and color matching. Are these holes hidden under the new clear cover or are they exposed? They would be hidden (except for the fact that the rings are clear) Why not go with silver rings (like a 6120)? Then the holes would be hidden for sure, plus your guitar would look more like a 6120. (by the way all Gretsch guitars, orange or otherwise, with chrome hardware, have silver rings 3. Did you have to shave the side of the pick-up hole for it to align properly under the strings? Shouldn't have to. 4. Was it hard to re-secure the wiring harness once you fished it through the guitar again? Shouldn't be hard 5. Did you have to replace or remove any wood shims? Wood shims are only an issue with Fender-made pro-line Gretsch guitars. The 5120 has traditional humbucker cavities. 6. When you finish mounting is the plastic ring attached to the top of the guitar or is it sitting on the black blocks that are currently on the Gretsch pickups? I have a concern that the pick-up will be way too low with the EM2 mounts? Could you please explain the difference of what is currently there vs what the TV Classic would have? The EM2 English Mount Kit comes complete. You will not need the black blocks. The kit is self-contained and the new pickup is attached to the ring. The kit pops right into your existing 5120 cavity and the ring screws into your guitar top (see photo)

Thanks for the answers guys. Can't wait to get my Classics. Cheers.