Who is tv jones

Overview

TV Jones is an American guitar pickup manufacturer founded in 1998 by Todd "TV" Jones, who has become a leading figure in the boutique guitar parts industry. The company specializes in creating high-quality, vintage-style pickups, particularly known for its modern interpretations of classic designs from the 1950s and 1960s. With a focus on craftsmanship and authenticity, TV Jones has built a reputation among musicians seeking that iconic "golden era" guitar tone. The brand's products are handcrafted in small batches, ensuring attention to detail and consistency that appeals to both professional players and enthusiasts.

The history of TV Jones is deeply rooted in the founder's passion for vintage guitars and his technical expertise. Todd Jones, nicknamed "TV" from his initials, began his career as a guitar repair technician and collector, developing a keen understanding of what makes vintage pickups sound exceptional. In the late 1990s, he identified a gap in the market for authentic-sounding replacement pickups that could revive older instruments or enhance modern ones. Starting from his garage, he launched the company with the goal of producing pickups that captured the magic of classic designs while incorporating modern reliability and manufacturing techniques.

How It Works

TV Jones pickups are engineered to replicate and improve upon vintage designs through meticulous construction and material selection.

• Filter'Tron Design: The flagship product, the Filter'Tron, is based on the original Gretsch pickups from the late 1950s. These pickups feature a unique design with Alnico V magnets, 42-gauge enamel-coated wire, and a specific coil winding pattern that produces a clear, articulate tone with reduced hum. TV Jones has refined this design to offer variations like the Classic, Super'Tron, and Power'Tron, each with distinct output levels and frequency responses, catering to different musical styles from rockabilly to hard rock.
• Handcrafted Production: Each pickup is assembled by hand in the company's California workshop, with production limited to ensure quality control. The process involves winding coils to precise specifications, often between 7,000 and 8,000 turns per coil, which affects the pickup's output and tonal character. Materials are sourced carefully, including vintage-correct bobbins and magnets, to maintain authenticity. This hands-on approach allows for customization options, such as different magnet types or cover finishes, making each pickup unique.
• Tonal Characteristics: TV Jones pickups are renowned for their bright, clear sound with a pronounced midrange and tight bass response. They typically have a lower output compared to many modern humbuckers, around 5-7k ohms resistance, which contributes to their dynamic range and clarity. This makes them ideal for genres where note definition is crucial, such as jazz, country, and rockabilly. The pickups also feature a proprietary shielding design that minimizes electromagnetic interference, resulting in a quiet operation even in high-gain settings.
• Installation and Compatibility: Designed to be drop-in replacements for many guitar models, TV Jones pickups come in standard sizes and mounting options. They are compatible with guitars from brands like Gretsch, Gibson, and Fender, often requiring minimal modification. The company provides detailed wiring diagrams and support to help players install the pickups themselves, emphasizing user-friendly design. This accessibility has contributed to their popularity among DIY guitarists and luthiers looking to upgrade their instruments.

Key Comparisons

Why It Matters

• Revival of Vintage Tones: TV Jones has played a crucial role in preserving and popularizing classic guitar sounds from the 1950s and 1960s. By producing over 5,000 pickups annually, they have made these tones accessible to a new generation of players, influencing genres like rockabilly and indie rock. This has helped keep vintage music styles alive in modern recordings, with artists often citing the pickups as key to their sound.
• Innovation in Boutique Manufacturing: The company demonstrates how small-scale, artisanal production can thrive in a market dominated by large manufacturers. Their success has inspired other boutique pickup makers, contributing to a diverse ecosystem of guitar parts. This focus on quality over quantity has raised standards in the industry, encouraging players to invest in upgrades that enhance their instruments' performance and value.
• Artist Endorsements and Influence: High-profile users like Brian Setzer, who has used TV Jones pickups in his Gretsch guitars for decades, and Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top have boosted the brand's credibility. These endorsements have led to signature models and collaborations, such as the Setzer Signature Filter'Tron, which further cement TV Jones' impact on guitar culture. The pickups have appeared on countless recordings, shaping the sound of contemporary music.

Looking ahead, TV Jones is poised to continue its influence as guitarists increasingly seek out unique, handcrafted components. With trends leaning towards customization and vintage revival, the demand for high-quality pickups is likely to grow. The company's commitment to innovation, such as exploring new materials or designs while staying true to its roots, ensures it will remain a key player in the boutique guitar market. As music production evolves, TV Jones pickups offer a timeless link to the past, proving that great tone never goes out of style.