Gretsch: I really like the mud switch!

[rjsc5]

Over the years I have read that the mud (tone) switch on Gretschs was not worth having; however I have recently been working out on a Setzer 6120, and have found the switch to be very useful. Granted it is not a tone pot, but it is faster than turning a knob; and I like what it does. I thought it also had a pretty valuable effect when using it in combination with an OD/ distortion box.

 

[Gas-man]

I love it with fuzz.

Same goes for the vintage Tele "bassy" wiring. Very B3.

 

[Jon C]

I found that to some extent it must depend on what's there in the circuit. On my 6120 SSLVO it's fine. But on my first Gretsch, my beloved Elliott Easton 6128EE, the original setup just sucked on the mud switch setting.

A tip from TV Jones & Don Butler about using a NOS cap and various values was the answer. I found a NOS Cornell Dubilier (don't remember the value offhand), put it in there, and wow, what a difference. I now had 3 different and totally usable settings - the mud was good mud, not bad mud, lol.

That's just my limited anecdotal experience but it was an eye-opener.

Cheers,
Jon

 

[bob-i]

I'm with you, I especially like the down position, it's a little mud on my boots, not like the up position where youre falling down drunk in the mud bath. With some overdrive it sounds very much like early bad company, dark and fat.

 

[TravisE]

I dig it too. My buddy has a '63 Duo Jet that he recently used on a pretty big session and the mud switch was dubbed "the space switch". We got a lot of use out of it.

 

[bikeracr]

Back when I had a 6120 (pre-Fender), I never touched it...too much mud, too dull, etc. When I bought my 2011 Silver Jet, I was amazed at how useful it is, especially when playing rhythm parts. I'm not sure if it is due to better PUPs, different body shape, etc.

 

[Axis29]

I have an '07 6129 TLS Sparkle Jet. It's really the first gutiar I actually use tone controls on. I will goof with the tone control on my Strat (I re-wired to have it effect the bridge pickup). But n the Gretsch it's useable and flexible and easy. A quick flick of the switch and I've got a nice rolled off sound... It's very Gibson like. Hit it the other way and I'm playing Jazz in the lobby....

I wouldn't mind a little less muffle in the up (full treble cut) position... But then, I'm not used to rolling back tone controls anyways! Maybe that's the way it's supposed to sound? LOL

 

[rjsc5]

From the above posts I guess the much malinged "mud switch" has proved itself to be useful to some of us. I for one am glad it is there!

 

[GAD]

I believe it was changed around 2004 or so, but I can't recall specifics. Better caps maybe? I've heard many guys over on the Gretsch forums state that they like it on the newer Setzers, but not on the older ones.

I rarely use it on mine, but I have on occasion.

 

[Waxhead]

Another fan of the mud switch here
I use all 3 settings but mostly keep it in the middle

 

[CoachD]

Used it on a 6119 to get "I'll Follow the Sun" tones.

 

[Kiwi]

Gretsch mud switch cap values: here are some guidelines from notes I took in 2002 from a Gretschpages.com discussion, when I got my 6120 Setzer corrected.

TV Jones suggests
.0039 uf down position
.0120 uf up position

Don Butler suggests
.0068 down
.0150 up
"Always use polyester caps, not ceramic or orange drops."

My guitar tech Sam Swank installed:
.004 down
.010 up
and the mud switch on my 6120 is now completely usable.

=K

 

[mcdes]

Another fan of the mud switch here
I use all 3 settings but mostly keep it in the middle

This is me too

 

[Tidewater Custom Shop]

I didn't like it at all, so I rewired my 6118 to a MV/T/T, removed the mud switch a la Setzer, and use just one 3-way for pickup switching.

I prefer to vary the viscosity of tone, rather than 'on/off'. That's me.