TV Jones Releases Paul Yandell Duo-Tron Pickup for Bass and Guitar

Legendary electric guitar and bass pickup maker TV Jones is proud to announce the release of the Paul Yandell “Duo-Tron” pickup for Bass and Guitar.

The project between Thomas “TV” Jones and Paul Yandell began in 2009 and upon Mr. Yandell’s passing in 2011, Mr. Yandell’s family reached out to Tom to complete the project. “The Duo-Tron,” (as Mr. Yandell called the pickup while in development,) is a significantly historic pickup and is directly related to the very first patented “humbucking” electric guitar pickup, invented by close Yandell friend and legendary inventor, Mr. Ray Butts.

The unique and proprietary design links to Paul’s earlier collaborations with Mr. Butts, whose initial concept is laid out in his original patent drawings, (No. 2,892,371, filed Jan. 22, 1957 and awarded June 30, 1959.)

After Mr. Butts’ passing, Jones was bequeathed pickup parts, tooling and other items by Ray’s daughter, Katha House and his grandson, James House. All items are housed at the TV Jones headquarters today.

Jones’ world-class product line and stellar reputation in the industry – coupled with his close relationships with Yandell and the Butts family  – were what provided the final impetus to bring the Duo-Tron to life.

The pickup was first unveiled last Saturday night from the stage at this summer’s Chet Atkins Appreciation Society (CAAS) gala in Nashville, Tenn., July 12, 2014.
 
The formal press announcement was held earlier today at the Musician’s Hall of Fame, also in Nashville. The Yandell family, Ms. House, Jones and special guests were present, including media from around the world.

The pickup features a combination of pole screws and blades across the string range that perfectly accommodates the fingerpicking techniques mastered by Atkins, Yandell and other greats. This design provides players of all genres with unprecedented clarity and attack across all strings.

“Remember, Dad designed this pickup with Chet in mind,” said Yandell’s son, Micah. “So the standard was pretty high to begin with.”

Visually the Duo-Tron is stunning and features a proprietary finish unlike any other in the TV Jones lineup. Traditional plating options are available as well.

In a 2010 quote on the misterguitar.us forum, Yandell said about his design: “I’m always trying to think of something different … Chet always said the bars gave him a bigger note. It’s balanced really well and the treble strings have a slight edge… it’s something I’ve been thinking about building for some time.”

“I know Paul would be so pleased,” said his widow, Mrs. Marie Yandell. “Paul really wanted Tom to produce this pickup.  He thought Tom was the greatest and just loved talking to him and working with him from the very first time they met.  He was so impressed with Tom’s creativeness and knowledge.”

“The hallmark of the Yandell/Duo-Tron neck pickup,” said Jones, “is that the player won’t lose any sensitivity bending the treble strings. You’ll notice a fuller, bolder response that affects both sound  – and equally important – feel.”

“On the bass side,” Jones continued, “I’ve dialed in a tone directly reminiscent of Ray’s original Filter’Tron – but with a touch more dynamic attack – it’s a little more focused and rounded,” continued Jones. “Remember, this pickup was developed by a master fingerpicker for none other than Chet Atkins. It has nice dynamic pop in the bass, and full-bodied tone for melody. The responsiveness of this pickup is really something to behold for players of other genres too – Blues and Rock and harder-Rock players will absolutely love it. Overall, the bridge pickup is well-balanced, with bold bass strings, and traditional slightly compressed treble strings.”

Handmade in the USA with all-American parts, TV Jones has been transforming players’ tone for over 20 years.

For more information, please visit www.tvjones.com or at 360-779-4002.