Gibson T-Type Pickups

[Bruxist]

Anyone have any experience with them?

Grabbed one at a bargain to put in a tele neck position and wondered if any of you kind and knowledgeable folks had any experience with them.

Thanks!

 

[Jakedog]

I used to have a pair in an Epi Sheraton. I remember I really liked them, but I don’t really remember what they sounded like. It was like 25 years ago. Maybe longer. I remember them being pretty clear and articulate I think. I also had them stock in several 70’s Gibbys. But that was back in the 80’s and early 90’s. I know they made rock and roll noises. Nobody really changed pickups back then unless one broke. So lots of people used them to make lots of records.

 

[Bruxist]

I used to have a pair in an Epi Sheraton. I remember I really liked them, but I don’t really remember what they sounded like. It was like 25 years ago. Maybe longer. I remember them being pretty clear and articulate I think. I also had them stock in several 70’s Gibbys. But that was back in the 80’s and early 90’s. I know they made rock and roll noises. Nobody really changed pickups back then unless one broke. So lots of people used them to make lots of records.

Thanks!

 

[badinfinities]

I have T-Tops in my 78 LP Standard. Alnico, not ceramic. Apparently at some point in 78 Gibson started using ceramic magnets. They sound great - definitely has that 70s rock thang, in a good way. They aren't crazy hot so you can get a nice low-gain chime if you want.

There are PU makers that build T-Top Clones now. And a lot of people revere them because Jimmy Page replaced a dead bridge pickup in his 59 with a T-Top.

 

[guitarlarry]

I used to have a pair in an Epi Sheraton. I remember I really liked them, but I don’t really remember what they sounded like. It was like 25 years ago. Maybe longer. I remember them being pretty clear and articulate I think. I also had them stock in several 70’s Gibbys. But that was back in the 80’s and early 90’s. I know they made rock and roll noises. Nobody really changed pickups back then unless one broke. So lots of people used them to make lots of records.

They are very similar to a PAF. The PAF had a slightly longer magnet, butyrate bobbins and were wound with plain enamel wire to around 8K ohms. The TTops were wound on plastic bobbins, had a slightly shorter magnet and were wound with poly insulated wire. They are very close in sound and were about the same output as PAF’s. My son has a pair installed in a 1997 PRS McCarty that I wound for him. He gigs with them several times a week and they sound great. In my opinion they are a little smoother than PAF’s but have a great grind and really nice highs. Great pickups for rock and roll.
Guitarlarry

 

[archetype]

My '70 ES-335 has its original T-tops. It's impossible to attribute tonal qualities to the pickups and ignore the tonal contributions of the rest of the guitar, but... they and the guitar are warm and woody, but airy and articulate.

 

[bobbytouche]

Sorry to jump in on a relatively old thread, but do you guys know the pole spacing on these? I have an uncovered set on the way and would like to order some covers. Did they go full vintage 49.2mm or 50mm?

Thanks!