New Gibson calibrated t-type humbuckers, any thoughts?
- Thread starter Mike M
- Start date
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I've had a 2020 ES-335 with the "calibrated T-type humbuckers" for several months now. They are not my favorite humbuckers. The neck pickup is slightly underwound. They are cleaner and brighter, with more articulation and mid-highs than the 57 Classics I had in a 2012 335, with a similar, relatively low output. I usually keep my humbucker height pretty low, anyway, but have to keep the T-types a little higher to get any volume out of them. They don't have the grit, output, and density/complexity (which I prefer) of the Burstbucker Pros in my 2008 LP Standard.
They are very good pickups, and I like them fine, but they just don't seem to have as much character as the other Gibson humbuckers I'm familiar with.
They are very good pickups, and I like them fine, but they just don't seem to have as much character as the other Gibson humbuckers I'm familiar with.
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Golem
Tele-Afflicted
I've certainly wondered about these and how they differ than the CME exclusive T-Types:
I assume they'd at least both be going after the T Top tone which means they're going to have similar specs.
It seems like there was a time period where people hated t-tops but the time I started caring about pickups they were already getting pricey.
I assume they'd at least both be going after the T Top tone which means they're going to have similar specs.
It seems like there was a time period where people hated t-tops but the time I started caring about pickups they were already getting pricey.
Revelation
Tele-Meister
I also have a 2020 335 guitar. I agree with what was said on the other post above for the most part. With my Les Paul I have the treble knob on my amp on 6. With the 335 I reduce it to 4 1/2. It tames the top end while still having a nice Gibson character. For jazz on my Fender Twin the treble on the amp is 5 and the tone control on the guitar is at 8 for the front pickup.
Cicada Nation
Tele-Meister
I have a 2021 ES-345 with the Calibrated T-Types. I love them. Thick and warm humbucker tone, but no muddiness and great clarity and note separation. I previously had a Memphis 335 with 57 Classics. That guitar was very muddy. These are great for a semihollow instrument.
PoorNoodle
Tele-Meister
I had an ES-335 with t-types. I didn’t like them and swapped them. I really like 57 classics and custom buckers. I don’t mind burst buckers. I agree they are clear, but I think they’re sterile and lack character. More cold than warm. I also had to turn down the treble on my amps and turn down the tone controls. YMMV.
Cicada Nation
Tele-Meister
Did you try lowering the pickups? Mine were too high when I got the guitar. Made it sound harsh. Lowered a bit they gave me that 70s classic rock sound like Thin Lizzy or AC/DC.
