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Description

For those who crave the authentic vintage tone of the late 60s and 70s, the Gibson "T-Top" Patent # Humbucker offers a portal back to rock's golden era. This classic pickup is renowned for its distinct tonal clarity and balanced output, making it a favorite among guitarists who value both precision and versatility. Originally introduced in the mid-1960s, the "T-Top" was a standard in Gibson's lineup and quickly became a staple for musicians seeking a sharp yet warm sound profile.

Crafted to replicate the iconic sound of its time, this humbucker delivers a smooth, clean sustain that’s perfect for a wide range of musical styles, from rock and blues to jazz and beyond. Its vintage construction and materials ensure that you receive the same quality and character as the original models, providing not just a sound, but an experience that resonates with history.

Whether you're refurbishing a beloved instrument or customizing your guitar to capture a piece of musical history, the Gibson "T-Top" Patent # Humbucker is an excellent choice for those committed to quality and authenticity.

Key Features:

  • Accurate reproduction of the original 60s and 70s "T-Top" humbuckers
  • Clear and balanced tonal output ideal for various musical styles
  • Vintage construction using authentic materials for historical sound accuracy
  • Trusted by musicians for its consistency and reliability across performances
  • Ideal for guitar refurbishment or custom builds seeking a classic sound profile

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson "T-Top" Patent # Humbucker 60s/70s.

Features and functionality

  • T-Tops from the 70s/80s often use Alnico 3 or 5 magnets, differing by production year, averaging around 7.5K output.

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  • T-Tops from this era are noted for their smaller Alnico 5 magnets and use of poly-coated wire, which impacts their tonal characteristics.

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Build quality

  • Some T-Tops feature plain rubber wire instead of the typical braided gray wire, affecting aesthetic expectations.

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Comparisons

  • The T-Top is the same model used in Randy Rhoads' 1974 Les Paul Custom, known for its distinctive tone.

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  • Dirty Fingers pickups, which also used T bobbins, have two rows of screw pole pieces and ceramic magnets, differentiating them from T-Tops.

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  • T-Tops in a '67 SG are compared to patent # pickups in a '64 SG, suggesting subtle but significant tonal differences from earlier PAFs.

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User experience

  • Owners of 70s T-Tops report a full and articulate sound, even when paired with non-original leads.

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Use cases and applications

  • The tonal differences between 60s T-Tops and 50s PAFs are highlighted, with the latter described as twangy and trebly, implying different suitability for musical styles.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

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jimmarchi1

Totally into it.

I have an early 70s T-Top in my SG's bridge position. Its a pretty typical double black with a short, rough cast A5 magnet that reads around 7.7k DCR. She has a lot more apparent output than that DCR measurement might indicate. Tight and full lows, open mids and highs that really cut through in a single-coil way with the pickup cover removed. Zero harsh. This pickup really takes my SG to Angus-land. It doesn't have the vocal quality of good PAF copies (or real PAFs for that matter, but who can afford them or even a guitar equipped with them), but that's okay because it does a different classic rock sound that is just as viable. I would not recommend this pickup in a les paul standard or any other heavy carve top with the traditional mahogany/maple/rosewood combination. Maybe in the neck, but not in the bridge. Still one of my favorite pickups.

Artist usage

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See how Kirk Hammett uses Gibson "T-Top" Patent # Humbucker 60s/70s

Kirk Hammett

Guitarist

Metallica

...
Verified

According to the official Gibson site, Kirk Hammett uses the Gibson "T-Top" Patent # Humbucker 60s/70s in his 1979 Gibson Flying V.

See how Mick Mars uses Gibson "T-Top" Patent # Humbucker 60s/70s

Mick Mars

Guitarist

Mötley Crüe

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Verified via MusicRadar

He modded them to distort by winding them more so he wouldn't need a distortion pedal.

"I've taken some of the old Gibson T-Top pickups and re-wound them to be hotter, probably between 14 and 16 ohm output to drive them more so I don't have to have a distortion pedal. It naturally overdrives the amp and I get a nice fat sound. I've put a Floyd Rose on it as well. I wouldn't need a pedal." - Mick Mars

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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