Bridge to go with a T Top

[JB_From_Hell]

I may have asked this recently, and apologize if I’m repeating myself.

My LP has an old T Top in the neck. Currently, there’s a Duncan Designed ‘59 neck to go in the bridge, but I want something with a nickel cover to match the neck.

I had the T Top in the bridge, and really liked it. I don’t need something exactly like that, but similar ballpark. Nickel cover, unpotted… get an Ant and call it a day or explore other options?

 

[Mincer]

I'd guess a Whole Lotta Humbucker might do it. Or just hold out for a used T Top.

 

[ragamuffin]

Vineham pickups makes a set based on T-Tops but with a calibrated (slightly higher output) bridge which he calls "6070"s, might be a good option

http://www.vineham.com/humbucker_pickups.html

 

[JB_From_Hell]

I'd guess a Whole Lotta Humbucker might do it. Or just hold out for a used T Top.

They’re getting way north of $200, even more if you want a cover.

 

[skelt101]

My first thought from the Seymour Duncan line was the Jazz. The unpotted aspect could be handled under the Shop Floor Custom program, but I don't know if they have resumed that service or not. Mincer's suggestion of the Whole Lotta Humbucker is probably a good one too. :beerchug:

 

[Mincer]

They’re getting way north of $200, even more if you want a cover.

Wow, I didn't realize. At that price, go to the Custom Shop. I am sure they have replicated it.

 

[hamerfan]

Little secret: The Gibson offers the 490R which is a quite good copy of T-Top with a A2 magnet. Swap in a A5.

 

[eclecticsynergy]

Manlius makes a good T-top clone too. Also in a slightly overwound version that he calls the Vinyl.

I'm not a huge fan of the 490R, though I agree it's better with an A5.
Full disclosure, though - never tried one at the bridge.

 

[hamerfan]

Manlius makes a good T-top clone too. Also in a slightly overwound version that he calls the Vinyl.

I'm not a huge fan of the 490R, though I agree it's better with an A5.
Full disclosure, though - never tried one at the bridge.

I recommend an UO A5 though.

 

[eclecticsynergy]

I recommend an UO A5 though.

UA5 is my go-to for bridge hum swaps for years now, primarily thanks to blueman335 and others on this forum.
Has worked really well for me in everything I've tried so far.

Of course it won't be a perfect fit for every guitar/pickup combination - nothing would.
Never tried it with a high output pickup, either; I only have a few of those.

But in anything up to and including the Duncan Custom wind, UA5 has been absolutely great. For me.
I've never pulled one out after trying it.

 

[Aceman]

LOL - I have a used T-Top AND the cover!!!! Holding it like Bitcoin....

Anyway - I'd say the appropriate (and better T-Top bridge match is a Jazz Bridge.

Full Disclosure: My #1 Les Paul has a T-Top neck, and a Distortion Bridge, 500k CTS pots all around and 50's wiring.

 

[eclecticsynergy]

I paired a covered 59B with an old T-top at the neck for thirty years in one of my Les Pauls.
They balanced well and IMO complemented each other very nicely tonewise.

This particular guitar has a fairly typical LP voicing BTW - slightly scooped, neither harsh nor boomy.
Given that character, the 59B was just right.

 

[Mincer]

I paired a covered 59B with an old T-top at the neck for thirty years in one of my Les Pauls.
They balanced well and IMO complemented each other very nicely tonewise.

This particular guitar has a fairly typical LP voicing BTW - slightly scooped, neither harsh nor boomy.
Given that character, the 59B was just right.

I can see that being a great combo in an older guitar.

 

[beaubrummels]

Poor mans t top is a 59 neck in the bridge. Clearer than the t top clone I have. LtKojak used to say a jazz neck with a short A5 was the closest SD wind, however. 59N in the bridge worked better for me than the JazzN.

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Currently, I have a Duncan Designed HB-101n in the bridge, and it’s actually sounding pretty good. Might keep an eye out for a covered ‘59 neck and see how that goes.