Ceramic T500 Dump it or not?

[lpclassic29]

Got a question for you guys. I have a LP classic and I'm searching for better tone. Just wondering what your opinion is on the ceramic magnet pups in the classics. I'm finding the tone is a bit harsh for my taste. Also, I have a Duncan Class 5 I was going to put in the bridge. What is your opinion of the class 5 and how does it compare to the t500? Thanks for your advise.
LP

 

[JeffB]

Re: Ceramic T500 Dump it or not?

500T is not the BEST match for a Paula IMO, but when setup right they do a better job than some pups (cough JB cough :laugh2: )

By set up "right" I mean roll it down low...you dont want it close to the strings. get it just a little over top of the ring, and then get your gain back with the amp. It tends to open up that way and loses much of that harsh character.

C5 seems to be a popular choice , but I've never tried one. Duncan Custom though (SH5) I can vouch for as being a STELLAR pup in a Paula.

 

[lpclassic29]

Re: Ceramic T500 Dump it or not?

so the ceramics should be back a bit? i have been setting them the usual way. fret the last string and 1/16th down for the bridge pup. the duncan pup i was referring to is the sh5. are you saying that is a good choice for the LP? i did try a JB in it once and wasnt impressed... kinda what your getting at i guess but i am wondering what you think would happen with the sh5. thanks bro
lp

 

[frankfalbo]

Re: Ceramic T500 Dump it or not?

I just put an Alnico 5 in my 500T, and will go to A2 when I get some. As an A5 humbucker it's pretty good. A forumite said the coils are the same as the 498T, so all I did was make it a 498T. But I've had 498T's too, and this 500T with Alnico 5 sounds a little more balanced, and less JB-ish than the 498T does to my recollection. The 500T is wound right in between the JB and the Customs, so with A5 it's like a cross between the JB and Custom 5. If you put Alnico 2 in both those pickups you probably wouldn't want to change them anymore.

The SH-5 you have is like a weaker 500T with a regular sized ceramic magnet, instead of the huge center magnet and outside flanking magnets. You could also try removing the outside magnets from the 500T, then you'd have a lighter version of the Distortion.

 

[revolution]

Re: Ceramic T500 Dump it or not?

I also thought the 500T was a cool pickup. I'd like to hear one w/AL5 or Dunaged AL5...I'll bet it sounds pretty good

 

[JammerMatt]

Re: Ceramic T500 Dump it or not?

500T is not the BEST match for .... Duncan Custom though (SH5) I can vouch for as being a STELLAR pup in a Paula.

I second Jeff on that one. If you want just a little more umph, you could put a Distortion in, which I think works great in an LP also.

 

[revolution]

Re: Ceramic T500 Dump it or not?

1/16 or 3/32 is more like Alnico II height...5/32 for Alnico 5. For ceramic I'd start at 5/32 and work down if you didn't like it but that always works for me w/ ceramic.

 

[frankfalbo]

Re: Ceramic T500 Dump it or not?

If you want just a little more umph, you could put a Distortion in, which I think works great in an LP also.

Remember, taking out the side magnets takes the 500T very close to a Distortion. It's wound to over 15k, and the Distortion is 16.6k. If you thought you'd like the Distortion, you can get close with your 500T and then if you wanted a little more wind, you could get the Distortion.

 

[lpclassic29]

Re: Ceramic T500 Dump it or not?

I've never had a pup apart. How do I go about taking out a side magnet?

 

[Fusion1]

Re: Ceramic T500 Dump it or not?

The 500T sounds a bit thinner than the Distortion. Not sure if the extra side magnets makes that more apparant but maybe I will try to remove them from my SG with a stock 500T.

 

[Ibanezrgonfire]

Re: Ceramic T500 Dump it or not?

if you can afford one get a miracle man(bareknuckle)
it has a smoother treble that is not harsh at all with a low end that is so tight and focused it is sick!

 

[DI_IORIO]

Re: Ceramic T500 Dump it or not?

For my tastes, the 500T is too heavy.. but sounds great to play classic metal like Judas Priest.. I had one in my explorer and i really liked the tone..but too heavy

 

[bigheadood]

Re: Ceramic T500 Dump it or not?

The 500T sounded really harsh in my Les Paul, but sounded really good in my PRS santana se.

The santana is a much darker (warmer) sounding guitar, so it balances well.

In my les paul (studio lite), the JB sounds pretty good, just not enough low mids. but still much smoother than the 500T. I'm going to try an invader next.

 

[Dirtyking]

Re: Ceramic T500 Dump it or not?

Which model SG came stock with a 500T?

My '99 Gibson SG X came stock with a 500t w/coil split. Full out the 500t lacked clarity. Even in a slim SG body. Tapped it sounded great.

RE: original post....I'd try the Custom. If you like the output of the 500t, but want better clarity go with a Distortion.