Help me identify this pickup?

[Tonefinder]

Hello all,

I have a 1979 Les Paul custom, which I purchased used in 1993. It has one (I believe) 1981 Shaw pickup in the neck position. However, I have never known what is in the bridge position. There are no identifying letters or numbers ANYWHERE. Any help would be appreciated!

 

[DrNewcenstein]

Re: Help me identify this pickup?

No ID marks anywhere, it could be anything.

Does the cable that runs from the pickup look the same as the one for the neck? Is it wrapped in a braided wire shield, or grey rubbery shield?

What about the conductors to the switch - same as for the neck pickup?

That might help narrow it down as to whether it's a Gibson or not. Maybe.

Might want to look into original PAFs and see what markings (if any) they had.

It could be an early non-baseplate-logo Duncan that simply lost its sticker, or it could be worth your house.

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Help me identify this pickup?

It is a Gibson. (Wax-filled round hole at one of bobbin.) The pole pieces look spaced for the bridge/Treble position.

Do you have a DC resistance meter reading for the pickup?

 

[DrNewcenstein]

Re: Help me identify this pickup?

Ah. I wondered if those could be used for ID. I've noticed before that my SDs typically have a square hole.

Also wasn't sure about the baseplate having holes on both sides. I knew the DF needed them since it had double screw coils. I just looked at my 498T baseplate, and it has holes on both halves, so I guess that's another identifier. What about DiMarzio baseplates, though? Holes on both halves?

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Help me identify this pickup?

Duncan bobbin holes are usually a square hole in a shallow circular indentation.

Duncan and DiMarzio tend to use fabric tape. Gibson uses waxy-looking paper. Two layers of this material suggests that the pickup was intended to be installed with open bobbins. Absence of solder on the baseplate confirms this.

The tiny portion of output cable visible in the top photograph is metal braided single con.

The length of the elevator screw lugs on the baseplate is probably of significance. Somebody who knows their Shaws and T Tops might be able to clarify matters.

On some Gibson baseplates, to reduce manufacturing costs, holes are made for both neck/Rhythm and bridge/Treble pole piece spacings. (One size fits all. Just turn the plate around to suit.) On such baseplates, the four bobbin fastening screws are necessarily ovoid. There is usually an engraved Gibson USA logo.

 

[Tonefinder]

Re: Help me identify this pickup?

Hello guys,

Here is the neck pickup (I think it's a Shaw). Its resistance reading is 7.39



Here is the cable for the bridge pickup in question- its resistance is 9.33 (*Note- I got these readings from a lead cable plugged into the guitar. A fool's game?)





And finally, a couple shots of the pot connections, in case it helps.





I'm surprised this bridge pickup could be a Gibson. I wasn't aware one could have no engraved & stamped markings. Thanks again, guys!

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Help me identify this pickup?

The bridge position could be an example of the elusive Velvet Brick, designed by Bill Lawrence. I cannot recall its specifications.

 

[LtKojak]

Re: Help me identify this pickup?

The neck p'up IS a Shaw.

If you measure the polepiece spead of the bridge p'up and it's 52mm, most probably is asian.

HTH,

 

[Rand-O-Monium]

Re: Help me identify this pickup?

Moar guitar pics!!!

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Help me identify this pickup?

If you measure the polepiece spead of the bridge p'up and it's 52mm, most probably is asian.

As in Ibanez Super 58, Super 80, perhaps?

This begs the question, why rob out just one Shaw HB from a Gibson LP Custom that started with two of them?