Identifying a Gibson 500T?

[poweredbysoul]

Bought one off ebay, now I don't have a meter to measure output. Just want to make sure.
It has the 2 conductor wire, USA Gibson stamp and a T on the back. Would the 496R have an R stamped on the back.
I installed it and it reminds me of the super distortion!

 

[lemonman]

Re: Identifying a Gibson 500T?

The easiest way to visually identify a 500T are the three magnets- a central, thicker than normal ceramic, and two narrower ceramics at the edges where the spacers would normally be.

 

[sosomething]

Re: Identifying a Gibson 500T?

The 500T is the only ceramic pickup I like at all.

 

[uOpt]

Re: Identifying a Gibson 500T?

The 500T is the only pickup on the market with triple magnet setup and PAF-style slugs/screws.

 

[poweredbysoul]

Re: Identifying a Gibson 500T?

Can someone recommend a sight with picks. Not familiar with magnet types etc...

 

[DonP]

Re: Identifying a Gibson 500T?

Bought one off ebay, now I don't have a meter to measure output. Just want to make sure.
It has the 2 conductor wire, USA Gibson stamp and a T on the back. Would the 496R have an R stamped on the back.
I installed it and it reminds me of the super distortion!

You really need to be able to measure. Should be 15.5K.

I have a very old one. Zebra, 4 conductor wire, not trem spaced, and has the old Pat No backplate instead of the newer "Gibson USA" backplate.

I don't have a Super Distortion in an axe to compare against, but this is my go-to guitar for playing Maiden stuff (done with a Super Distortion).

 

[blueman335]

Re: Identifying a Gibson 500T?

The 500T is the only ceramic pickup I like at all.

+1. Although I don't like ceramic bridge PU's in general, to me the 500T is by far the best of the bunch. Has more texture & color. Although I eventually put an A8 in mine, I could live with the stock magnets.

 

[lemonman]

Re: Identifying a Gibson 500T?

Originally Posted by sosomething
The 500T is the only ceramic pickup I like at all.

+1. Although I don't like ceramic bridge PU's in general, to me the 500T is by far the best of the bunch. Has more texture & color. Although I eventually put an A8 in mine, I could live with the stock magnets.

Seconded. I recently installed a 500T in one of my Lesters that just doesn't like PAFs in the bridge (which I generally prefer). It's been quite a while since I'd played with it, and I was pleasantly surprised how good it sounds. I wouldn't want it to be my only guitar, but I'd forgotten how much fun a hot thick bridge 'bucker can be

 

[poweredbysoul]

Re: Identifying a Gibson 500T?

Just an update
I took it to my guitar shop and the tech put it on the meter it measured 15k and confirmed it was the 500t. He did a few adjustments as well. Took it home and fired up my Marshall Jubilee. Sounds Fantastic!!!!!
Thanks for the advice everyone!

 

[Fusion1]

Re: Identifying a Gibson 500T?

How does this sound with an A8? I used a 500T and I love it in a Les Paul Studio (which it never usually comes in) and it sounds great but I am guessing the A8 would give it more low mids and a thicker low end, all which the 500T seems to lack in stock form. Am I correct?

 

[poweredbysoul]

Re: Identifying a Gibson 500T?

Just got back from a jam today, and I must say this pickup is alot of fun!!
Something about Gibson Guitars, Gibson Pickups and Marshall amps!!
Magic!!!

 

[Captain Tightpants]

Re: Identifying a Gibson 500T?

Just so you know, all Gibson USA pickups have a "T" stamp on them. The screw pole pieces go through the "T" side of the bottom plate on a trebel pickup, and they are on the side opposite the "T" on a Rhythm pickup. The "T" side holes are spaced wider than the other side.

Glad you like the 500T, I like the one I got off of eBay a lot!

 

[Christopher Caruana]

Re: Identifying a Gibson 500T?

The easiest way to visually identify a 500T are the three magnets- a central, thicker than normal ceramic, and two narrower ceramics at the edges where the spacers would normally be.

+1 i have one. it came stock in my LP classic. I took off the tape and it 3 ceramic magnets.......one regular ceramic in the middle and two smaller, skinnier ones on each side. Also, the gibson logo should be right side up when the screws on the pickup are on the bottom. other than that.....im not sure how to tell

 

[RockStarNick]

Re: Identifying a Gibson 500T?

Best $15-20 you can EVER spend, if you're into pickups: Digital Multimeter. Seriously dude, you GOTTA get one!

Test out pickups, check for faulty cables, bias an amp, you name it.