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Patent # T-Tops

Sol

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Oct 26, 2001
Messages
775
I have around 6 or 7 T-Tops from ‘65-’71! I’ve found the key to them is to replace the magnets with Throbak A-4’s. That, to my ears really sweetens them up. I was told by a reknown pickup maker that the stock magnets in T-Tops were A-2’ & A-5’s and that they were either too strong or too weak, so I just put my fave A-4’s in them and love the way they sound now.. my only problem is that I don’t have enough humbuckered guitars to use them all in...😱🎶
TM1, I've a feeling that it may have been you that responded to my request for an alnico alternative to the highly charged short alnico 5 magnets in my pat# T Top humbuckers.

Whether it was yourself or another member,(And if I'm mistaken TM1, I do apologise..) The recommendation that replacing the short alnico 5 for a long alnico 4 has stayed with me.

The implication is that a long alnico 4 magnet with a moderate charge will provide a tone closer to that of the later pat#PAF humbuckers when placed in an early pat#T Top humbucker.
The suggestion that a change of magnet can revoice a humbucker will inevitably strike some as ridiculous, it is perhaps worth bearing in mind that the induction, gauss and resonant peak of our humbucking pickups is almost entirely dependent on the properties of... The magnet.
 
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TM1

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Jun 27, 2003
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I’m just going by strictly personal experience. I’ve been working on guitars for 45 years, not only mine, but for many other folks. 👍🏻🎸😁
 
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Wilko

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Mar 11, 2002
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I've changed magnets and gotten more output, certainly a different "voice".
Sacrilige, yes, I've put long sand cast magnets from P90s into late short mag PAFs with a similar boost.
 
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Sol

Active member
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Oct 26, 2001
Messages
775
I’m just going by strictly personal experience. I’ve been working on guitars for 45 years, not only mine, but for many other folks. 👍🏻🎸😁
Isn't it funny how the most unassuming and humble statement reminds me that I am a sapling amongst Oaks..
 
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Sol

Active member
Joined
Oct 26, 2001
Messages
775
I’m just going by strictly personal experience. I’ve been working on guitars for 45 years, not only mine, but for many other folks. 👍🏻🎸😁
Isn't it funny how the most unassuming and humble statement reminds me that I am a sapling amongst Oaks
I've changed magnets and gotten more output, certainly a different "voice".
Sacrilige, yes, I've put long sand cast magnets from P90s into late short mag PAFs with a similar boost.
The only sacrilege would be to abandon your creative curiosity for fearful conformity, and I don't think there's any chance of that.. :)
 
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123sg

Member
Joined
Feb 24, 2021
Messages
125
How do you tell tire back tire back pick ups or T tops. I have a 71 deluxe SG 72 W. Paul custom in a 73 SG Standard which I think I have tar backs. Any help would be appreciated
 

Sol

Active member
Joined
Oct 26, 2001
Messages
775
The 'Tar back' humbuckers were called 'Super Humbuckers' designed by Bill Lawrence AFAIK they were used in SG's and es335s powered with Indox VII Ceramic magnets they used T Top bobbins which is where the confusion may come from.
The only ones with names are the 'Dirty Fingers' and the 'True Blues' the first is a high output exposed coil with 12 gold plated screw poles, the other is a low output/inductance 'Bucker. Both were potted in resin to eliminate feedback at high sound pressure volume levels.

I'm not sure they were ever fitted to Les Paul's.
(info thanks to' Guitar electronics for Musicians ')
 

123sg

Member
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Feb 24, 2021
Messages
125
The pick up out of a 71 SG deluxe the covers are spot welded on and has a patent number on the back? Thanks for responding SG123
 
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