Gibson 500T Super Ceramic

Pickup features: Passive Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: 57' gold top reissue Orville Les Paul
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Stock Orville PAF
Other pickups on guitar: Replaced stock Orville PAF neck with Gibson 496R
Artists using this pickup: Anyone playing unmolested Gibson custom shop guitars.
You musical style(s): Hard rock/Punk metal
Reason for pickup change: The Orville PAFs were not putting out enough volume for me. I wanted to soup the guitar up without losing any of it's character so I went with the hottest Gibson pair available. I thought about going with a Duncan Distortion, or JB, but I decided on trying the Gibson brand first to try and keep the guitar as original as possible.

Perceived output level: Pretty frickin' hot. A lot of people complain that they are too hot, but I can get some really nice clean tone out of this puppy.
Tone: It is a good midrange pickup, but it has a sharpness to it that some may consider too piercing for leads.
Sonic evaluation: I'm using the Les Paul through a Dr. Z KT-45 amplifier. I keep the amp's volume clean, and use a Z Vex Super Hard On boost pedal to kick it into distortion. The pickup maintains a nice chunky sound to it when I rake the strings, use palm muting, etc. It has good harmonic response, nice bell-like sustain, and a sharp attack (as my guitar tech put it, "Like a saw cutting through a tree"). It has all of the characteristics I like in a bridge pick up.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play riff oriented rock, so I need a lot of tone definition without loosing the meat. I think this pickup does the trick well. It's a good enough match for me that I don't feel inclined to replace it.

Comments: I had my tech put nickel covers on the pickups to try and maintain the original look of the Les Paul as much as possible. I don't usually bother with aesthetics, but this guitar looks beautiful and I wanted to keep it that way. Plus, my tech was willing to do it for really cheap so I went for it. I don't know how the pickups sounded before they were covered, but I doubt it changed the sound substantially. I'm sastisfied with what it does, and I don't really have any complaints, although I would not recommend anyone who isn't a fan of overdriven amp tone to look into it. I think this one is best suited for sharp, chunky, loud rock. Perhaps some blues players could find a use for it, but someone going for a more traditional country or jazz sound should steer clear. Although I am satisfied with the sound Gibson looses a point on the high price (suggested retail for this pickup is over $110), poor availability (I couldn't find a new one anywhere so I had to order it used. Got a better price though!), and on a more pickier note the lack of double creme in the available color selection. The pickups are only available in black, or "zebra" which in my opinion did not compliment the look of the guitar at all. Once again aesthetics, but hey, this is a review. Aside from these critiques concerning Gibson's service outside the sound, I would recommend it.

Pickup features: Passive Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Gibson SG Special Faded
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: 490T
Other pickups on guitar: 490R
Artists using this pickup: ?
You musical style(s): Hard Rock and Metal
Reason for pickup change: Output

Perceived output level: Hot
Tone: Trebly, but balanced -good bass
Sonic evaluation: Roland Jazz/Chorus 120 amp w/ a Zoom 707 effects processor

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Metal and Rock

Comments: Awesome value. This is the best sounding high output humbucker I've ever had for the price. I see a lot of submissions from ppl who hate it; however, I've noticed that most of those people do not play harder rock and metal. This pickup is everything you need for an awesome sounding guitar to play metal w/out going for EMG active's. It's value is great. You probably won't like it if you arn't interested in playing heavy music. I personally find that too many humbuckers are still really muddy and weak when distorted. This pickup is clear as a bell, and perfect for all of you hard rocking needs (leads and rythmn playing).

Pickup features: passive humbucker
Impedence or other specs: Don't know

Model of guitar or bass: Gibson Flying V 98
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: N/A, came on guitar
Other pickups on guitar: 496R
Artists using this pickup: Don't know, but sure sounds like Page
You musical style(s): Rock, hard rock, metal.
Reason for pickup change:

Perceived output level: High output
Tone: Balanced. Plenty of treble, but not harsh. Looking at the posts below, eveyone either really loves or really hates this pickup. People who have removed these pickup sshould send them to me ! These pickups are oozing rock tone. Not for jazz, obviously, but if you like Led Zeppelin, you will love this pickup.
Sonic evaluation: I play through a Carvin SX200 half stack. This is a solid state amp with a relatevely warm clean channel, and major overdrive. The pickup came on a Gibson Flying V, whick is a massive slab of mahogany.
This pickup brings out the best in my amp. I guess the high output was needed to make this solid state amp's overdrive sound warm.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: This is a good pickup for both clean and overdriven rock sounds.

Comments: This pickup gives me THAT sound. Others have mentioned Dave Grohl, Billy Gibbons, Jimmy Page. Yes, finally I have found that sound ! Also, Pepper Keenan, Dimebag.
Really, I don't like flaming people for giving their honest opinions, but, if you think this pickup sucks, you either should be playing in a country band, or replacing your little practice amp with something real. This pickup is the real $#!*.

Pickup features: Humbucking passive pickup
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: '76 Gibson Explorer Reissue
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: None, it's the stock pickup
Other pickups on guitar: Gibson 496R (also stock)
Artists using this pickup: Hmm...well think, it's on all Les Paul Classics, Explorers and Flying Vs as well as some SGs and Hollwbodies. Anyhow, Dave Grohl of Foo Fighters has Explorers which means I can nail that sound (which is what I want), also Chris Shiflet (Foo Fighters) has numerous Explorers and Flying Vs, I can get his sound. Also using this pickup; Billy Corgan of Zwan, Wayne Static of Static X (until after the recording of machine where he changed it for a Duncan on his Gothic Explorer and V), Rivers Cuomos (Weezer), The Edge (U2) and anybody who uses an unmodified Gibson Flying V or Explorer, there are loads!
You musical style(s): Rock (ala Foo Fighters), a tiny bit of metal (Metallica and Pantera only). Basically rock and hard rock. No nu metal shit. I also like to play the blues and classic rock, but the other pickup in my Explorer (the 496R) is warmer and more LP-sounding, it sounds better clean
Reason for pickup change: I didn't friggin change any pickup!

Perceived output level: High output. Not like EMG high output where it's so high it sounds sterile but high as in it doesn't lose the ability of good cleans.
Tone: Very trebly, which I like, the 496R is bassier and warmer, but this pickup is a good bridge pickup, lots of attack. Perfect for Foo Fighters music!
Sonic evaluation: I'm using this Explorer with my Line 6 Flextone II and it's amazing. I can get any tone I want from Foo Fighters to Nirvana to Metallica to happy strummy pop stuff. With the 496R it's perfect, also remember things called tone and volume knobs, I don't think any of the other reviewers have heard of them. With not even a 1 point change in each knob, the tone changes dynamically. This Explorer is a tone monster!

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: This suits my style, rock, hard rock and grunge. This can sound very twangy if you put the tone up to 10, almost strat like, which is handy for stuff like RHCP. Only use this in the bridge, in fact, only get this pickup stock in an Explorer, Flying V or LP Classic.

Comments: How can you steal a pickup?....Anyway.
Bottom line, you neeed both this and the 496R pickup combination for it to shine, with any other pup I can't see it working. The 496R handles cleans beautifully and has lots of useful bass while the 500T has a hot hot hot sound with plenty of Treble that DOESN'T mud out in distorted tones. One for distortion, one for cleans, both can handle the other pretty good too. Flick the selector in the middle and WOW a wet-dream for one guitar songs.
Don't change to this pickup, buy a guitar that already has it. Of course try it out, many people hate this pickup, but it has the sound I was looking for. Guess I'm weird eh?

Pickup features: open coil humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Gibson '67 Flying V RI
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced:
Other pickups on guitar: Gibson 496R
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Blues, Rock, Sessions
Reason for pickup change:

Perceived output level: Too fucking hot
Tone: Harsh at the top, muddy at the bottom
Sonic evaluation: Through anything that isn't a ultra haigh gain rectum-frier type amp these sound like a total shit! If you play metal, and need that hot as hell pickup to fire up your high gainer, then maybe these are ok, but you could get a nicer pickup, for less money which does a better job of anything.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: If I played metal ONLY I'd get some EMG's.....loads better.

Comments: As soon as I could, I changed the stock gibson pickups. Sure, they drive the hell out of the preamp, but unless you're "it's metal or nothing", you don;t want that. If you are, then get some which are more balanced and tonally transparent, so that you aren't handicapping the signal. I don't know anyoune who like these on a Les Paul either - everyone witha good ear changes them.
If you want to know what these sound like, listen to some earlier Faith No More. I'll say no more.

Pickup features: Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: 14.8

Model of guitar or bass: LesPaul Classic 1960 re-issue gold top
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced:
Other pickups on guitar: 496R
Artists using this pickup: ?
You musical style(s): Rock/Blues
Reason for pickup change:

Perceived output level: Very Hot , more than I like
Tone: Trebly
Sonic evaluation: Very hot output, I was using a JCM 900 combo amp. I since changed amps. I am now using a modded Traynor/Plexi. This p/u is not the p/u it was through my Marshall. I guess the different amp made the p/u sound way different.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Classic Rock/Blues. It is better for Hard Rock

Comments: With the semi- clean Traynor sound, my guitar was a little too gainy and the highs were too much. Loud and crunchy but a little too trebly for my taste. I have since changed both p/u's.

Pickup features:
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass:
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced:
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s):
Reason for pickup change:

Perceived output level:
Tone:
Sonic evaluation: I was going to submit a review but the guy below said exactly what I was going to say. If you want abbrasive this pickup will do it. But if you want great tone, look elsewhere.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:

Comments: Because it's not total crap. Just not the quality of pickup that Gibson should be putting in guitars that list for $2,000.

Pickup features: Passive, but tastlessly hot
Impedence or other specs: don't know, don't care

Model of guitar or bass: 67' Flying V reissue sunburst (1990), but I also have a 1990 Explorer sunburst with a 500T
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: this one
Other pickups on guitar: 496R, replaced also
Artists using this pickup: Apparently Gary Moore and Jimmy Page? Although I can't imagine why!
You musical style(s): Classic Rock, old ZZ TOP b.s.f.g. (before spinning furry guitars), Led Zeppelin, old AC/DC, Rush, before Signals, old Black Sabbath, old Judas Priest, good stuff like diamonds and rust
Reason for pickup change: A better question would be "why would anyone want to leave these nasty things in?"

Perceived output level: So hot it sounds like crap hot, I can't stand them! This is by far the worst sounding pick-up that I've ever played thruogh, but keep in mind that I've never played any of those Epiphone knock offs, but I've been told they sound pretty crappy too.
Tone: Gritty, like sand in your shorts after a day at beach. This pick-up has an unpleasentness about it that won't go away now matter how I tweek my amps or effects. This pick-up is TOO HOT for anyone with a good ear for tone, but wonderful for those who confuse Hot for "great tone"
Sonic evaluation: I own and play lots of guitars, I love guitars espesialy gibsons and I know what really good tone is. Good humbucker tone comes from P.A.F. style pick-ups that sound smooth and creamy but with a slight edge. Distortion should come from your amplifier, not your pick-up. But you say louder is better, hotter is better, WRONG! Make a pick-up too hot and you destroy most of the tonal character and rolling back the volume knob can't correct it. These pick-ups are bad by design and totally unsatisfactory for REAL classic rock. There's a grittyness in the mid range that bothers me to no end. I've read other reviews by people who say they have to roll back the volume because this pick up distorts too much. I've replaced these nasty pieces of dung with real "grown up" pickups in the form of a nickel covered 57 classic in the neck and a 57 classic plus in the bridge. So after I installed the 57s, I'm like "Jeeezzzzz this thing sounds great". The 67' reissue Flying V has been the number one guitar in my rotation ever since.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Usless for anything except mindless thrash metal. The 496R is better than the 500T but I replaced them both.

Comments: I like the comment from one reviewer "If they were stolen, I'd invite the thief over for dinner to repay the favor" My thoughts exactly. I have a love/hate relationship with Gibson, I love Gibson guitars but hate some of the dumb marketing choices they've made over the years like putting these crappy pick-ups in a great guitar like a 67' flying V to some how appeal to all the Slayer/Megadeth types who just want to play load and don't care about tonal quality. In my opinion these pick-ups are a waste of wire and magnets. If you want a good humbucker, get a 57 classic plus or a lindey fralin

Pickup features: Dual coils triple magnets...one row of screws, and one row of slugs. Humbucking and passive.
Impedence or other specs: Don't know...maybe, naw nevermind.

Model of guitar or bass: Jackson Soloist
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Bill Lawrence L-500xl
Other pickups on guitar: L-250xl x2.
Artists using this pickup: Me.
You musical style(s): melodic hard rock
Reason for pickup change: Needed more mids, and a sweeter high end.

Perceived output level: It's killer. Smooth, sweet,high output. It has a tight bass response, has a cool tonal colering.
Tone: It's balanced, with fairly full mids, and good treble. No fizz to it like in many DiMarzios, just clean tone.
Sonic evaluation: I've used a bizzilion different amps. Sounds great through any of them.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play melodic hard rock, shred metal. It won't fit in a single coil route.

Comments: This is one hell of a pickup. I've been playing 23 years. I've owned and played most all the gear on the planet. I change my sound every now and then. I love the L-500xl, but for now I want to hear the 500T. It's a great pickup, take it out of your Les Paul and stick it in your Strat.

Pickup features: Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: '96 Gibson SG
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Classic 57+
Other pickups on guitar: 490R
Artists using this pickup: ?
You musical style(s): Technical hardcore, doom, metal
Reason for pickup change: Needed more clarity, attack and articulation

Perceived output level: Hot like hotcakes
Tone: middy/trebbly
Sonic evaluation: SG into a 5150II to a 4x12 recto cab.
This thing sounds RUTHLESS in this guitar.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Hardcore, metal... I wouldn't put it in the neck position

Comments: BALLS TO THE WALL TOUGH AS HELL SOUNDING. Similar Duncan Distortion but with a gibson edge if that makes any sense. For metal I'd recommend this or a Duncan Distortion bar none. It's a BRUISER.