Gibson 500T

100 Customer ratings

4.9 / 5

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54 Reviews

Gibson 500T
$98
The shipping costs are calculated on the checkout page.
Available in several months
Available in several months

This item has sold out and has been re-ordered. Unfortunately, our supplier cannot guarantee delivery within the next three months. We recommend that you choose a suitable alternative from our store.

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A
A true Monster
Anonymous 09.10.2014
I ordered this pickup to replace to crappy bridge pickup of my LTD FX-260, which sounded pretty horrible and flat with it's passive 'EMG's'. And boy, this has been an upgrade! This pickup easily screams, bites and growls it's way through any heavy style that you can think of. But not only that! Roll back the volume and you can get a really nice rock/blues sound out of it. If you have a push-pull pot, you can split the coil and get a sound that I would desribe as a very hot stratocaster.

The build quality of the pickup is great, as expected, and to my surprise it came with all the parts necessary (screws and springs) to replace the old pickup.

Pro's:
- very high output, suited for any heavier style
- smooths out nicely with the volume rolled back
- coil split
- not even that expensive!

Cons:
- when used on a small amp it lacks definition, highs and lows could be more distinct sounding

All in all I advice you to get this pickup, it beats even a lot of pickups with a higher price point and in my opinion it sounds better than an EMG 81. Hope I helped you out!
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M
A misunderstood monster!
Michael12 10.12.2013
The Gibson 500t is a pickup that divides opinions probably more than any pickup I know. People either love it or hate it. Having tried it in a few guitars, I can see why. I personally love this pickup!
Fitted as standard in Gibson's standard Explorer and Flying V models, this pickup is voiced for metal. To add to that, it is also EXTREMELY hot! About the same output as a dirty Fingers, but more aggressive sounding. It is far louder than the EMG 81 for example. It also has the dynamic passive responsiveness that the EMG actives lack. Screaming leads and chunky rhythms are a breeze for the 500t. I would advise discretion with EQ when using this pickup. Highs and lows are accentuated, so it can get noisy/harsh if you add too much treble or presence on the amp.

Critics of the pickup say it is limited, compressed, harsh and only good for metal. I have found that when using a high quality volume pot, and careful EQ, this is an extremely versatile pickup!
It is not compressed, just hot. The compression happens in the front of the amp. Rolling back the volume allows all kind of picking control, and the pickup never gets too dark. I have used this pickup in a Party covers band, as well as a Death Metal Band. One of my all time top 5 pickups!
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S
Amazing pickup
StaStas 13.04.2020
If you're looking for a hot pickup, with slight compression and balanced eq, this could be it. It sounds very musical, and the cleans are always present, it's amazing. I had them (this one and the 496R) on my Gibson Les Paul Classic and I loved them so much, so I got another pair for my SG Standard, which I use more on tours, (cause it's lighter). If you're looking for some AC/DC tones, or the Russian Circles sound, or probably the Billy Howerdel sound, this is a great option.
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TotteNilsson 16.06.2020
Bought to update the stock bridge picups of a Jackson JS32 Roads.

The overall feeling is great and it is compressed and even to play, giving a massive thick sound-wall with tight bass response. The sounds is clear, but it does sound somewhat mid-scooped.

Pros:Great output, great rich overtones and strenght in pinch harmonics
Cons: Somewhat lack of mid and difficult to get to cut through a mix.
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JV
Very Good Crispy Sound
João Vítor 16.08.2023
Love This Crispy Gibson sound. Very good pickup for the price. This pickup could bring a case.
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v
Puissance et attaque
vince66 23.05.2019
excellent micro , je l'utilise sur une DEAN GRAN SPORT double cut manche set-in en acajou couplé avec un 496R et , ça envoie du lourd , convient parfaitement à mon usage en jouant entre autre des reprises de SOAD
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TP
very good product
Tico Pellegrino 24.06.2020
very good product, arrive so quickly
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H
Legendary sound
Hairybaldy 07.11.2019
I’ve got 500T as bridge pickup to complete 496R as set for Gibson SG. This sound is the one exactly you want to get. Loud and sensitive ceramic pickups with some compression.
One star removed from retail package quality. Plastic box is fragile and hardly reusable as storage compartment.
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G
Buckets of Sustain
Gordon211 20.05.2013
Perfect compliment to the 57 Classic plus, used in the bridge position, it exudes power and sustain without ever sounding raucous like some of the clones from other companies.
Get your valves glowing and turn up your guitar full on and hear it sing, you want power chords? you got them, you want power chords but still with articulation? well you have no choice but to use this beauty nothing else on the planet gets close to doing the same job.
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GG
One of my favourite high output pickups
Guitar Gas Mehmet 28.04.2020
Having experienced this pickup on my Buckethead Les Paul this is one of my favourite pickups for G spaced Gibsons. It is a ceramic magnet pickup which in my opinion offers a little bit of airy brightness that really cuts through. I used this to replace a gibson p90 and the increase in output is significant. It also splits very well if you go to the 4 wire option. I've owned almost all Gibson pickups except the Dirty Fingers, for a rock or metal player this thing really kicks butt.
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Gibson 500T