Gibson 500T Repair/Modification:

[Inspector #20]

Here's a web pic I found with the 496r on the left and the 500t on the right.
I see now what you're talking about with extra magnets used as spacers. Really thick ones too.

Yep...exactly. The dude I got the pickup from really believed he had a 500T...but I think its a 498T.

He offered me a full refund, but instead, I took a set of four 50 year old Ken-Rad T12AX7's....

 

[Inspector #20]

I need to figure out what neck pickup would compliment a 500T.

 

[smitty_p]

On a Gibson 500T, two thinner magnets take the place of the wood spacers...check my thread "Being Out Of Phase Is Cool" in 'Pickup Pantry.'

Here's a web pic I found with the 496r on the left and the 500t on the right.
I see now what you're talking about with extra magnets used as spacers. Really thick ones too.

Okay....

That’s pretty intense!

 

[Dave Sloven]

You could experiment with an A5 magnet in the middle with two small ceramics either side.

That's what they use in the BKP Juggernaut bridge.

Or, more accurately, thick ones like in the photo above, but the middle one A5.

 

[flatrockmobile]

I need to figure out what neck pickup would compliment a 500T.

I thought you had determined it wasn't a 500t. The 496r really does go well with it though.
If you think that your purchase was actually a 498, then the neck pickup might be a 490 as they are most often paired up that way in Gibsons.

 

[Inspector #20]

I thought you had determined it wasn't a 500t. The 496r really does go well with it though.
If you think that your purchase was actually a 498, then the neck pickup might be a 490 as they are most often paired up that way in Gibsons.

Well, we are not really sure!!!! LOL

 

[Inspector #20]

Ok....decided to finish these Gibson mystery pickups for no other reason but to just complete the project. Covers have been removed, damaged wires between coils replaced, 180 degree magnet flip on the bridge (A5) to give OOP in the middle position, new cloth wire on the bridge pickup, A-4 magnet installed in the neck pickup...







Readings are 14.6k on the bridge and 8.6k on the neck, pole pieces set for 12" radius...