gearhead

I'd think the 496R.

Need to measure DC resistance on them to even begin figuring out what they are for sure.

Definitely not "T" Tops. The bobbins would have a T on them. And resistance is higher than original T Tops. I would guess by the DC resistance they are 490R/498T set.

I would think it's early '70s. Here ios a listing on reverb. Gibson T Top Embossed Covers And here is a thread in the Gibson forum. Embossed Gibson PU Covers

I would guess maybe a 500T/496R combo would be close. There really aren't many specs to be found for the Epi pickups besides the DC resistance.

http://legacy.gibson.com/Products/Electric-Guitars/2017/USA/Les-Paul-Classic/High-Performance.aspx About halfway down the page it gives specs for a Super 57.

Pole spacing should be 52mm for the bridge and 50mm for the neck. I suggest that you purchase original Gibson pickup covers. Covers will affect the Q of the pickups which will shift the resonant peak. Using junk covers made of brass etc won't be a good thing. JMO.

First, I'm not real sure what you mean by "both the humbucking and string coils", but I have one of these in an old Melody Maker D Reissue. I have the bridge PU about 1/16" or a bit more from the strings. The pole pieces are adjustable, but I doubt you can tell much difference in raising individual screws a little. If you raise or lower the whole PU, or one side, say 1/16" to 1/8", you can tell some difference. Do what I do, try adjusting it to how it sounds best to your ears.

If possible I would try to contact the manufacturer.

Well I can't hear what kind of pitch the feedback is, but I will say that the covers can change the resonant frequencies and capacitance of the pickup. If you have a big enough soldering iron to unsolder one of the covers you might want to try it.

I CONCUR, FINISH! ALL GOOD!

LOOKS RIGHT! EPI COLORS ARE THE SAME AS GIBSON.

I really like the new Inspired by Gibson line. Been looking hard at them! LOL. Yea, like I NEED another guitar! Have 9 gits and a bass now! But NEED has nothing to do with it. GAS!

What does the end of the truss rod look like under the truss rod cover? Could you post a pic?

I like that Epiphone is making changes to their lineup like this. The guitars look great, and the prices do too. Gonna try to snag me a couple different models this year for sure! ROCK ON!