Finally Ditched the Calibrated T-Types

[Willsjazz]

Took almost a year but I finally did it, replaced the Calibrated T-Types in my ES-335 Figured Sixties Cherry with Seymour Duncan Seth Lovers. Wow, what an improvement! Now it sounds like a 335 should. Not sure why Gibson stopped using the classic 57s. If you've been thinking about just do it. You won't regret it.

[Sgt. Pepper]

3 minutes ago, Willsjazz said:

Took almost a year but I finally did it, replaced the Calibrated T-Types in my ES-335 Figured Sixties Cherry with Seymour Duncan Seth Lovers. Wow, what an improvement! Now it sounds like a 335 should. Not sure why Gibson stopped using the classic 57s. If you've been thinking about just do it. You won't regret it.

You do it yourself or have someone do it. ES’s are fun to work on. Yes the one peice back looks nice, but thanks Gibson for no control cavity. 

[Larsongs]

My 335 has ‘57’s. I think they’re good. I don’t think they sound as good as my real vintage  ‘59 ES-345 with PAF’s sounded though.

If I ever upgrade the Pickups they’ll be Thro-Baks. 

[Willsjazz]

6 hours ago, Sgt. Pepper said:

You do it yourself or have someone do it. ES’s are fun to work on. Yes the one peice back looks nice, but thanks Gibson for no control cavity. 

I had someone do it who knows what he's doing. 

[Sgt. Pepper]

12 minutes ago, Willsjazz said:

I had someone do it who knows what he's doing. 

Good call. I know what I’m doing as I’m an electrical and changed out many sets of pickup, but screw working through the F hole. It’s called and F hole for 2 reasons.

1. Shape. 

2. You say the F word repeatedly while taking on that task.

[moosesyr]

The Calibrated T's only lasted a month in my new 335.  I replaced them with 57's, much better, IMO.  I had a local experienced tech install them.

[Willsjazz]

15 hours ago, moosesyr said:

The Calibrated T's only lasted a month in my new 335.  I replaced them with 57's, much better, IMO.  I had a local experienced tech install them.

Makes me wonder what Gibson is thinking with those things. The 57s not only sound a lot better but they're also more versatile.

[E-minor7]

On 11/25/2024 at 2:37 PM, Willsjazz said:

Took almost a year but I finally did it, replaced the Calibrated T-Types in my ES-335 Figured Sixties Cherry with Seymour Duncan Seth Lovers. Wow, what an improvement! Now it sounds like a 335 should. Not sure why Gibson stopped using the classic 57s. If you've been thinking about just do it. You won't regret it.

I read somewhere they found them remarkably good and didn't wanna limit them too early. 

On 11/26/2024 at 12:53 AM, moosesyr said:

The Calibrated T's only lasted a month in my new 335.  I replaced them with 57's, much better, IMO.  I had a local experienced tech install them.

A softer or not that wild pick-up, right ? Alnico 2 - potted. 

On 11/26/2024 at 3:57 PM, Willsjazz said:

Makes me wonder what Gibson is thinking with those things. The 57s not only sound a lot better but they're also more versatile.

I actually like them, but admit not having a broad reference-palet. Yet the clazzik jazzy 335-flavour isn't really there - neither when turning the knobs.                                                                                                Would really like to hear/try the 57 - or Memphis versions.  

                                                                                                                        You should have made a comparison video. Maybe it's not too late.

[merciful-evans]

I've not experienced T types. I had heard good things about them til now.

I have to agree that 57 Classics are great though.

[jdr1014]

I really like the Calibrated T-type pickups.  The 57's and Seths are very good pickups, but the Calibrated T-types give me the versatility and tonal range I was looking for in my  335.   I have other guitars with other pickups for other tones.  It all depends on what you want.........and obviously what amp you play through and how you dial it in, etc.  "Best" or "better" is what sounds best or better for you....

[Sgt. Pepper]

1 hour ago, jdr1014 said:

I really like the Calibrated T-type pickups.  The 57's and Seths are very good pickups, but the Calibrated T-types give me the versatility and tonal range I was looking for in my  335.   I have other guitars with other pickups for other tones.  It all depends on what you want.........and obviously what amp you play through and how you dial it in, etc.  "Best" or "better" is what sounds best or better for you....

All that matters is that you like what you own. I own the stuff I have for the same reason, not because someone else does or doesn’t like it. 

[tx-ogre]

On 11/30/2024 at 6:41 AM, merciful-evans said:

I've not experienced T types. I had heard good things about them til now.

I have to agree that 57 Classics are great though.

I’m in the same boat.  I have no experience with the T types, but have 2 Gibson’s with the 57 Classics: a 2004 ES-335 Dot Re-Issue and a 2004 SG Supreme.  I like the tone I get from both guitars.