T tops vs Throbak pickups comparison

[VelvetGeorge]

Here is a long clip (over 8 minutes) comparing my '68 T tops to Throbak DT-102 PU's.

Specs:

My '92 Les Paul Standard

T tops measure 7.81k Neck, 7.83k Bridge

Throbaks measure Neck 7.7K, Bridge 7.9K

Recorded by DI into Nuendo at 96k/24 bit. Reamped out to Metro JTM 45 with Mullard pres and GEC KT66's.
Into '68 4-12 straight cab, with no tolex. G12M 55Hz.

Mics: SM57, MD421, M160. Recorded separate, adjusted for phase and mixed down. Bounced from Nuendo to 160kb MP3.

No FX, EQ etc were used. I didn't even adjust the overall volume for the clip. Just to keep it as straightforward as possible.

The clip:

Each short clip is played twice. With the T top first, then the Throbak so you can hear them back to back.
The first several clips are simply full chords played, then arpeggiated so you can hear note separation.
It switches between the PU's for every chord. So the first time you hear a different chord, it's the T tops.
Several open with the bridge PU. Then a few chords with the Neck PU.

Next you'll hear Bring It On Home from Zep clips First the intro part with the Neck PU. I left the volume on full for all clips, though I would normally have it down for this part. Then the main riff parts on the Bridge.

Others follow, ZZ Top, EVH, Kansas. Forgive the playing, rushing. I didn't have much time.


I'm pretty psyched about the results. But I'm out of time for tonight. I'll check back for your thoughts tomorrow. Enjoy!


http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_so ... ID=7275616" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


george

[F#m7]

The t-tops have more clarity and cut. The Throbaks are more throaty, but in allot of the clips seem muffled with less output than the T-tops. With a really bright amp like a superlead, I bet those Throbaks would kill. But, I must say, I dig the old T-tops better, at least in those clips with a JTM45.

[Flames1950]

I'm at the other end of the spectrum. Based on those clips I thought the Throbak bridge pickup soundly stomped your T-top for clarity and sweetness. I thought the lower mids seemed especially clearer compared to the Gibson pickup. But I'm on laptop speakers, yuck.........

I'd like to hear more neck pickup samples throughout the range of the neck though. That's where every pickup I've played except the real deals fell short -- the PAF neck was sweet, bright and clear while still retaining the extra richness of the neck slot. Most repro pickups are solid mud at the neck.

It's not a fair fight -- I'm a Les Paul player, and the PAF's I got to play off and on for years were in a '59 ES-335 so the tone wasn't as "heavy" to begin with. And the Manlius Fat Dianes in my Paul are close for a new pickup -- I can get a decent snap out of them. But still not quite it.

My first secret Japanese "ringer" had to have a new lead attached, so I haven't tried it yet in the neck position. But my original Asian guitar with these pickups was noticeably clearer than my Gibson when I dug it out of the closet th other night, so I have high hopes.......

[Flames1950]

(crickets chirping.........)

[gutpile]

I kinda dug the t-tops, at least in the clips... they sounded more open to me? Both sounded great, but based off those clips I'm a little partial to the t-tops...

[jcmjmp]

I kinda dug the t-tops, at least in the clips... they sounded more open to me? Both sounded great, but based off those clips I'm a little partial to the t-tops...

Yup. +1 on the T-Top

[VelvetGeorge]

The t tops are great. That's why they have lived in my LP for almost 5 years!
But they do have short comings. Like playing rhythm on the neck PU is impossible if I don't turn the volume down. And I always have to set the amp for either the bridge or the neck. No common settings for both.

The Throbaks I'm finding overcome these issues. And the clarity is awesome! That they sound as close to 40 year old PU's as they do is a testament. That they are better in some ways is just remarkable!!!!

I'll have them in my LP at the amp show and I invite everyone to play them. It really is an experience. Gutpile should have them in his SG too. Come and try them.

VG

[gutpile]

.... Gutpile should have them in his SG too. Come and try them.

VG

t-tops in my 78 LP Custom and throbaks in my '61 reissue SG! there should be plenty of tone to go around for everyone!

[Justin L]

I want a pair of those Throbaks for my '68 SG. I preferred them over the T Tops.

[Roe]

I prefer the t tops. you can get a more defined neck pup tone if you rise the polescrews quite a bit (esp. on the bass side) and lower the pup (esp. on the bass side)

[jcmjmp]

How does something like a SD '59 in the bridge/Jazz in the neck compare to the T-Tops or Trobak? I'm on a limited budget right now and from the SD clips, they seem to sound ok. The new Paf 36 Anniversary from Dimarzio looks real interesting too.

I listened to those clips again and to tell you the truth, when you play that AC/DC Have A Drink On Me riff, I can barely hear a difference at all. They're really close. Is it possible the Throbak bridge has a little more output?

[VelvetGeorge]

The output of the Throbak seems the same to me. I think the differences we hear are as much in the way I played as in the PU's.
I played the Throbaks again yesterday for a short time (MOndays.... ) and they just sound and feel great.

I think PU makers are getting closer to original PAF's. The magnets seem to be a big part of the equation.
I think most of us will be able to live with modern PU's if they recreate 90-95% of the real PAF vibe. And compared to my T tops, I'd say are equally good yet different.

VG

[VelvetGeorge]

Just to take the mics out of the equation, here are a few of the clips with only the SM57 track.


http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_so ... ID=7282598" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


VG

[jcmjmp]

Just to take the mics out of the equation, here are a few of the clips with only the SM57 track.
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_so ... ID=7282598" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
VG

I find that the throbaks have a little more edge and a little more clarity. They sound almost identical. At this point, we're splitting hairs. I think the difference might be greater with a cleaner sound from listening to the longer clip in the 1st post. Is that possible?

These suckers might be worth it after all. Which model throbak is that? As long as I use gig money, my wife won't notice. hahaha.... but do I save up for that Metro JTM 45 first? Arghgh! Decisions, decisions.

[F#m7]

In the second clip they sound nearly identical! It was night and day to me on parts of that first clip, but the second clip is money. I gotta get around to recording mine.