Gibson's Pickup Shop has reissued the 1968 T-Top humbucker in double black and double vintage white, recreating the era-correct specs that made the original one of the most sought-after pickups in electric guitar history.
First produced by Gibson from 1966 to 1979, the 1968 T-Top humbucker became a defining ingredient in countless classic recordings – associated with players like Jimmy Page, Angus Young, Tony Iommi, Randy Rhoads, Pete Townshend and Nancy Wilson, among many others. Now, the Gibson Pickup Shop has reissued it in two options: double black and double vintage white.
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T-Top is actually a production marking – coil forms were stamped with a “T” to confirm correct bobbin orientation during assembly, and players ran with the nickname from there. What set the T-Top apart from late-’50s Patent Applied For designs was its character: brighter, tighter and more aggressive, with a focused punch that cut through a mix differently. The reissues aim to recreate that voice faithfully, with Alnico 5 magnets, period-correct winding specifications, 2-conductor wiring and an unpotted build. This last detail especially matters – leaving the coils unpotted preserves the open, immediate attack and dynamic response that players associate with vintage T-Tops. DC resistance averages 7.5k, putting it in the classic humbucker territory.
Both versions are built for any position and come without a cover, keeping the bobbin detail visible. The double black option delivers the clean, all-business look of the originals, while the double vintage white brings a bit more visual character for players who want that aged aesthetic.
As original T-Tops have become increasingly collectible, finding a good one at a reasonable price is harder than it used to be. This is a great chance to get your hands on one.
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