Gibson - Tim Shaw PAF pickup - Inspection

Removing the cover of a vintage Gibson Tim Shaw designed PAF humbucker, to confirm if it's a real PAF or a T-top humbucker.
Feel free to like the video and comment on the pickup. Please SUBSCRIBE and don't forget to Spank the Plank!
Spankey Guitars,
Mr. RJ Ryno
#Gibson #TimShaw #LesPaul

[@Watergrovey]

Yes, there was a transitional period where Shaws were made with T Top bobbins. I learned that from watching Trogly’s channel and I consider him a reliable Gibson expert.

[@spankeyguitars8457]

Thanks!...most people I've asked also agree with that. However, there was one guy saying that wasn't the case, not sure how he came to that conclusion. But you're right, I've seen other models in the Shaw era that utilized both bobbins.

[@lowqualityguitarvideos]

@@spankeyguitars8457 I have several pickups that have all the earmarks of Shaws, but also have T Top bobbins.

[@patrickdunning8662]

unfortunately these are not Tim Shaw pickups. I spoke with Tim about his pickups and how to identify. I sent him a few pics. First thing he said...."if it has a 12 hole baseplate....NO!". Only heritage 80, 80 Elite, and DOT guitars fyi.

[@richthetrashpicker-upper5244]

Thank you for the video

[@spankeyguitars8457]

I usually don't remove the tape on my pickups because it could damage the wire, but in this case I did. I installed it into my epi custom last night though, I'll probably put another video up with a sound clip. Thanks for watching!

[@avivpinto4013]

This is definitely not a tim shaw pickup!!! The shaws dont have Rounded ears , different magnets and have white spacers. the Shaws were from 80-84

[@warmachine2098]

Could not get a good look at the 4 screws securing the base plate. Were they small brass phillip heads? Or large silver phillips heads?

[@spankeyguitars8457]

one pickup has the brass screws and one doesn't

[@warmachine2098]

@@spankeyguitars8457 The one with brass screws is a better characteristic of a Shaw pickup. The other one with silver likely the initial start of the 490 series of pickups. Also looking at the pickup magnet like you were doing will help. If the magnet looks rough in texture that was a Tim Shaw characteristic. Also look at the peep hole through top of the pickup, you should be able to see the color of the windings are orange/reddish color if Shaw.

[@spankeyguitars8457]

@@warmachine2098 thanks for the feedback, much appreciated!

[@waynegram8907]

What is so different about using the T Top Bobbins? and I'm guessing the Tim Shaw humbuckers use a smaller size magnet A2 or A5?

[@spankeyguitars8457]

Good question Wayne...not sure what changed from the 50's original PAF's to the T top era, materials I guess, not sure if they're both butryrate. They say the Tim Shaws are more closely matched to the original 50's pafs, with exception of the wire coating. I didn't take the magnet out, but it is shorter than most. If i remember correctly the original PAFS had both A2's and A5's. I wouldn't say one pickup is better than the other (Ie. Tims shaw vs. ttop. vs. modern burstbucker). They all sound great to me!

[@waynegram8907]

@@spankeyguitars8457 The Tim Shaw T Top bobbins are suppose to be a different size width and length compared to normal stock PAF bobbins. I'm not sure what are the differences between the Tim Shaw Bobbins used, have you check on this?

[@spankeyguitars8457]

@@waynegram8907 Actually I didn't even think of measuring them, thanks for the idea though. I'll get back to you...

[@waynegram8907]

@@spankeyguitars8457 Thanks, also not all Tim Shaw bobbins have the actual Tim Shaw bobbins because its a customized Bobbin that is very different

[@spankeyguitars8457]

@@waynegram8907 cool, thanks for the additional info. These video's are just my findings as I go along, definitely helps when others join in to solve the mystery....almost like scooby doo...lol

[@donwalsh4445]

there is NO schatterwound there