So uh, I've got this SGJ coming.

[Mr 9finger]

And I usually hate stock Gibson humbuckers. I've never had a 490T/R set, but if they're anything like the other 400 series pickups from Gibson, they won't be staying around long. Problem is, I've never owned an SG before and to compound the problem, this one isn't traditionally built since it has a maple neck.

Last night I was thinking Bill & Becky 500XL in the bridge and a Prail in the neck. Now I'm not so sure. As soon as I get it, it's getting a set of .11-.52 strings and setup for C# for some Sabbath/C.0.C. jammage. I know the 500XL will handle the metal riffage just fine. Not so sure about the P Rail.

P.S. no mag swaps.

[OsvyRock]

Re: So uh, I've got this SGJ coming.

And I usually hate stock Gibson humbuckers. I've never had a 490T/R set, but if they're anything like the other 400 series pickups from Gibson, they won't be staying around long. Problem is, I've never owned an SG before and to compound the problem, this one isn't traditionally built since it has a maple neck.

Last night I was thinking Bill & Becky 500XL in the bridge and a Prail in the neck. Now I'm not so sure. As soon as I get it, it's getting a set of .11-.52 strings and setup for C# for some Sabbath/C.0.C. jammage. I know the 500XL will handle the metal riffage just fine. Not so sure about the P Rail.

P.S. no mag swaps.

Why don't you go for a Seymour Duncan Distortion Mayhem set? They will do metal really nice!

[Johnny the Kid]

Re: So uh, I've got this SGJ coming.

I've played those SGJ's and those pickups are serious metal monsters. I played it through a Vox AC30, and they were shredding like no other. I can only imagine what they'll sound like through an actual metal amp.

[GilmourD]

Re: So uh, I've got this SGJ coming.

They've got a thinner-than-standard body, too, right? I'd probably go for a pickup that doesn't emphasize treble as much, like maybe a Custom Custom. That's just me, though.

[Edgecrusher]

Re: So uh, I've got this SGJ coming.

I think i would listen to it acoustically first to decide what it needs. The L500XL is a cool pickup in the right guitar and an absolute ear stabber in the wrong one.

[Mr 9finger]

Re: So uh, I've got this SGJ coming.

I think i would listen to it acoustically first to decide what it needs. The L500XL is a cool pickup in the right guitar and an absolute ear stabber in the wrong one.

Very true about the 500XL and just good advice overall.

[AlexR]

Re: So uh, I've got this SGJ coming.

The 490's are like a Seth or a T-top perhaps....low output.

Unless they come with different pickups in different models they aren't metal monsters naturally....maybe there's a version with a 500T as stock instead of a 490

[XPAULPITT]

Re: So uh, I've got this SGJ coming.

The 490R with an A5 is a nice pickup. Never tried to put an A5 in the 490T but I've hear it makes it sound pretty good.

[XPAULPITT]

Re: So uh, I've got this SGJ coming.

They've got a thinner-than-standard body, too, right? I'd probably go for a pickup that doesn't emphasize treble as much, like maybe a Custom Custom. That's just me, though.

Theyre the same thickness as normal SGs, just no pickgaurd and a handrubbed finish instead of nitro. The maple neck makes it a tad brighter than normal. Nice guitars.

[blueman335]

Re: So uh, I've got this SGJ coming.

The 490R with an A5 is a nice pickup. Never tried to put an A5 in the 490T but I've hear it makes it sound pretty good.

+1. A5's in 490R's are very good, and not as boomy as '59N's. In my 490T's I've used UOA5 and A8, both of which sound pretty good.

[Mr 9finger]

Re: So uh, I've got this SGJ coming.

The stock pickups have EMG type solid covers on them. I don't know if they're just stuck on there or the bobbins are potted/epoxied into them. On top of that, I'm not real keen on doing anything to the stock pickups. I don't know what these guitars will be worth in 50 years. I'll just leave the original stuff intact and buy something different if I don't like them.

[blueman335]

Re: So uh, I've got this SGJ coming.

I don't know what these guitars will be worth in 50 years.

Not a lot.

[LonePhantom]

Re: So uh, I've got this SGJ coming.

Definitely want a Custom in the bridge. The 500XL might be a bit too piercing for what you want to play. Custom is perfect for what you want to jam on.

[Axl H]

Re: So uh, I've got this SGJ coming.

Go for a Custom in the bridge. I am a big fan of the 500L/XL.. But I think they can be too much in this.

Or if you dont mind DiMarzios.. Go for a Super 3. Its a beast and can do this thick metal thing all day long, and has a tight bottom end, so it doesn't fart out when doing fast rhythms. It would rule in an SG and do exactly what you are looking for

[Mr 9finger]

Re: So uh, I've got this SGJ coming.

Not a lot.

And you know this how? Seriously. You got a crystal ball or some kind of time travel device? If so, I'd like the winning numbers to the next $500million lottery or the next big thing in stocks. For all you, I, or anyone else knows, the 59LP of the future could be a bolt on Agile 7 string made in Indonesia.