Anybody here replace Gibson 490/498s for Duncan 59s?

davidd

New member
I am assuming this has been done plenty of times.

I have a Les Paul studio with 490/498 setup. The pickups are ok and I am just assuming that the 59s should be superior pickups.

Is this a no brainer?

What has your experience been?
 
Re: Anybody here replace Gibson 490/498s for Duncan 59s?

If your going for the Classic LP TONE !! YUP ! It's a no brainer. :D
The stock gibby PuPs lasted about 2 weeks in my LP before I put
a 59er in. The pearly gates and Seths are also good choise's
 
Re: Anybody here replace Gibson 490/498s for Duncan 59s?

Ditto. I took out the 490 set in my Paul and installed a 59/JB set. Much better, but still not there. I then put in a Pearly Gates set and haven't looked back.
 
Re: Anybody here replace Gibson 490/498s for Duncan 59s?

I already have a Pearly Gates in my HSS Strat and yes that is a nice pickup. I don't really care for Seths that much.

I am not trying to get pure vintage tone or shred only tone either.

I just want a nice clean sound that is really clear and for those same pickups to not lose definition when cranked and turn into mush.

No brainer right guys?

If so I'll probably do this during the weekend.
 
Re: Anybody here replace Gibson 490/498s for Duncan 59s?

Sounds like a 59 set would do you just fine.
 
Re: Anybody here replace Gibson 490/498s for Duncan 59s?

davidd said:
I already have a Pearly Gates in my HSS Strat and yes that is a nice pickup. I don't really care for Seths that much.

I am not trying to get pure vintage tone or shred only tone either.

I just want a nice clean sound that is really clear and for those same pickups to not lose definition when cranked and turn into mush.

No brainer right guys?

If so I'll probably do this during the weekend.
O.K. Now it sound like a APH-II might be the sound your after ? When I
first put the 59er in my LP I was able to nail a good Zep/Page classic rock
tone. The PuP has a Alnico V mag in it. The APH has a Alnico 2 mag. it's
warmer and smoother than the 59er. I never played the LP in a high gain
amp w/t the 59er. But it's got enuff bite to overdrive my Princeton rev. on
5 or 6 the APH is clean or mild O.D.untill the volume is on 7 or 8.
 
Re: Anybody here replace Gibson 490/498s for Duncan 59s?

davidd said:
I am not trying to get pure vintage tone or shred only tone either.

I just want a nice clean sound that is really clear and for those same pickups to not lose definition when cranked and turn into mush.

Jazz neck (or 59 neck) & 59B...or substitute a hotter bridge pickup like the Screamin Demon, Custom 5, Custom or JB.
 
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Re: Anybody here replace Gibson 490/498s for Duncan 59s?

I'm starting to think the definitive Duncan Alnico 5 set is a Custom 5/59.
The Custom 5 is like a 59B with tighter beefier bottom, a touch more output, and the mids and highs are pretty much the same as a 59B. I've had most Duncans in Pauls, and I'd say THAT's my favorite.
Also, I really like the CC/Seth or CC/APII, as well as the Pearly Gates set. As much as I like Seths and Antiquities, they can be a bit loose and too vintage for my taste, in general.
 
Re: Anybody here replace Gibson 490/498s for Duncan 59s?

I would say that anyone who wants a set of buckers that is not strictly vintage but not overly hot should really look at 59's or the Custom 5/59...I don't really care for ceramic magnets but the Custom is a good pup too...but I think GJ is right...if your going for...let's say "Modern Vintage" go with a 59n and either a 59b or if you want a little more in the bridge go Custom 5!
 
Re: Anybody here replace Gibson 490/498s for Duncan 59s?

Thanks for all the tips. I am at least conviced yanking the 490/498 set can't do any harm. I'll try the Duncan 59 set which are chrome covered and I got for $70 shipped btw. :laugh2:

If I like the sound I'll just keep them.

I actually had a set of 59s before but they were uncovered and also were inside an Epi LP.
 
Re: Anybody here replace Gibson 490/498s for Duncan 59s?

Me again. So I haven't even wired up the 59set and I already got another set.

Based on alot of recommendations I got a zebra 59n and a Custom 5 bridge.

I don't have much experience with Ceramic pups but I'll see how this goes. I remember the bridge 59 always leaving me wanting a little more and I am not really playing any vintage tunes.

I'll how I like this setup. You guys were advising 59 neck and C 5 bridge right?

the guy who invented fire

I'll let you know what happens if I don't keep the nickel 59s
 
Re: Anybody here replace Gibson 490/498s for Duncan 59s?

I had the 490 and 498 in both of my Gibson SGs.
Now I have an SH-13b and a SH-10n in both of my SGs and they sound killer.
 
Re: Anybody here replace Gibson 490/498s for Duncan 59s?

davidd said:
Me again. So I haven't even wired up the 59set and I already got another set.

Based on alot of recommendations I got a zebra 59n and a Custom 5 bridge.

I don't have much experience with Ceramic pups but I'll see how this goes. I remember the bridge 59 always leaving me wanting a little more and I am not really playing any vintage tunes.

I'll how I like this setup. You guys were advising 59 neck and C 5 bridge right?

the guy who invented fire

I'll let you know what happens if I don't keep the nickel 59s

A custom 5 is not a ceramic magnet
 
Re: Anybody here replace Gibson 490/498s for Duncan 59s?

The Custom 5 is NOT on that chart...The SH-5 is called the Duncan Custom...it has a Ceramic magnet, the SH-14 is the Custom 5, it has an Alnico 5 magnet, and the SH-11 is the Custom Custom, it has an Alnico 2 magnet...all 3 pickups have THE SAME coils, only the magnets are different.
 
Re: Anybody here replace Gibson 490/498s for Duncan 59s?

Got it. What do you guys think about the differences in all of these?

I assume the Alnico Custom 5 would be the nicer match with 59N?
 
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