Best bridge pup to pair with a Gibson 490R in an SG

[RobJGolde]

I was playing a new Gibson SG standard in my local shop the other day, and I mostly loved it. It played great, fret work was good, no discernible QC issues upon first glance, and the neck was a rounded profile that reminded me of an ‘08 SG Classic I used to own. The only part I didn’t like was the bridge pickup, which was a 490T. I’ve never liked that pickup. The 498T is okay but not really what I’m into. The 490R neck pickup was great though. Sounded really full and clear.
I’m definitely looking to get this guitar in the near future, but I need to figure out a better alternative for the bridge pickup. I’m wondering if anyone here had any recommendations for different pickups that pair with a 490R. I typically play punk, post-hardcore, pop punk, blues, rock/classic rock, indie and pop. Usually I prefer my bridge pickups to read between 8.3K-11K, and I’m good with A2, A4 and A5 magnets. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Wattage]

I'd go with something like a Custom Custom, little hotter than the 11k range though

 

[Chistopher]

Best not to get yourself too concerned with technical specs. The Alumitone Deathbucker is 5k with ceramic magnet and you would never guess by listening too it.

What don't you like about it? Most pickups pair with most pickups, it just depends on what you're looking for the guitar to do.

 

[RobJGolde]

Best not to get yourself too concerned with technical specs. The Alumitone Deathbucker is 5k with ceramic magnet and you would never guess by listening too it.

What don't you like about it? Most pickups pair with most pickups, it just depends on what you're looking for the guitar to do.

What don’t I like about the 490T? Any time I've played a guitar with that pickup, it just sounded so bland to me. No matter how much I change the pickup height or adjust my EQ, it never gives me what I need.

 

[Mincer]

Consider the 59/Custom Hybrid. You will get the boost you need without losing dynamics, It also has clarity with no mud in the middle.

 

[skelt101]

How about the Alnico II Pro or the Slash?

 

[Mincer]

How about the Alnico II Pro or the Slash?

2 of my favorites. But they are darker and more mid-heavy than the 490r. If that's what you love in a bridge pickup, then either of them is a great choice.

 

[piblock]

Consider the 59/Custom Hybrid. You will get the boost you need without losing dynamics, It also has clarity with no mud in the middle.

This. I have one in my SG, currently with an a2 magnet.

​​​​​​If not, just avoid anything too trebly, it wont balance well with the 490R. Like the Pearly Gates, it can sound good in an SG but I wouldn't pair it with a 490R.

 

[GuitarDoc]

Most pickups pair with most pickups, it just depends on what you're looking for the guitar to do.

This

 

[formula73]

Go A8 in the 490T

 

[beaubrummels]

Jazz bridge, Custom or Custom 5, Perpetual Burn, Pearly Gates bridge, Slash bridge, Saturday Night Special bridge, Whole Lotta Humbucker bridge.

There are so many pickups that would work. 490R isn't that special. Once you change the bridge, you're probably going to want to change the neck, because once you hear the quality go up, GAS starts.

 

[alex1fly]

Does the 490T have a symmetrical wind? Sometimes those sound more bland than asymmetrical winds... just less harmonic information in there.