Best Magnets for 498T/490R combo in Epi Les Paul

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pflug

New member
Been reading past posts and it seems the A5 is recommended for the neck- I don't mind the current sound from the 498T but see room for improvement

Mainly playing hard rock/ older metal and have a5, UOA5, A8 and "used" A2 and ceramic magnets on the bench

Thinking A5 neck and A8 bridge?

Guitar is an Epi Custom Prophecy GX
 
Re: Best Magnets for 498T/490R combo in Epi Les Paul

I had a LP custom that I switched the 498 and 57 classic's magnets. Gave the 57 much more clarity and less grittiness and warmed up the 498 and made it a bit more vintage sounding. Kinda like a Gibson equivalent to a custom custom.
 
Re: Best Magnets for 498T/490R combo in Epi Les Paul

pflug said:
Thinking A5 neck and A8 bridge?
Click to expand...

+1. Excellent choice. That's the Gibson equivalent of a C8 and '59N. I tried a 498T with an A2 in an SG, with 500K's, and it didn't have much bite; the high-end was dull and rounded. Would have been worse in an LP. I much prefer an A8 for the shaper high-end. A5's open up 490R's and give them more clarity and definition.
 
Re: Best Magnets for 498T/490R combo in Epi Les Paul

Another option for the 490R (if you want a curious crossover) is to stick a short A5 in there. If you have a lower K rated 490R this will turn it essentially into a Gibson T-top.
 
Re: Best Magnets for 498T/490R combo in Epi Les Paul

Nice low cost option. I knew there was a correct answer - I was gonna guess A5/A8
 
Re: Best Magnets for 498T/490R combo in Epi Les Paul

I just swapped the magnets between the pickups and I couldn't be happier with how much more even everything sounds. The 498T warmed up with the A2 and the 490R shed it's muddy character with the A5. Both sing through all kinds of gain settings and EQ curves.
 
Re: Best Magnets for 498T/490R combo in Epi Les Paul

You would likely love a Pearly Gates neck and an A2P bridge.
 
Re: Best Magnets for 498T/490R combo in Epi Les Paul

mysquaredontfit said:
I just swapped the magnets between the pickups and I couldn't be happier with how much more even everything sounds. The 498T warmed up with the A2 and the 490R shed it's muddy character with the A5. Both sing through all kinds of gain settings and EQ curves.
Click to expand...

This is exactly what I did when I had this set in my LP. It's just such a simple and perfect upgrade.

Sent from my chromed robot turd, using the miserable junk code known as crapatalk.
 
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