Gib490R/498T to Duncans comparison.
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kmcguitars
GuitarArtologist
Re: Gib490R/498T to Duncans comparison.
Kinda of a shot in the dark,But here goes. The 490R I believe uses a A2 mag and meters around 8k? So that would put it in the neighborhood of a Duncan A2Pro. The 498T is a A5 Mag and meters well over 13k. So that would put it near the Duncan Custom 5. NOTE: These are NOT! Sonic compassions. The 498T is a horrible PuP IMO. Very Flat and Hard sounding.
Kinda of a shot in the dark,But here goes. The 490R I believe uses a A2 mag and meters around 8k? So that would put it in the neighborhood of a Duncan A2Pro. The 498T is a A5 Mag and meters well over 13k. So that would put it near the Duncan Custom 5. NOTE: These are NOT! Sonic compassions. The 498T is a horrible PuP IMO. Very Flat and Hard sounding.
MoodyBlue
New member
Re: Gib490R/498T to Duncans comparison.
Thanks "K" but I guess I am really looking for a "sonic" comparison if there is one. Duncan's site describes the SH-55 as having slightly higher mids than the SH1-59s. Is that the case. I've also heard the Seths described as smoother than the '59s. Is that virtually the same as the Seths sounding similar to a '59 with the tone pot rolled off a lil'? Which set sounds "closer" the Gibson OEMs? Anyone?
Jim:cool2:
Thanks "K" but I guess I am really looking for a "sonic" comparison if there is one. Duncan's site describes the SH-55 as having slightly higher mids than the SH1-59s. Is that the case. I've also heard the Seths described as smoother than the '59s. Is that virtually the same as the Seths sounding similar to a '59 with the tone pot rolled off a lil'? Which set sounds "closer" the Gibson OEMs? Anyone?
Jim:cool2:
david kornblatt
New member
Re: Gib490R/498T to Duncans comparison.
i like the 498 because on the right guitar i can get it to sound strattish
i like the 498 because on the right guitar i can get it to sound strattish
Re: Gib490R/498T to Duncans comparison.
Haven't tried Seths yet, but the A2Pro is real close to the 490R in feel and tone, although the 490 is a little "woofier". While the C5 measures like the 498T IMO they sound nothing alike. The C5 has a mid scoop and the 498T a mid spike. I'd bet the JB is the closest Duncan to the 498T, due to the mid spikes, but nothing I've heard sounds *just* like the Gibsons.
Haven't tried Seths yet, but the A2Pro is real close to the 490R in feel and tone, although the 490 is a little "woofier". While the C5 measures like the 498T IMO they sound nothing alike. The C5 has a mid scoop and the 498T a mid spike. I'd bet the JB is the closest Duncan to the 498T, due to the mid spikes, but nothing I've heard sounds *just* like the Gibsons.
Simon_F
Super Moderator
Re: Gib490R/498T to Duncans comparison.
Yes, I think if I HAD to make a stab at this I'd say Alnico II Pro and JB, but I'm not sure what use this information is! I found the 490R/498T to be a poorly matched set - if I got the EQ right for one, the other sounded horrible. Either too harsh and clangy on the 498T or too woolly and muddy on the 490R.
Yes, I think if I HAD to make a stab at this I'd say Alnico II Pro and JB, but I'm not sure what use this information is! I found the 490R/498T to be a poorly matched set - if I got the EQ right for one, the other sounded horrible. Either too harsh and clangy on the 498T or too woolly and muddy on the 490R.
RockStarNick
New member
Re: Gib490R/498T to Duncans comparison.
Simon F nailed it. I think they are poorly matched.
The gibson 490 neck sounds like a Alnico II pro, with the tone turned down a bit.
The 498T sounds like a JB with a bit more mud and clang.
Then again. The Darkness recorded their first album with 498Ts, and the tones on that rock.
Simon F nailed it. I think they are poorly matched.
The gibson 490 neck sounds like a Alnico II pro, with the tone turned down a bit.
The 498T sounds like a JB with a bit more mud and clang.
Then again. The Darkness recorded their first album with 498Ts, and the tones on that rock.
Boogie Bill
New member
Re: Gib490R/498T to Duncans comparison.
I have the 490r/498T set in a Les Paul Supreme and I'm yanking them for a set of Seth Lovers in gold.
I have a couple of other Les Paul Classics, and I replaced their 496R/500T Ceramics with Antiquitys in one guitar and the MF 50th Anniversary A2 Seths in another.
I play in a classic rock/blues/country/jazz do-itall cover band. I use Mesa Boogie amps, and we tend to play at low to medium volumes. It's a wide variety of music, though not speed-thrash-grunge-death-metal--LOL! I have a lot of gain on tap with the Mesas, but I tend to go for the smooth, singing distortion. The Ceramics just compressed everything too much, though into a non-MV Marshall or Twin, they should sound great--I like their tone. I don't need a super high output pickup.
The 490R/498T set though, again--Simon nailed it. They sound good for hard rock--but to my ear, they don't work well together as a matched set. Get your amp set up for one--and the other one is totally wrong. The Duncan neck pickups have a clarity to them that is missing in the Gibson 496R pickup. The Gibson bridge pickup has nice edge to it that would be great for certain kinds of music--but it doesn't fit my style. (It's probably most similar to the JB sonically. I have a TB-4 in a bolt-neck guitar, so it is a little heard to tell exactly.) Take the mud out the the neck pickup--the bridge is too bright and edgy. They just don't seem to work well together.
Neither the Antiquity or the Seth Lover is potted and they may be susceptible to microphonic feedback at high levels. When I have noticed feedback, it has been musical and controllable. If I though it were going to be a problem with my LP Supreme, I would have chosen either to have the Seths potted; or I would have opted for the Pearly Gates set.
I hope to get the Supreme into the luthier this week to have the work done--I'm also adding a set of RS Guitarworks pots. It has been a long wait, but I hope to get it done soon. I will post with my impressions when it is done.
Bill
I have the 490r/498T set in a Les Paul Supreme and I'm yanking them for a set of Seth Lovers in gold.
I have a couple of other Les Paul Classics, and I replaced their 496R/500T Ceramics with Antiquitys in one guitar and the MF 50th Anniversary A2 Seths in another.
I play in a classic rock/blues/country/jazz do-itall cover band. I use Mesa Boogie amps, and we tend to play at low to medium volumes. It's a wide variety of music, though not speed-thrash-grunge-death-metal--LOL! I have a lot of gain on tap with the Mesas, but I tend to go for the smooth, singing distortion. The Ceramics just compressed everything too much, though into a non-MV Marshall or Twin, they should sound great--I like their tone. I don't need a super high output pickup.
The 490R/498T set though, again--Simon nailed it. They sound good for hard rock--but to my ear, they don't work well together as a matched set. Get your amp set up for one--and the other one is totally wrong. The Duncan neck pickups have a clarity to them that is missing in the Gibson 496R pickup. The Gibson bridge pickup has nice edge to it that would be great for certain kinds of music--but it doesn't fit my style. (It's probably most similar to the JB sonically. I have a TB-4 in a bolt-neck guitar, so it is a little heard to tell exactly.) Take the mud out the the neck pickup--the bridge is too bright and edgy. They just don't seem to work well together.
Neither the Antiquity or the Seth Lover is potted and they may be susceptible to microphonic feedback at high levels. When I have noticed feedback, it has been musical and controllable. If I though it were going to be a problem with my LP Supreme, I would have chosen either to have the Seths potted; or I would have opted for the Pearly Gates set.
I hope to get the Supreme into the luthier this week to have the work done--I'm also adding a set of RS Guitarworks pots. It has been a long wait, but I hope to get it done soon. I will post with my impressions when it is done.
Bill
MoodyBlue
New member
Re: Gib490R/498T to Duncans comparison.
Thanks Bill,
I actually have a set of Seths on hand. I'm trying to decide whether to put them in my Plus or my Smartwood. (I'm looking for opinions in another post.) I'll get a set of '59s for the other. Like you I'm one for cleaner tones. I'm a blues fanatic although I'm not fortunate enough to have time (or an acomplished enough player) to play with a band.
Jim:cool2:
Thanks Bill,
I actually have a set of Seths on hand. I'm trying to decide whether to put them in my Plus or my Smartwood. (I'm looking for opinions in another post.) I'll get a set of '59s for the other. Like you I'm one for cleaner tones. I'm a blues fanatic although I'm not fortunate enough to have time (or an acomplished enough player) to play with a band.
Jim:cool2:
Luke Duke
PRSlustologist
Re: Gib490R/498T to Duncans comparison.
Simon and Nick beat me to it!
I got some good results out of a 498T by putting an A2 mag in the bridge. It became like a Gibson Custom Custom, but with more high mids.
Luke
Simon and Nick beat me to it!
I got some good results out of a 498T by putting an A2 mag in the bridge. It became like a Gibson Custom Custom, but with more high mids.
Luke
madguitar26
New member
Re: Gib490R/498T to Duncans comparison.
490 r sounds nothing like an alnico2pro.its way more high output and darker,alot darker.
clean sounds like crap,at least with el84 amps like classic 50´s.
on the other hand its solo lead tone´s are something to be desired for rock and metal tones that the a2pro lacks very much.
IHMO much rather have the a2pro with a more distorted amp,pedal to compensate for the lower output.
490 r sounds nothing like an alnico2pro.its way more high output and darker,alot darker.
clean sounds like crap,at least with el84 amps like classic 50´s.
on the other hand its solo lead tone´s are something to be desired for rock and metal tones that the a2pro lacks very much.
IHMO much rather have the a2pro with a more distorted amp,pedal to compensate for the lower output.
MikeS
Bengalsologist
Re: Gib490R/498T to Duncans comparison.
Not quite sure what to compare the 490R to, but the 498T to the JB is not that far off. The 498 is a little warmer, IMO, and not quite as harsh on the top end, but they both have that upper-mids honk that you either like or you don't, but that seems a little more pronounced in the 498. Both could stand to have their bottom ends tightened up a bit. What doesn't help the 498 is that the bottom end is bigger than the JB. Sloppy bottoms get worse as they get bigger. :laugh2:
That said, it's too bad the 490/498 set gets such a bad rap. I'll agree that these aren't the best pairing together, but I'll add that they aren't best when paired with a set-neck mahogany Les Paul. My set shined in longer scaled, brighter guitars. Mine eventually landed in a maple neck-through Mockingbird. That was the best guitar for them, and to my ears were the best for that guitar, even after trying a miriad of Duncan pickups. The biggest difference was the 490, which really opened up and got much smoother in a brighter guitar. It wasn't the dark muddy pickup that it was in my LP.
Not quite sure what to compare the 490R to, but the 498T to the JB is not that far off. The 498 is a little warmer, IMO, and not quite as harsh on the top end, but they both have that upper-mids honk that you either like or you don't, but that seems a little more pronounced in the 498. Both could stand to have their bottom ends tightened up a bit. What doesn't help the 498 is that the bottom end is bigger than the JB. Sloppy bottoms get worse as they get bigger. :laugh2:
That said, it's too bad the 490/498 set gets such a bad rap. I'll agree that these aren't the best pairing together, but I'll add that they aren't best when paired with a set-neck mahogany Les Paul. My set shined in longer scaled, brighter guitars. Mine eventually landed in a maple neck-through Mockingbird. That was the best guitar for them, and to my ears were the best for that guitar, even after trying a miriad of Duncan pickups. The biggest difference was the 490, which really opened up and got much smoother in a brighter guitar. It wasn't the dark muddy pickup that it was in my LP.
chill
New member
Re: Gib490R/498T to Duncans comparison.
I had a similar experience with a 490 neck pup. Tubby and indistinct in an SG, nice vintagey HB sound in an Agile alder body/maple board strat with a wilk trem.
I had a similar experience with a 490 neck pup. Tubby and indistinct in an SG, nice vintagey HB sound in an Agile alder body/maple board strat with a wilk trem.
brit84
New member
Re: Gib490R/498T to Duncans comparison.
well its not like the pu's dont work. Just cause your in a semi major band doesnt mean you have to switch out pus. Just most do:laugh2:
well its not like the pu's dont work. Just cause your in a semi major band doesnt mean you have to switch out pus. Just most do:laugh2:
Aceman
I am your doctor of love!
Re: Gib490R/498T to Duncans comparison.
As always, I think those pups are a bit abused by the tone snobs here. A 13k JB-esque pup (498), we'd hock our gonads for the cash for that. And the A2P (490), we love that! I'm in agreement with simon as is everyone else.
But again, there is ALWAYS something more whatever you are looking for! Can the Darkness be wrong? Well, yes, but still the point is thos epups are ok, I agree it's not a great match, and you can find something better here...
As always, I think those pups are a bit abused by the tone snobs here. A 13k JB-esque pup (498), we'd hock our gonads for the cash for that. And the A2P (490), we love that! I'm in agreement with simon as is everyone else.
But again, there is ALWAYS something more whatever you are looking for! Can the Darkness be wrong? Well, yes, but still the point is thos epups are ok, I agree it's not a great match, and you can find something better here...
Re: Gib490R/498T to Duncans comparison.
Here's a sample of my 498T ... I don't think it sounds flat and hard ... I like it. With the tone knob, a 498T can be smooth.
I think ...
My 498T
To be fair: I could not get the 490R and 498T to work good TOGETHER either. I think it boils down to everyone gets one to sound good and not the other ... then they think the other one is a problem. The 498T worked good with A2P, 59n and even 59b (in neck) for me.
Here's a sample of my 498T ... I don't think it sounds flat and hard ... I like it. With the tone knob, a 498T can be smooth.
I think ...My 498T
To be fair: I could not get the 490R and 498T to work good TOGETHER either. I think it boils down to everyone gets one to sound good and not the other ... then they think the other one is a problem. The 498T worked good with A2P, 59n and even 59b (in neck) for me.
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Boogie Bill
New member
Re: Gib490R/498T to Duncans comparison.
I don't think the 490R sounds much like the A2P. I think it sounds much warmer, muddier. It can sound very good for blues, and Santana type singing leads--but i don't think it has very much clarity, at all. The A2P is warm, but still has some clarity.
Just my 2 cents.
I think the 490R/498T set could work: for certain types of players using certain types of guitars for certain kinds of music. However, as I stated above, they are not my cup of tea.
Bill
I don't think the 490R sounds much like the A2P. I think it sounds much warmer, muddier. It can sound very good for blues, and Santana type singing leads--but i don't think it has very much clarity, at all. The A2P is warm, but still has some clarity.
Just my 2 cents.
I think the 490R/498T set could work: for certain types of players using certain types of guitars for certain kinds of music. However, as I stated above, they are not my cup of tea.
Bill