Gibby 490 neck/SD Pearly Gates bridge
- Thread starter toykat
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super rad stuff
Skaforlifeologist
Re: Gibby 490 neck/SD Pearly Gates bridge
both are good pickups, i'd change the 490's magnet if i were you. there are some strong testimonials that point to doing this. you may also want to do that to the pearly gates, but it's a good pickup just the way it is. what guitar is this going into? what kinda music do you play? what amp(s) do you play through?
btw welcome to the forum!
both are good pickups, i'd change the 490's magnet if i were you. there are some strong testimonials that point to doing this. you may also want to do that to the pearly gates, but it's a good pickup just the way it is. what guitar is this going into? what kinda music do you play? what amp(s) do you play through?
btw welcome to the forum!
Re: Gibby 490 neck/SD Pearly Gates bridge
I have a new Epi ES175 that I want to try to get the most out of.
I play jazz n' bluz through various amps...
I also have many other pickups on hand to try!
I thought of the 490/PG combo because they are both Alnico 2's...
Here is what I have;
Gibby 490/498 set
SD59 neck and PG bridge
SD Jazz/JB set
Gibby P94 set
GFS Dream 90 set
What combo would you use?
I have a new Epi ES175 that I want to try to get the most out of.
I play jazz n' bluz through various amps...
I also have many other pickups on hand to try!
I thought of the 490/PG combo because they are both Alnico 2's...
Here is what I have;
Gibby 490/498 set
SD59 neck and PG bridge
SD Jazz/JB set
Gibby P94 set
GFS Dream 90 set
What combo would you use?
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Re: Gibby 490 neck/SD Pearly Gates bridge
Out of those choices I'd go Jazzn/PGb or 59n/PGb if you're wanting humbuckers. The 490 is a very warm, fat bucker that isn't the greatest by itself, but might blend well with the bright PG in the middle position. I had that setup in a LP years ago, until I replaced the 490.
Out of those choices I'd go Jazzn/PGb or 59n/PGb if you're wanting humbuckers. The 490 is a very warm, fat bucker that isn't the greatest by itself, but might blend well with the bright PG in the middle position. I had that setup in a LP years ago, until I replaced the 490.
mrturtle_91
New member
Re: Gibby 490 neck/SD Pearly Gates bridge
I have a dream 90 with a metal edge and plastic top, looks just like a p-94, and it's dead quiet.
I have a dream 90 with a metal edge and plastic top, looks just like a p-94, and it's dead quiet.
blueman335
Mojo's Minions
Re: Gibby 490 neck/SD Pearly Gates bridge
Jazz, & blues, good to hear. I like 175's too. I have a Washburn J3 with a set of Carvin Classics in it. You don't want a high output bridge, as that will feedback easier, and you'll lose the hollowbody's acoustic overtones, so that takes out the 498T, & JB. There's no particular reason for using the same magnet in both PU's, it may work out that way, but there's nothing magical behind it. You're interested in each PU sounding it's best, not in something a manufacturer calls a "pair."
That leaves the PG bridge or the 490R for a HB bridge as it's around 8,000 ohms (you can use a neck PU in the bridge). I think the P94 & Dream 90 would be lower output and might be a little thin, especially in a hollowbody. I like HB-sized P-90's in the bridge if they have warm, high-output magnets (like an A8/A4 pair). Do you know how to swap magnets?
For the neck, the '59N, JazzN, 490R (with an A5 magnet), all would give good definition with some HB warmth. You could also use a P-94 or Dream 90, which have a brighter, more open sound. I've got a couple guitars with an HB bridge & Phat Cat (P-90) neck, which is an excellent pairing.
So if you're leaning towards a PGB/490R pair, I'd recommend an A5 in the 490R. Or the PGB/JazzN. Or does another combo sound more interesting?
BTW, I also have a box of extra PU's (and magnets) so I'm prepared for any "emergency." Good to see you thinking ahead.
Jazz, & blues, good to hear. I like 175's too. I have a Washburn J3 with a set of Carvin Classics in it. You don't want a high output bridge, as that will feedback easier, and you'll lose the hollowbody's acoustic overtones, so that takes out the 498T, & JB. There's no particular reason for using the same magnet in both PU's, it may work out that way, but there's nothing magical behind it. You're interested in each PU sounding it's best, not in something a manufacturer calls a "pair."
That leaves the PG bridge or the 490R for a HB bridge as it's around 8,000 ohms (you can use a neck PU in the bridge). I think the P94 & Dream 90 would be lower output and might be a little thin, especially in a hollowbody. I like HB-sized P-90's in the bridge if they have warm, high-output magnets (like an A8/A4 pair). Do you know how to swap magnets?
For the neck, the '59N, JazzN, 490R (with an A5 magnet), all would give good definition with some HB warmth. You could also use a P-94 or Dream 90, which have a brighter, more open sound. I've got a couple guitars with an HB bridge & Phat Cat (P-90) neck, which is an excellent pairing.
So if you're leaning towards a PGB/490R pair, I'd recommend an A5 in the 490R. Or the PGB/JazzN. Or does another combo sound more interesting?
BTW, I also have a box of extra PU's (and magnets) so I'm prepared for any "emergency." Good to see you thinking ahead.
T
Thunder
Guest
Re: Gibby 490 neck/SD Pearly Gates bridge
I have a 59' neck and PG bridge in an LP that sounds great!
I have a 59' neck and PG bridge in an LP that sounds great!
Re: Gibby 490 neck/SD Pearly Gates bridge
OK -
Here is what I tried...
Remember it's an Epi ES-175. Deep body, all laminate. My reactions to the pups is as much about the pups as it is the body. I play jazz-n'-bluz.
Tried the 490/498 set. I like the 490 but the 498 is too much horsepower.
Tried the Dream 90 set. Very nice, unoffensive. Nice and bright while still warm. Something missing though...
Currently have the SD Jazz / JB (Chrome covered). I like the Jazz but not as much as the 490. The JB is way too much horsepower. I love having the chrome or nickel covers. The 490/498 are uncovered. (How superficial I know)
I really want to try a set of Chrome or Nickel 57 Classic's. I think I like the A2 magnets best in this guitar....
Anyone have any thoughts or ideas?
OK -
Here is what I tried...
Remember it's an Epi ES-175. Deep body, all laminate. My reactions to the pups is as much about the pups as it is the body. I play jazz-n'-bluz.
Tried the 490/498 set. I like the 490 but the 498 is too much horsepower.
Tried the Dream 90 set. Very nice, unoffensive. Nice and bright while still warm. Something missing though...
Currently have the SD Jazz / JB (Chrome covered). I like the Jazz but not as much as the 490. The JB is way too much horsepower. I love having the chrome or nickel covers. The 490/498 are uncovered. (How superficial I know)
I really want to try a set of Chrome or Nickel 57 Classic's. I think I like the A2 magnets best in this guitar....
Anyone have any thoughts or ideas?
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super rad stuff
Skaforlifeologist
Re: Gibby 490 neck/SD Pearly Gates bridge
57s are bright, low output but full sounding paf types. they are a2 but have some definite a5 qualities, striking a good balance as far as a vintage style pickup goes. go for it!
57s are bright, low output but full sounding paf types. they are a2 but have some definite a5 qualities, striking a good balance as far as a vintage style pickup goes. go for it!
blueman335
Mojo's Minions
Re: Gibby 490 neck/SD Pearly Gates bridge
Then what I would do is get a chrome cover for the 490R and buy a covered '57 for the bridge. No need to spend more if you don't need to.
Then what I would do is get a chrome cover for the 490R and buy a covered '57 for the bridge. No need to spend more if you don't need to.
Re: Gibby 490 neck/SD Pearly Gates bridge
Sometimes the solution is so simple!
What would happen if I changed the A5 magnet in the 498 bridge to an A2 magnet?
Sometimes the solution is so simple!
What would happen if I changed the A5 magnet in the 498 bridge to an A2 magnet?
super rad stuff
Skaforlifeologist
Re: Gibby 490 neck/SD Pearly Gates bridge
it'd be similar to a custom custom, probably a bit grittier/grainier
it'd be similar to a custom custom, probably a bit grittier/grainier
blueman335
Mojo's Minions
Re: Gibby 490 neck/SD Pearly Gates bridge
I did it, and it gives a rounded high end. It was a bit too rounded for my tastes, so I went with an A8, which is still warm, and has better cut & more output. But some players like a 498T A2, so don't be afraid to try it. The 498T is Gibson's version of a C5, and it's just as adaptable to different magnets.
I did it, and it gives a rounded high end. It was a bit too rounded for my tastes, so I went with an A8, which is still warm, and has better cut & more output. But some players like a 498T A2, so don't be afraid to try it. The 498T is Gibson's version of a C5, and it's just as adaptable to different magnets.