Gibson 490r/490t set comparisons?

[Lkdog]

I got this set in a trade which are four conductor and pretty much mint.
Debating where they might work best.
I have an ES 333 coming in with stock 490r/498t
pickups that I probably will wish to swap out.

Also have another guitar which is chambered double cut les paul type carved top which presently has Dimarzio 36th set in it. Not sure about the DiMarzios.
A little too round compared to the Seth lovers I had in there before.

Thoughts on the 490r/490t set and what to expect tone wise??
Some say that they are almost identical to 57 classics.
They are A2 magnets right?

Thanks for any info.

 

[Aceman]

Re: Gibson 490r/490t set comparisons?

There is a lot of discussion about these. Search 490. Some recent threads too.

I will say this. Before we go all swap crazy…live with them for a while. You MIGHT actually dig them in that specific guitar.

And when you do want a suggestion, please let us know:

You style of music, your amp and effects, and what you want more/less of from the pups in there; Bass/Mids/treble/output, etc….

 

[blueman335]

Re: Gibson 490r/490t set comparisons?

Try the stock PU's and see what you think. If they're not what you want tone-wise, I'd swap magnets. I like 490R's better with an A5 (they come with an A2); it opens up the high end and gives more clarity. 498T's are a bit bright and thin for me, so I put in either an UOA5 (for a more vintage texture sound) or an A8 for a fuller, muscular sound. That turns them into the Gibson version of the C8/'59N pair, which is popular here.

 

[Lkdog]

Re: Gibson 490r/490t set comparisons?

Yep. Will leave the 490/498 set in the ES 333 for a bit first. I am guessing the 498 bridge will be too hot for what I want in that guitar, but one never knows.
Would be looking for pretty typical ES 335 tone one is used to hearing.

Will do a search on 490.

There is a lot of discussion about these. Search 490. Some recent threads too.

I will say this. Before we go all swap crazy…live with them for a while. You MIGHT actually dig them in that specific guitar.

And when you do want a suggestion, please let us know:

You style of music, your amp and effects, and what you want more/less of from the pups in there; Bass/Mids/treble/output, etc….

 

[9unslin9er]

Re: Gibson 490r/490t set comparisons?

To my ears,
The 490r/490t set is closest to the A2P.
The Burstbucker 1 + 2 set is closest to Seth Lovers
Burstbucker Pro (V) = Duncan '59
500t is similar to Duncan Custom
Burstbucker 3 = Custom Custom

Other than that, Dirty Fingers, 496r, 498t, 57 Classics are in a class of their own.

*Gibson used to install the 490 set in the SG standards. it seems they've moved to 57s, which to me is a wise move. If anything they should start using it in all Les Paul Traditionals. I've always found the 57s to be too muddy especially in the neck. Though, I've never swapped the pots to 500k either.

 

[blueman335]

Re: Gibson 490r/490t set comparisons?

To my ears,
The 490r/490t set is closest to the A2P.
The Burstbucker 1 + 2 set is closest to Seth Lovers
Burstbucker Pro (V) = Duncan '59
500t is similar to Duncan Custom
Burstbucker 3 = Custom Custom

Other than that, Dirty Fingers, 496r, 498t, 57 Classics are in a class of their own.

Agree, except that I hear 498T's as similar to C5's.

 

[King IzzO)))]

Re: Gibson 490r/490t set comparisons?

500T's don't sound all that much like the DC to me, much more like a DD, but darker and more chunky, and I always hear a little JB and DC in the 498T. The DF has some imitators, but none quite hit the mark, and yeah, 496R is pretty much it's own deal too. A couple Dimarzios have some similarities, but not the same cut, it's a great pickup. Really underrated, as are all Gibson pickups if you ask me. I love to make hybrids with them... 496/490R, 500T/498T, 498T/490T.

As for regular old 490's, 500K pots are a must to get the best out of them, and I'll agree they're kinda similar to the A2P, not as articulate, but a similar overall tone. I like them better with different mags myself, but I'm not suggesting you go to work swapping mags. Try them first with 500K's, at the very least on the neck pickup. Cool sound, kinda Sweet Leaf-ish (depending on what you it in).

For reference, the A5 490 is pretty good, like a jazz crossed with a 59 but with more grit and mids. And with an A4 they have a really cool vintage sound, probably the best magnet for them, really nice.

 

[Lkdog]

Re: Gibson 490r/490t set comparisons?

Spent the evening reading up on these. Lots of info!!
I am sure I would have fun trying different magnets, but it is going to be easier just grabbing a set of SD Seths or 57 classics which I know
the sound of and like for sure.
Will post these for sale for those that know them better or are more adventurous.