Gibson 498t pickup
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Funkfingers
Guest
Re: Gibson 498t pickup
Depends on the host guitar, pedals, amplification and the playing style.
Depends on the host guitar, pedals, amplification and the playing style.
Masta' C
Well-known member
Re: Gibson 498t pickup
The 498T has the singing voice of a JB that went on a drinking binge in south Texas and woke up 5 days later in a cactus with sand in its teeth and a biker chick's name tattooed on its forehead...
The high-mids of the 498T are less fluid and not quite as pronounced as the JB's. The 498T is also a bit warmer/crunchier on the bottom and low-mids. Some find it to be overly thin/bright up top, but that really depends on the guitar and amp.
Others here have referred to the 498T as a "ruder, grainier Custom 5". I'd say that's an accurate description. It's a great, rockin' pickup for sure, but not everyone's cup of whiskey.
The 498T has the singing voice of a JB that went on a drinking binge in south Texas and woke up 5 days later in a cactus with sand in its teeth and a biker chick's name tattooed on its forehead...
The high-mids of the 498T are less fluid and not quite as pronounced as the JB's. The 498T is also a bit warmer/crunchier on the bottom and low-mids. Some find it to be overly thin/bright up top, but that really depends on the guitar and amp.
Others here have referred to the 498T as a "ruder, grainier Custom 5". I'd say that's an accurate description. It's a great, rockin' pickup for sure, but not everyone's cup of whiskey.
synzzzer
New member
Re: Gibson 498t pickup
I'll say this, the 498T is the one pickup that sounds extremely different depending on if the amp is 6L6, EL-34, or solid state. Except for the JB, I've never heard of a pickup that had so many different opinions. To me it was almost muddy through a Marshall Valvestate. But it was bright and perky through a 6L6 Blue Voodoo. I've had one guy who swore it and the Custom 5 were so close he couldn't hear the difference. (I thought he was more than a little off on that one.)
So my best advice is to grab a Gibson that has a 498T in it at Guitar Center, and practice through an amp that closely resembles the one you have at home. I know everyone on here is big on magnet swaps. I think that the 498T would be a good candidate for an Alnico 8 mag swap.
I'll say this, the 498T is the one pickup that sounds extremely different depending on if the amp is 6L6, EL-34, or solid state. Except for the JB, I've never heard of a pickup that had so many different opinions. To me it was almost muddy through a Marshall Valvestate. But it was bright and perky through a 6L6 Blue Voodoo. I've had one guy who swore it and the Custom 5 were so close he couldn't hear the difference. (I thought he was more than a little off on that one.)
So my best advice is to grab a Gibson that has a 498T in it at Guitar Center, and practice through an amp that closely resembles the one you have at home. I know everyone on here is big on magnet swaps. I think that the 498T would be a good candidate for an Alnico 8 mag swap.
Rand-O-Monium
New member
Re: Gibson 498t pickup
I'd love to check one out.
A bud gave the one out of his Studio to me,but it must have been mishandled before it got to me.
DOA
Heard/read "pretty good" things,tho...
I'd love to check one out.
A bud gave the one out of his Studio to me,but it must have been mishandled before it got to me.
DOA
Heard/read "pretty good" things,tho...
audiocheck
New member
Re: Gibson 498t pickup
I have had it in two Les Pauls. One still has it the other now has a Screamin' Demon. The 498T is fine, hot vintage type tone. I always thought it was a good pickup, until 20 years later. I started playing in a band again, and started up with my PG loaded LP. When that needed service, I broke out my 91LP with the 498T. Man, it just sounded and felt awful, to me. The upper mid range was metallic sounding and the dynamic range was not there for me at all. It just felt like I was fighting it, to get what I wanted out of it. Swapped it with a new Screamin' Demon and now I can't put that guitar down. So far, for me the only Gibson pickup that I can somewhat tolerate is the HB-L (Bill Lawrence designed). The T-tops, Shaws, and the 490T and 498T, just don't work for me. The Shaws have nice tone, but they are weak. I also had a late 80's Dirty Finger, which I don't remember hating. So I guess I liked that one, but I don't remember to much about it.
The 498T may get better results with it's cover removed. I never tried it that way, but it might help. Don't get me wrong, it's not terrible, just not for me.
Just a side note: I didn't get along with the Duncan Custom or Full Shred either. I am more of a 59/PG type of player. So use that info to help you understand my opinion on the 498T.
I have had it in two Les Pauls. One still has it the other now has a Screamin' Demon. The 498T is fine, hot vintage type tone. I always thought it was a good pickup, until 20 years later. I started playing in a band again, and started up with my PG loaded LP. When that needed service, I broke out my 91LP with the 498T. Man, it just sounded and felt awful, to me. The upper mid range was metallic sounding and the dynamic range was not there for me at all. It just felt like I was fighting it, to get what I wanted out of it. Swapped it with a new Screamin' Demon and now I can't put that guitar down. So far, for me the only Gibson pickup that I can somewhat tolerate is the HB-L (Bill Lawrence designed). The T-tops, Shaws, and the 490T and 498T, just don't work for me. The Shaws have nice tone, but they are weak. I also had a late 80's Dirty Finger, which I don't remember hating. So I guess I liked that one, but I don't remember to much about it.
The 498T may get better results with it's cover removed. I never tried it that way, but it might help. Don't get me wrong, it's not terrible, just not for me.
Just a side note: I didn't get along with the Duncan Custom or Full Shred either. I am more of a 59/PG type of player. So use that info to help you understand my opinion on the 498T.
blueman335
Mojo's Minions
Re: Gibson 498t pickup
Good PU, not great. Bright, thin, and has an unusual 'grainy' sound, that I've only found in a few Gibson PU's. I much prefer 498T's with an UOA5 or A8; that fills in the mids and shaves off some high-end. I don't understand why it's paired with a 490R, which is about as poor a match as you can get.
Good PU, not great. Bright, thin, and has an unusual 'grainy' sound, that I've only found in a few Gibson PU's. I much prefer 498T's with an UOA5 or A8; that fills in the mids and shaves off some high-end. I don't understand why it's paired with a 490R, which is about as poor a match as you can get.
Myaccount876
Amira-Maker
Re: Gibson 498t pickup
I dig it in an SG to be honest. I think Gibson makes good pickups stock in their guitars, just they are a bit overpriced as aftermarket pickups, and people complain about the 498T/490R being an awkward match. The 498T is sharper and brighter than a lot of bridge pickups, and the 490R is a rounder and darker neck pickup. Users have had success/more balance by just swapping the stock magnets with each other (AlNiCo V stock in the 498T, and AlNiCo II stock in the 490R).
I dig it in an SG to be honest. I think Gibson makes good pickups stock in their guitars, just they are a bit overpriced as aftermarket pickups, and people complain about the 498T/490R being an awkward match. The 498T is sharper and brighter than a lot of bridge pickups, and the 490R is a rounder and darker neck pickup. Users have had success/more balance by just swapping the stock magnets with each other (AlNiCo V stock in the 498T, and AlNiCo II stock in the 490R).
Aceman
I am your doctor of love!
Re: Gibson 498t pickup
To me, it is a great generic rock pickup. I think the Custom 5 comparison was good. That said - not my cup of tea.
I have said this before of the 490/498. Besides being a set I wouldn't pair up, NEITHER of those pickups would "wow" me. I would always have something "more" of what I wanted. More output, more highs, more mids, more tight....you name it.
That said - give it a spin for a while. MAybe you dig it. Like I said - I wouldn't die if I had to play it. Perfectly decent pickup. If you want decent....
To me, it is a great generic rock pickup. I think the Custom 5 comparison was good. That said - not my cup of tea.
I have said this before of the 490/498. Besides being a set I wouldn't pair up, NEITHER of those pickups would "wow" me. I would always have something "more" of what I wanted. More output, more highs, more mids, more tight....you name it.
That said - give it a spin for a while. MAybe you dig it. Like I said - I wouldn't die if I had to play it. Perfectly decent pickup. If you want decent....
blueman335
Mojo's Minions
Re: Gibson 498t pickup
A 'bit overpriced as aftermartket pickups'? How about grossly overpriced, as in twice what they should be. They're up in the boutique price range, which they can't compete with tonewise. Production Duncans are less, including Seth's which outclass any current Gibson PAF.
A 'bit overpriced as aftermartket pickups'? How about grossly overpriced, as in twice what they should be. They're up in the boutique price range, which they can't compete with tonewise. Production Duncans are less, including Seth's which outclass any current Gibson PAF.
astrozombie
KatyPerryologist
Re: Gibson 498t pickup
My 333 has one. I'm thinking of selling it. Anyone interested, let me know.
My 333 has one. I'm thinking of selling it. Anyone interested, let me know.
Re: Gibson 498t pickup
The main beef that guys have with the 498 probably has to do with the fact that the Gibson guitars that have it in them all use 300k linear volume pots, if they'd replace the pots with 500k's you'll get the real sound of that pickup. Most change them out without even considering the pot value.
Al
The main beef that guys have with the 498 probably has to do with the fact that the Gibson guitars that have it in them all use 300k linear volume pots, if they'd replace the pots with 500k's you'll get the real sound of that pickup. Most change them out without even considering the pot value.
Al
Myaccount876
Amira-Maker
Re: Gibson 498t pickup
Well I was trying to be polite about it and just assumed the pickups are worth whatever people have been willing to pay for them (which has been apparently boutique prices - as the prices really haven't changed). But I generally agree with you it would just be better to go with Duncans for a more personalized or varied sound for a lower price.
Well I was trying to be polite about it and just assumed the pickups are worth whatever people have been willing to pay for them (which has been apparently boutique prices - as the prices really haven't changed). But I generally agree with you it would just be better to go with Duncans for a more personalized or varied sound for a lower price.
blueman335
Mojo's Minions
Re: Gibson 498t pickup
To me they're worse with 500K's, brighter and thinner, not enough body. The PU needs more midrange and less treble.
To me they're worse with 500K's, brighter and thinner, not enough body. The PU needs more midrange and less treble.
DrNewcenstein
He Did the Monster Mash
Re: Gibson 498t pickup
Of all the pickup swaps I've done, I've found that a Gibson pickup only sounds good in a Gibson, until I put a 498T in a Jackson Kelly. Gave that guitar a barking-dog tone, like it wanted to chew your nuts off.
Sadly, it was only that way in that guitar, and I do not get along with the Kelly body shape, so I sold it with the pickup in it.
Might be a good choice for an Explorer as well. Didn't put it in the Explorer I used to have.
Didn't work as well for a Jackson Warrior, though. Probably due to the fact that about half the rear of the body is missing compared to a Kelly.
Of all the pickup swaps I've done, I've found that a Gibson pickup only sounds good in a Gibson, until I put a 498T in a Jackson Kelly. Gave that guitar a barking-dog tone, like it wanted to chew your nuts off.
Sadly, it was only that way in that guitar, and I do not get along with the Kelly body shape, so I sold it with the pickup in it.
Might be a good choice for an Explorer as well. Didn't put it in the Explorer I used to have.
Didn't work as well for a Jackson Warrior, though. Probably due to the fact that about half the rear of the body is missing compared to a Kelly.
roseyp
New member
Re: Gibson 498t pickup
498T with an A2 to me is very useable in a les paul
I have a 2013 studio pro that i have swapped the magnet about from the 490/498 set
The 490 now has the A5 mag and the 498 has the A2
A big improvement over stock. Mine has the gibby circuit board installed so until i swap this out for p2p wiring, 500k pots and decent caps i dont know the full extent !!
Roseyp
498T with an A2 to me is very useable in a les paul
I have a 2013 studio pro that i have swapped the magnet about from the 490/498 set
The 490 now has the A5 mag and the 498 has the A2
A big improvement over stock. Mine has the gibby circuit board installed so until i swap this out for p2p wiring, 500k pots and decent caps i dont know the full extent !!
Roseyp
Securb
One of Jerry's Kids
Re: Gibson 498t pickup
I am a big fan of the 498T I have one stock in my SG (uncovered). My Les Paul Traditional had a 57+ in the bridge that I was not happy with I recently swapped it out for a covered 498T and I could not be happier. It had that bark and growl that others have described. While some have described the pickup as bright it is definitely darker than the 57+ and I would not describe my tone as thin in any way.
I am a big fan of the 498T I have one stock in my SG (uncovered). My Les Paul Traditional had a 57+ in the bridge that I was not happy with I recently swapped it out for a covered 498T and I could not be happier. It had that bark and growl that others have described. While some have described the pickup as bright it is definitely darker than the 57+ and I would not describe my tone as thin in any way.
madsschaarup
New member
Re: Gibson 498t pickup
I don't know what's wrong with that pickup, the 498. I had an SG with the odd pair 490/498. Gibson states it is one of the most powerful pups they make. It wasn't in my SG. It was thin and weak, so I swapped it for a lot of other pups. Even a PG had more power in the bridge position and the C5 definitely had although many people say it's almost the same pickup spec-wise.When I decided to put my SG up for sale, I bought a used set of 490/498 so it went back to stock specs. Same issue with the bridge pu.
I suspect that Gibson on some occasions either have mixed up the pairings, so that it has two 490's instead(but I have not measured, only a thought...) or have used weak A5 mags. I don't know...
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I don't know what's wrong with that pickup, the 498. I had an SG with the odd pair 490/498. Gibson states it is one of the most powerful pups they make. It wasn't in my SG. It was thin and weak, so I swapped it for a lot of other pups. Even a PG had more power in the bridge position and the C5 definitely had although many people say it's almost the same pickup spec-wise.When I decided to put my SG up for sale, I bought a used set of 490/498 so it went back to stock specs. Same issue with the bridge pu.
I suspect that Gibson on some occasions either have mixed up the pairings, so that it has two 490's instead(but I have not measured, only a thought...) or have used weak A5 mags. I don't know...
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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