Gibson 57' Classics quandry

Gearjunkie52

New member
won an auction on Ebay for a set of Gibson 57' classic pups (supposedly out of a Les Paul) and only afterwards to find out they test
"IMPEDANCE IS 7.8 OHMS NECK, 14.26 OHMS BRIDGE"

I thought the 57' classics were closer to 8-9 ohm.. Any idea what these could be before I actually pay for them..



 
Last edited:
Re: Gibson 57' Classics quandry

didn't think so...any Idea what it could be, or what tone would it produce ??

I was hoping it would suit country/blues/rock..

don't the Gibson pups have a Gibson Sticker on the backs of them ?? I know they can fall off ....but..
 
Re: Gibson 57' Classics quandry

I bet the bridge is a 498T, which is (obviously) fairly high output. I think it'll balance better with neck if you put an A8 or UOA5 in it.
 
Last edited:
Re: Gibson 57' Classics quandry

I spoke with the seller and he Thinks his son sold the one of three pups that the LP had in it originally, and he mentioned he has a Basket full of Gibson pups all marked 57 classics and will check and get back to me..

with me playing rock/blues/country through my 335 block, what do you guys think I should be looking for from the apparent selection available
 
Gibson 57' Classics quandry

The 57's are nice. I have a set in my 359 and I
Like them. If you can get another one then go with it but if not maybe a burst bucker will do. I also have a set of burst bucker pros in bluesbird and that guitar sounds killer
 
Re: Gibson 57' Classics quandry

Aren't both 57' neck and bridge pups very similar in resistance ? I already have the BB Pro 1&2 in my 335 block and l love both sets of 57's I demoed in the 339 and 335dot b4 deciding on the 335 block but had no choice on pickup selection. I prefer the 57's though
 
Last edited:
Re: Gibson 57' Classics quandry

didn't think so...any Idea what it could be, or what tone would it produce ??

I was hoping it would suit country/blues/rock..

don't the Gibson pups have a Gibson Sticker on the backs of them ?? I know they can fall off ....but..

yep....they should have a black decal on them like this (these ones are scratched up obviously) with gold writing that says "patent pending".
Both pups should be around the 8k mark. I'd send em back cos they are not the pair that the ad describes (due to the resistance reading). 57's are nothing special anyway. You can get a nice set of pups for cheaper.
DSC_0288_zps01973670.jpg
 
Last edited:
Re: Gibson 57' Classics quandry

Thanks 175. I don't mind the BB bridge, but find the neck BB is really muddy and wouldn't mind finding something with Berger note definition with some sting that'll have enough character for lead work rather than rhythm only.

I have a set of new Seth lovers on their way and should be here this week and hope they fit the bill.
 
Re: Gibson 57' Classics quandry

With that heavy a wind, the bridge one is definitely not a '57 or a '57 Plus, any Burstbucker, a 490, or a 500 (about 16 K). I'm guessing it's a 498...which may mean that the neck is actually a 490.

I'd cancel the transaction and keep looking for a "proper" set. It should be very little hassle for both of you, since you have not paid yet.

FWIW, I have a nice sounding double black '57/'57+ set for sale, for a reasonable price because they have been mildly modified. Look here: https://forum.seymourduncan.com/sho...ups-(Gibson-and-SD-humbucker-and-single-coil)
 
Last edited:
Re: Gibson 57' Classics quandry

Sounds like its a 498T but that pickup should have the Gibson logo engraved into the baseplate. Every 498 I've ever had did anyway. The only other Gibson pickup with that DC resistance would be an Angus I believe but I don't know if that would have the engraving. You can also tell by the pole spacing. 498s are bridge spaced and 57s are standard spacing.
 
Last edited:
Re: Gibson 57' Classics quandry

won an auction on Ebay for a set of Gibson 57' classic pups (supposedly out of a Les Paul) and only afterwards to find out they test
"IMPEDANCE IS 7.8 OHMS NECK, 14.26 OHMS BRIDGE"

They most probably are a 490R/498T set. NOT the best Gibson p'ups, if you ask me, specially if they were advertised as '57 Classics.

I'd get my money back.

HTH,
 
Re: Gibson 57' Classics quandry

+1 for 498T/490R pair.

In the OP's first photograph, even allowing for it being very dark, I form the impression that the plating on the pickup covers is shiny like chrome. '57 Classic and Classic Plus covers are usually either nickel or gold.

Single conductor with braided shield cable implies that the pickups were OEM rather than aftermarket.
 
Re: Gibson 57' Classics quandry

I'd send em back cos they are not the pair that the ad describes (due to the resistance reading). 57's are nothing special anyway. You can get a nice set of pups for cheaper.

+1. '57's are not Gibson's best effort in the PU department.

If you're getting Seth's, they'll outshine any recent production Gibsons.
 
Re: Gibson 57' Classics quandry

If you've got a pair of Seths coming anyway, I'd cancel on the "57s" (since they aren't even 57s anyway) and just put in the Seths. They will more likely give you the tone you're after.
 
Re: Gibson 57' Classics quandry

I think I will take the appreciated advice from everyone here and pass on these mysterious PU's and wait for the new Seths.. Thanks again..
 
Re: Gibson 57' Classics quandry

I have some 57 classics that I took out of a LP gold top traditional. These are 2 conductor wire OEM pickups. I replaced them with 4 wire 490R/498T and Jimmy Page wiring. I would be happy to part with them if you want them. I used one in a strat HSS pickguard, but that is not being used at the moment and it would take almost nothing to remove it. The neck pickup is in the 490R box waiting some use. Anyways, let me know what you think they're worth and I'll get back to you. I will meter them later for you, but I KNOW 100% these are OEM 57 classics. These came from the LP on the left.

IMG_1303.jpg
 
Back
Top