New Bridge Pickup for SG

[pryde]

Hello. Looking to possibly swap out my current Gibson 490T bridge pickup in my SG Tribute. The thing is that I actually do like it a lot except it could use a bit tighter bass and a touch more output.

I tried a A5 humbucker in it (PAF-ish around 9k resistance) and of course the bass was tighter but I found it too bright and just thinner overall for this SG. I like the A2 sweeter highs and midrange so I think I want to stick with an A2 pickup (or swap magnets, UOA5?)

So, is there a good A2 bridge pickup out there that is versatile for vintage tones/classic rock and holds together well for hard rock?

BTW: I use an SH-5 in another guitar which kills for high gain so I want something tamer for the SG.

Thanks for your suggestions!

 

[jeremy]

did you pop an a2 into that 9k pup? uoa5 is also a fine option, but i tend to prefer a2

 

[idsnowdog]

Try a rough cast unoriented A5 magnet.

 

[uOpt]

So, is there a good A2 bridge pickup out there that is versatile for vintage tones/classic rock and holds together well for hard rock?

'78 model.

 

[Sam SG]

I was on the fence about my 490t loved it but needed a little seperation and pick chirp.
Really spend ALLOT of time on height AND angle. Wear your dollar store readers and work in 1/8 turns then down to fraction turns. An 1/8 turn on one side can make or break these in an SG.
Also raise the poles a hair. Literally i turned them micro turns..the thickness of the screw drivers blade at a time. Play and listen.
Imo the SGs are very fussy cause the pickups are level with the pickguard and not the strings.
The 490T works very well in an SG imo

 

[pryde]

did you pop an a2 into that 9k pup? uoa5 is also a fine option, but i tend to prefer a2

No sir but that is something I might try. I'm not sure the pickup is any hotter than the 490T but maybe an A2 or UOA5 would sound nice in it thanks.

 

[pryde]

'78 model.

I will look into the 78. Maybe it sounds good in an SG?

 

[pryde]

I was on the fence about my 490t loved it but needed a little seperation and pick chirp.
Really spend ALLOT of time on height AND angle. Wear your dollar store readers and work in 1/8 turns then down to fraction turns. An 1/8 turn on one side can make or break these in an SG.
Also raise the poles a hair. Literally i turned them micro turns..the thickness of the screw drivers blade at a time. Play and listen.
Imo the SGs are very fussy cause the pickups are level with the pickguard and not the strings.
The 490T works very well in an SG imo

Actually I have spent a lot of time with dialing it in. Used foam underneath to set the angle with the strings and really dialed in each polepiece, etc.. I am pretty meticulous about setup, etc. Like I said, I am pretty happy with it and have no problem keeping it in but am open to other suggestions to get that last bit out of the SG if possible. What did you end up replacing your 490T with?

 

[Sam SG]

I didnt. I had the height were i wanted it and was pretty happy. Once I braved up and did the poles I decided to keep it.
I did the poles on my Lp Jr and other SG way back. Was leary of messing with my Brown SG cause its a pretty resonant 1 outta 10 SG so i hem and haw about messing with that one. But once i did.

 

[Mincer]

I've used a Custom Custom in an SG, and it sounds great. It isn't tight like an A5, but it takes up a lot of space in the mix.

 

[pryde]

I've used a Custom Custom in an SG, and it sounds great. It isn't tight like an A5, but it takes up a lot of space in the mix.

That might be an option. I've read mixed opinions on a CC bridge for the SG as it is very mid-forward on an already middy guitar.

 

[Chistopher]

From your description, your SG doesn't sound all that mid-forward.

 

[pryde]

From your description, your SG doesn't sound all that mid-forward.

Yes this could be true. I certainly noticed the lack of mids (and more shrill high end) with the A5 pickup vs the A2.

The CC is intriguing but not sure if it would be too hot for what I'm after. I use the volume control a lot and need something that cleans up good. I don't have any experience with the SH-11, only the SH-5 in another guitar.

 

[Chistopher]

SH-11 cleans up a good bit better than the SH-5

 

[Mincer]

SH-11 cleans up a good bit better than the SH-5

I would agree with this.