Pickup recommendation for new guitar.

[roballo]

Hey guys, I am about to pick up a Gibson SGJ. (Mahogany body, maple neck, rosewood fingerboard). I am going to drop in a coil-splitting pot for a little more versatility, and I was wondering if there was an opinion about a pickup swap for neck and bridge. I want to be able to sound a little more modern alternative rock with coil split off, (Paramore, Thursday, Taking Back Sunday) and a sweet vintage indie/alternative sound with coil split on, as if using a fender (Brand New, Death Cab). The stock 490R and 498T are really good, and will probably do just fine for what I want, but I was wondering if there might be a better option. Thanks in advance!

 

[blueman335]

Re: Pickup recommendation for new guitar.

Play teh guitar first for a few weeks and put the PU's thru their paces, then decide.

The 498T/490R set drives many players crazy, as the bridge is bright and thin and the neck dark. The easiest solution is to swap mags. Put an A8 in the bridge and an A5 in the neck, and they sound 100% better. The bridge has mids and the treble's under control. Also gives the neck more clarity and definition. Check out the online vids on mag swapping.

 

[LReese]

Re: Pickup recommendation for new guitar.

I'd too play the guitar for a while... But not knowing your skill level with wiring, I'd steer you towards a new pickup, with warranty and everything.

 

[LatsMcGee]

Re: Pickup recommendation for new guitar.

Give them the EMG flip, move the bridge to the neck and the neck to the bridge, you'll be surprised how much more you'll like the stocks in those postions considering how they are voiced....

 

[Aceman]

Re: Pickup recommendation for new guitar.

Give them the EMG flip, move the bridge to the neck and the neck to the bridge, you'll be surprised how much more you'll like the stocks in those postions considering how they are voiced....

I have never heard of this...and have trouble imagining it works. That said - try it.

I agree - set the pups, dial them and the amp in. Are they 4 conductor?!?!?!? Don't even know any more. The 490/98 are much maligned. Either of them is a decent pickup. But I agree - I don't think they are a good combo unless you want a wide ranging guitar*. Also, I know a lot about what sound i DO want and what set will give it to me. Played a J the other day in mty local place. Nice!

As said - If you get them set up and after a while they aren't cutting it stop back and let us know what you need more/less of: Bass, Mid, Treble, output, fat, scream, glass, whatever. Depending on that, a Mag swap may well be in order. Or maybe new pups. Hard to say, I don't know any of those bands. All depends on your skill/comfort and how close/far they are and what sound you need that you don't have.

* My #1 is actually a T-top with a Duncan Distortion. Not the most likely of Combos. Somewhat like a Jazz/A2P neck combo with a mega ceramic screamer in the bridge. I do not goof back and forth with the bridge neck when playing that guitar. I play the bridge, or MAYBE go to the neck for a lead, and that often entails an fx switch. So I don't need two pickups that "match in any way shape or form. Your mileage may vary.

Same with my P-90's I have vintage in the neck, and Custom in the bridge. Good "mix" - NO. But for what each does - perfect!