Re: Pots and caps
Is the '59 in the bridge of the Epi a '59B or '59N? Either way, '59's and 490's are both PAF's, so the hotter one should be in the bridge (do you have a multi meter?).
The 498T/490R set is very good too, but I swap magnets in mine; I put an A5 in the neck for better clarity, and if the bridge is still too bright in comparion, I'll put an A8 in that (gives it more mids and body).
As far as pots, I'd certainly use two 250K's on both bridge PU's, and 500K's on the neck.
I'm the king of mid-priced imports, Epi's in particular, and you're not really going to hear a lot of difference in upgraded pots and caps, and then it's mainly only when you turn them down. Some experienced guys here say there's a noticeable difference in upgrading, and other experienced guys say there's little if any. If you're going to use 250K's, that would be an excuse to put in some CTS. If you're going 500K all around, I'd use the stock pots. The number one upgrade mid-priced imports need for a significant improvement in tone is PU's, everything else is secondary, and there is little consensus on those.
In the name of science, you could use the stock pots for a little while, then upgrade, and tell us what, if any, difference you hear. These true life stories make this forum so riveting.
