replacement for 498T?

[eric22rr]

I've read about pretty much every SD pup, and tons of posts on the forum about the 498T, so I have a good idea what some of you will recommend, but I thought I'd ask directly.

I have a lefty Gibson LP with the original 498T in the bridge position (I had swapped out the neck for a 59 -- I love it!)

I want to swap out the 498T on the bridge. I'd like a pup with more sustain, maybe a little bit less harsh... I'll mainly be using it for distorted parts (I use the 59 more for my cleans.)

So basically, I'm looking for something similar to my 498T, but with more sustain, slightly more output, and a little less harsh-sounding. Maybe something a little bit darker sounding, but not too much -- the 59 takes care of that super-dark sound.

Any ideas?

Thanks!

 

[GuitarDoc]

Re: replacement for 498T?

Pearly Gates or '57 Classic or (for more output) Custom8.

 

[eric22rr]

Re: replacement for 498T?

Is there an SD one that's similar to the 57 classic?

 

[brunogio]

Re: replacement for 498T?

Before you do that, try an A4 or A8 magnet in that pup and see if it does what you want. If not, I reaaly like the 57 classic in LPs bridge.

 

[super rad stuff]

Re: replacement for 498T?

you'd probably like any of the customs by the sound of it, most likely a C5 imo.

 

[blueman335]

Re: replacement for 498T?

You already have the PU you want, it just doesn't have the right magnet in it. Put an A8 in your 498T, and it will have a little more output, more mids, less treble, a fuller sound with a balanced EQ, and not sound harsh anymore. Takes 10 minutes to swap a magnet and the skill level of the average 12-year old.

BTW, you could have gotten pretty close to the '59N tone by putting an A5 in your 490R. A lot of times with HB's, a mag swap is all that is needed to get your EQ where you want it. No need to be buying PU's all the time.

The 498T/490R pair geneates a lot of controversy because the PU's are so mismatched EQ-wise, but put an A8 in the bridge and an A5 in the neck, and you won't believe how good they sound. Basically, they become Gibson's version of a C8/'59N. I use C8's and A8 498T's interchangeably, as I do '59N's and A5 490R's. Mix and match.

 

[GuitarDoc]

Re: replacement for 498T?

Actually, an A8 in that 498t may give you what you want, including a bit more output. A simple, cheap and quick fix. If it doesn't give you what you need, try the PG (one of the best sounding, most versatile pups made, imho).

 

[hamerfan]

Re: replacement for 498T?

Actually, an A8 in that 498t may give you what you want, including a bit more output. A simple, cheap and quick fix. If it doesn't give you what you need, try the PG (one of the best sounding, most versatile pups made, imho).

Yeah, that works. Maybe you have to back dowe the 498T A8 to get a good match with the 59N

 

[SFW]

Re: replacement for 498T?

IMHO, the Custom sounds like it will do the trick for you.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: replacement for 498T?

I'd buy a Custom first. Most likely, you'll dig it. The Custom/59n set is very hard to dislike.

Then, if you want to change it to an C5 or C8, you can do it.

Or, if money's tight, take the above advice and simply buy an Alnico 8 magnet, and see how that works for you.

The main thing is that the Duncan Custom wind has a sweeter more refined sound, compared to the 498T wind, which is also 14.4K but is a tad grittier and aggressive sounding. The 498T is basically a less refined sounding Custom 5.
The Custom is a tiny bit heavier sounding, and the C8 is in that same ballpark.

 

[eric22rr]

Re: replacement for 498T?

I forgot to mention -- I use drop D, w/everything down 1 step (CGCFAD).

The SD site says that the Duncan Custom™ SH-5 and TB-5 are good for drop tunings... Should that be a better choice than the custom five or magnet-switch, considering what I said above...

 

[eric22rr]

Re: replacement for 498T?

I forgot to mention -- I use drop D, w/everything down 1 step (CGCFAD).

The SD site says that the Duncan Custom™ SH-5 and TB-5 are good for drop tunings... Should that be a better choice than the custom five or magnet-switch, considering what I said above...

 

[blueman335]

Re: replacement for 498T?

I forgot to mention -- I use drop D, w/everything down 1 step (CGCFAD).

The SD site says that the Duncan Custom™ SH-5 and TB-5 are good for drop tunings... Should that be a better choice than the custom five or magnet-switch, considering what I said above...

Put a ceramic in that 498T, and you'll be close to a SH-5. I'll send you a ceramic if you need one.