Members stratedge09 Posted June 1, 2012 Members Share Posted June 1, 2012 I got the guitar about 3 months ago and I still have the stock 490t in the bridge and it doesn't have the high output I like. I want a pickup to push my amp (Peavey Classic 50 410) pretty hard but still be able to get good clean sounds out of it. I have some choices narrowed down, but anymore suggestions would be appreciated, here are the choices: Dimarzio - Super Dist Duncan - 59/custom hybrid, JB, or Distortion Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members PunkKitty Posted June 1, 2012 Members Share Posted June 1, 2012 Talk to Ken at Rose Pickups. He can wind something for you that will cost the same or less than any of the Dimarzio/Duncans. If you don't want to go that route, take a look at the Tone Zone from Dimarzio. It's a really nice and versatile pickup. L-90s from Bill Lawrence (Wilde) are another great option. They look a bit unorthodox. But they sound awesome. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members kayd_mon Posted June 1, 2012 Members Share Posted June 1, 2012 I find that the Duncan JB drives amps well (better sound than the Distortion, IMO), and its cleans are fine. I think it could pair well with the stock 490R in the neck. Some people hate the pickup - I think it's pretty good. They're popular, so you should be able to find a used one without too much trouble. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Yer Blues Posted June 1, 2012 Members Share Posted June 1, 2012 The 59 is not a very hot pickup. I have a JB in the bridge of one guitar and got a 59 in the bridge of another... I wish I would have just went with another JB. Not everyone likes the JB, but I like it very much. It has a nice bite to it, IMO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members GCDEF Posted June 1, 2012 Members Share Posted June 1, 2012 57 Classic Plus. It'll still give you that classic Gibson sound but with more output. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members sdgails Posted June 1, 2012 Members Share Posted June 1, 2012 498T Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members kayd_mon Posted June 1, 2012 Members Share Posted June 1, 2012 498T I know I said JB before, since that's what you listed in the OP, but I like Gibson pickups better. I'd check for these. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members stratedge09 Posted June 1, 2012 Author Members Share Posted June 1, 2012 Thanks for the tips guys, keep em coming. I had a JB before and remember loving it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members bluesnapper Posted June 1, 2012 Members Share Posted June 1, 2012 I believe those guitars come with 300K volume pots? Try upgrading to 500K before buying a new pickup - I find the 490T lacks in definition and can sound quite muddy, but a 500K pots made a massive difference - you can drive it harder and still get some clarity and treble coming through. You should probably change the pots up to 500k anyway if you swap pickups - so why not try it first? It'll only cost you $10.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members stratedge09 Posted June 1, 2012 Author Members Share Posted June 1, 2012 I believe those guitars come with 300K volume pots?Try upgrading to 500K before buying a new pickup - I find the 490T lacks in definition and can sound quite muddy, but a 500K pots made a massive difference - you can drive it harder and still get some clarity and treble coming through.You should probably change the pots up to 500k anyway if you swap pickups - so why not try it first? It'll only cost you $10.... Gibson PCB is the problem haha, so I have to do a complete rewire regardless. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members PunkKitty Posted June 1, 2012 Members Share Posted June 1, 2012 Then maybe try a complete rewire to see how it works with the stock 490s. The 498T is a great option. It's designed to work well with the 490r. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Funkwire Posted June 1, 2012 Members Share Posted June 1, 2012 Yeah, replace the PCB before you change out the bridge pup. You might like how it sounds after the re-wire. But going by your description of what you want, and the fact you prefer Gibson pups...498T sounds like the ticket. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members stratedge09 Posted June 1, 2012 Author Members Share Posted June 1, 2012 Alright I have some good options here haha. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members backtoblue Posted June 1, 2012 Members Share Posted June 1, 2012 I have a faded SG as well and installed the SD Hot Rodded set. Works great for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members stratedge09 Posted June 1, 2012 Author Members Share Posted June 1, 2012 I have a faded SG as well and installed the SD Hot Rodded set. Works great for me. I was really leaning toward the JB, is it nice and thick sounding in your SG? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members gt5litre Posted June 1, 2012 Members Share Posted June 1, 2012 How about a magnet swap on the 490T; perhaps an Alnico V for a hotter tone or Alnico 8 for a big jump in pop. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Marc G Posted June 1, 2012 Members Share Posted June 1, 2012 I just put a JB in my SG classic... it's working really well, its not super high output but it sounds great IMO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members matt rhoades Posted June 1, 2012 Members Share Posted June 1, 2012 I used to own an SG like that i put a JB in it sounded fine. I really like the sd-5 custom to. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members stratedge09 Posted June 1, 2012 Author Members Share Posted June 1, 2012 Anyone have any experience with the Dimarzio Super Distortion? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members PunkKitty Posted June 1, 2012 Members Share Posted June 1, 2012 No. But I have experience with the DiMarzio Tone Zone. It sounds like it might be just what you are looking for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members stratedge09 Posted June 1, 2012 Author Members Share Posted June 1, 2012 SO MANY CHOICES! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members stratedge09 Posted June 2, 2012 Author Members Share Posted June 2, 2012 Any other suggestions? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Sic666 Posted June 2, 2012 Members Share Posted June 2, 2012 Anyone have any experience with the Dimarzio Super Distortion? Dimarzio SS its an awesome pickup I had it on my old epiphone les paul and then later i gave it to a band mate of mine to put it in his epiphone les paul and it sounded amazing. For the neck check out paf pro since it goes perfect wit the SS. BTW i had that same SG 490 its pretty good for heavy distortion I used to play as i lay dying songs with it and the tone was spot on with the band's tone thouhg later i changed them to EMGs great pickups but i felt later that the stock one where so much better since then i dont mod my guitars. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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