Replacement suggestions for 498T with a 490R in neck positions

fendrix · Jul 8, 2018

Hi All,

I recently purchased a Les Paul tribute and I find the bridge pickup (498T) a bit too harsh sounding and trebbly for my taste. If I lower the volume, set the tone knob at 3 and use the middle switch position I can tolerate it, but it is definitely not what I'm looking for. On the other hand, I like that it has balls and drives the amp easily but I'm looking for an slightly darker, better balanced pickup with a little bit more vintage character to it.

As for the 490R in the bridge I really like it, I think the low E and A strings can easily get a bit muddy but its controllable IMO. So I'm thinking about keeping the neck pickup and finding a Gibson replacement with quick connect ( Otherwise I would have to ditch the full pcb )

What would you guys suggest? I mostly play hard rock ( led zeppelin, kyuss, qotsa, BRMC..)

Many Thanks in advance!

LtKojak · Jul 8, 2018

fendrix said:
What would you guys suggest? I mostly play hard rock ( led zeppelin, kyuss, qotsa, BRMC..)

What I'd do is the following: buy an A3 from any known dealer, like addictionFX, Mojotone or Philadelphialuthiertools, put it in the 490R, and the A2 coming out of the 490R in the 498T.

Reset the amp settings as it was a new guitar and you'll have a tonefootprint suitable to play the styles you've named. Investment: ca. ten bucks tops.

I've made this very mag swap in at least fifteen instruments with a high level of satisfaction in all cases.

fendrix · Jul 9, 2018

LtKojak said:
What I'd do is the following: buy an A3 from any known dealer, like addictionFX, Mojotone or Philadelphialuthiertools, put it in the 490R, and the A2 coming out of the 490R in the 498T.

Reset the amp settings as it was a new guitar and you'll have a tonefootprint suitable to play the styles you've named. Investment: ca. ten bucks tops.

I've made this very mag swap in at least fifteen instruments with a high level of satisfaction in all cases.

Thanks a lot, yea definitely going to try that magnet swap. why do you suggest Alnico 3 and not 2 for instance in the neck PU, is it brighter?

LtKojak · Jul 9, 2018

fendrix said:
Thanks a lot, yea definitely going to try that magnet swap. why do you suggest Alnico 3 and not 2 for instance in the neck PU, is it brighter?

Being the 490R a. "wooly" wind, the A3 is the better suited mag for it, as it'll tight up the bass and add clarity and articulation, without losing any body or fullness.

Mr. Papa · Jul 9, 2018

I can attest that I tried LtKojak's other suggested magnet swap for this set, A8/A4 (I think?) and the results were fantastic.

fendrix · Jul 11, 2018

LtKojak said:
Being the 490R a. "wooly" wind, the A3 is the better suited mag for it, as it'll tight up the bass and add clarity and articulation, without losing any body or fullness.

Awesome, thanks a lot man!

Just a few more questions tho. I see those retailers are Based in the US. Do you know any reliable UK based store for the magnets?

Also.. There are different sizes such as 62mm and 58mm, and surfaces ( rough cast or polished) . Which should I order?

A3 sounds like a great idea for neck PU, as for the bridge why not UO5 or A4?

Grazie mille man,

LtKojak · Jul 11, 2018

fendrix said:
Awesome, thanks a lot man!

Just a few more questions tho. I see those retailers are Based in the US. Do you know any reliable UK based store for the magnets?

Also.. There are different sizes such as 62mm and 58mm, and surfaces ( rough cast or polished) . Which should I order?

A3 sounds like a great idea for neck PU, as for the bridge why not UO5 or A4?

Grazie mille man,

There are several tried-and-true mag combos that come from over fifteen years of experience of moonlightning as a guitar tech in my neck of woods.

You'll be shortly getting a PM. Stay tuned!

Yours very truly,

Replacement suggestions for 498T with a 490R in neck positions

fendrix

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LtKojak

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fendrix

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LtKojak

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Mr. Papa

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fendrix

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LtKojak

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