Tell me all about the Gibson 498T

Disagree. I like it. For rock stuff, I can get some great tones with my SG Standard through my Roadster or Marshall. I doesn't seem to handle copious amounts of bass too well though.

Its a little stiff sounding clean, but I haven't found too many humbuckers I love clean. The '57 classics are nice though.
 
HELSTRUME":296jmnza said:
:lol: :LOL: So whats so bad about it?
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well
it works, sounds quite hot, but it sounds sterile and gets muddy easily under high gain, just like the 490t (but much hotter)
I can't even describe the EQ
it's quite flat sounding
some people might like its neutral voicing and compressed tone, but I like pickups with character and clarity

if you want something "cheap" in the same ballpark that doesn't suck, get a duncan custom V or a PRS dragon (not sure if I played the dragon I or II)
 
this is kind of odd, but it is one of my favoite pickups for hard-driven rock bluesy type stuff. i like how the midrange gets a little muddy, i don't really see it as sterile, i sure don't see it as lushious, but i think its a good all around pickup.

if you are going for metal though, i vastly prefer the 500t like steve.
 
The 498t is a bridge version of the 490t but with a higher output and an alnico 5 magnet instead of the alnico 2. Its hotter then your average paf. They come stock in les paul customs ,and they came in lp standards up untill a few yrs ago. They still come in Sg standard also. Its subjective as any pickup and personal taste. I like the 500t better as its a bit hotter, but I liked the 498t better then the burstbuckers i had at that time..
 
the 500t gets muddy very easily too, BUT it has a very strong character, unlike the 498t, and works well with some guitars, specially big mahogany guitars like the flying Vs and explorers they come in
it's like a thicker and hotter duncan distortion
very aggressive, "hairy" and edgy
clean tone sucks, though

I think the OP, being a ceramic guy, would enjoy the 500t much better than a 498t
 
This might be helpful to you.
I've been shooting a bunch of pickup comparison videos lately, comparing different pickups in Les Pauls, and such, trying to find things to swap out the 498t's with.

The SG in the video has a 498t.
I'm not totally sure, but I think the red Studio does as well (it's either that or Burstbuckers, but I think it is a 498t).

Watch in HD, and the 1st :38 seconds are messed up. clears up after that,
 
Great vid. I like the Warcry and distortion the best. Motor city doesn't seem to make a warcry anymore. Looks like i'll do a distortion. Thanks guys.
 
It's mushy under high gain imo, but I only tried it with a pickup cover on and I heard they sound better with exposed coils, don't know if that's a bunch of forum B.S. or not though. :lol: :LOL:
 
Warcry supposedly can't be made any more, as it was a special wire, and he is out of it.

they are Ceramic.


and yes, that LPC is now my go to guitar.

That, through my Marshall DSL100, and my Mark V, and my Twin Jet (the amps I have tried it with so far) is absolutely crushing.

keep in mind, these videos were only shot with a Q3HD, so you can't experience the actual sound, just get an idea...in person...it shakes the windows!
 
I've played through an uncovered 490/498 set in my Gibson Les Paul for >10 years (see avatar). I've always enjoyed the hi gain tone until I read too many forum reviews, lol. I may change them out one day just for an experiment.....
 
I think they are fine, in the right guitar.


what guitar that is, I don't know, but...they worked for me for years as well.

until I discovered there was better out there...
 
^ Damn you all, making me GAS for pickups! My axe electronics are in need of attention- inconsistant pickup selector, scratchy pots, etc.....so may as well upgrade the pickups if money allows. I'm thinking if I have the cash Bare Knuckle, otherwise maybe a Seymore Duncan? I like my tone as is, but always seek improvement. I'll go through that video for research, thanks
 
crankyrayhanky":19mvg6zv said:
I've played through an uncovered 490/498 set in my Gibson Les Paul for >10 years (see avatar). I've always enjoyed the hi gain tone until I read too many forum reviews, lol. I may change them out one day just for an experiment.....
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I like them too. My buddy has one in a LP custom and it sounds great. Good chunky tone in that beast,

Schaf
 
crankyrayhanky":2vltugw4 said:
I've played through an uncovered 490/498 set in my Gibson Les Paul for >10 years (see avatar). I've always enjoyed the hi gain tone until I read too many forum reviews, lol. I may change them out one day just for an experiment.....
Click to expand...

That's classic GAS...the grass is always greener right?

My favorite guitar for the longest time was a Gibson Gothic studio....straight out 498t/490r setup....I think the pickups were perfect for that guitar..but you always get left wondering by the sheer volume of PU choices :-)
 
ive played through hundreds of pickups in 27 yrs of playing and came to this conclusion....if you play gr8 youl sound gr8 if you suck youll always suck dosnt matter what youre using.......All gibson pickups are good,rather fond of them and i own/owned many many other types and brands...............the 500t sounds awesome with my V
 
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