Gibson 498T & 490R 2016 Chrome Quick-Connect From SG Standard
Gibson’s 498T and 490R pickups (“T” for treble, and “R” for rhythm) have the traditional characteristics of the original “Patent Applied For” pickups of the late 1950s, with a few upgrades.
These pickups take advantage of wax potting, which does away with any air space inside the pickup, therefore lessening the chances of microphonic feedback. The result is a humbucker with the tonal characteristics of an original PAF, with a slight increase in upper mid-range response.
The Gibson 498T bridge pickup is the 490R’s ideal complement. Taking the 490R one step further, the 498T is wound a little hotter and also swaps the Alnico II magnet for an Alnico V, giving it more punch and greater emphasis on midrange and highs.
The pole pieces on the 498T are also aligned a little further apart to accommodate the spacing of the strings at the bridge, which is different than the spacing of the strings at the neck.
Pickups - Magnet Material Gibson’s 490R pickup carries an Alnico II bar magnet, while the 498T carries an Alnico V bar magnet.
Magnet Material - Tonal Characteristics Used together, the 490R and 498T make one of the most versatile humbucking pickup sets available.
In the neck position, the former yields juicy, warm vocal tones with outstanding clarity, while the latter in the bridge position excels at everything from bright jangle through a clean amp to wailing overdrive with near-infinite sustain through a high-gain amp.
Selected together, the pair gives you everything from funky to greasy, depending upon amp and effects settings.
