software

I am going to replace the stock 498T amp; 490R pickups in a '93 LP Standard with a set of Alnico 2 Pros. Will my tone be noticeably warmer, or is the difference between the two negligible? (If you can't tell, I have NO idea what I'm doing!)

It will sound clearer - that's for sure =)

The Alnico II bridge pickup has a lower more vintage output than the 498T and will be much smoother, lacking the upper midrange spike that the 498T has. The Alnico II neck model is in the same ballpark (output-wise) as the 490R, but will probably sound crisper and clearer. The problem I had with the 490R/498T combo was that the bridge sounded harsh and piercing while the neck sounded woolly and muddy - worst of both worlds! The Alnico II Pro set will give you a much better balanced and clearer tone.

A really worthwhile change, while you're doing the pickups, would be to change all the pots to CTS 500K audio taper. They will further open up the tone of the guitar and give you more precise control over your volume. A '93 LP probably has 300K linear volume pots - changing to 500K audios will make a big difference and really show off those new pickups!

And if you DO change the pots, it would be rude not to do the tone caps while you're in there - .022 Orange Drops are nice.


Originally Posted by Simon_FThe problem I had with the 490R/498T combo was that the bridge sounded harsh and piercing while the neck sounded woolly and muddy - worst of both worlds!

Exactly my problem, Simon! I almost never use my bridge pickup becasue it's just too harsh for my taste. I don't have a big problem with the 490R, but I would like some added clarity.

Beside giving me greater control over my volume and tone, are there any other benefits to changing the pots to 500K?


Originally Posted by Big BlueBeside giving me greater control over my volume and tone(and cool orange drop caps!), are there any other benefits to changing the pots to 500K?

The guitar sounds a bit louder and brighter. The added brightness is great for getting the neck pickup clearer and more articulate. You can fatten up the bridge pickup by rolling back the tone control. It just opens the guitar up and gives you a wider range of tonal possibilities. I found it made the guitar a lot more versatile.


Originally Posted by Simon_F490R/498T combo was that the bridge sounded harsh and piercing while the neck sounded woolly and muddy - worst of both worlds!

A bit OT but... in my Paul (thinner than a regular Paul, SG thickness all mahogany, 498T 490R) I found the bridge to be a bit muddy to my tastes, and the neck pickup to lack depth and thickness (plinky and bright for my taste)

I initially disliked what I found to be a quot;lack of bassquot; in the 498 until I had the guitar setup properly and found that the real problem was that the lower strings were dead against uneven fretwork. The 498 sounds about perfect to my ears now, nice and balanced, maybe just a little harsh, but too muddy if anythings.

The 490 sounds great clean, nice and jazzy, articulate, but won't give a very rounded tone when distorted.

my experience.

Slade


Originally Posted by Simon_FThe Alnico II bridge pickup has a lower more vintage output than the 498T and will be much smoother, lacking the upper midrange spike that the 498T has. The Alnico II neck model is in the same ballpark (output-wise) as the 490R, but will probably sound crisper and clearer. The problem I had with the 490R/498T combo was that the bridge sounded harsh and piercing while the neck sounded woolly and muddy - worst of both worlds! The Alnico II Pro set will give you a much better balanced and clearer tone.

A really worthwhile change, while you're doing the pickups, would be to change all the pots to CTS 500K audio taper. They will further open up the tone of the guitar and give you more precise control over your volume. A '93 LP probably has 300K linear volume pots - changing to 500K audios will make a big difference and really show off those new pickups!

And if you DO change the pots, it would be rude not to do the tone caps while you're in there - .022 Orange Drops are nice.

I'm completely with Simon. The 500K's really open up a LP. Back when I had a LP Custom I changed out the 490 with a 57 classic b/c I didn't like the tone at all. The 57 sounded much better, BUT it was too muddy with overdrive. So I switched magnets with the 498T so I had a gibson 59 style neck and a Gibson CC style bridge. Putting the A2 mag in the bridge really calmed down the top end and loosened the low end, but in a good way!

The A2P's are very warm and much clearer than the Gibson pups that I've had, tried. They do vintage, they do modern, and they do it well.

Luke