Actual Pickup Output Ratings

[Tuff Lion]

Bless All! I am extremely curious to know if anyone has any numerical output or (k?) values for the various models of Gibson

pickups. I have used my Smartwood LP (490R & 498T) for 10 years straight in recordings and touring and now it's time to give her a well deserved rest. I am a livicated Gibson player and want to try something different in my SG. It is currently outfitted with 490R & 490T pickups. Sadly, I find this "stock" pairing lacking. I know that there is a definite difference in them all but I think that it would help me to better "overstand" my options with regard to having a familiar sound or moving forward with a pickup that has just a touch of grind when pushed. Additionally, do the other electrical components (capacitors, resistors and pots, have to be considered in my quest for a difference? I have been learning what I can about the "Nashville wiring" business but it seems that most of that talk is about not losing the openess of your sound when using the instruments volume controls. I hope that any responses will be of benefit to us all.

 

One

[tonyg]

I've asked the same question on many different forums, including this one and no one seems to be able to provide an answer. I have looked on Harmony Central and there are some estimated outputs on there, but Gibson don't seem to be able to/want to?? provide these specs.

Just had a quick look on HC and the specs range from 7.12 to 8.2 for the 490R and the range for the 498T is even more puzzling, 8.3 to 14.1??!!

Cheers

Tony

[thejay]

There is a diagram of rating on Gibsons site found under pickups... you could check that out.

[max2343]

Here-ya Go.

I own just about every single one exept for the 57 Classics and a few others.

 

I can tell-ya I pulled the 490T & R's out of my 91 SG and intalles the 500T & 496R and I love-em in the thinner lighter SG and then a few years later installed the 490T & R combo in a real Heavy Pancake style body (a 12 pounder) a they smoke in the Heavier bodys for some unknown reason.

 

Go figure and they do come in and sound Great in the Customs.