Gibson 1959 Humbuckers

[Jim H]

I bought a set of these as soon as they came out. What I was thinking I don’t know. What I know now is that I’ll never get my money’s worth just sitting on these things. So, what I decided on (and don’t worry, I didn’t) buying a Custum Shop ES 335 1959 Reissue and putting the 1959’s in. I bought the guitar but couldn’t take those beautiful custombuckers out of there. They sound fantastic! So. I have a gibson custom and decided to take out the 490 & 498 hummers. I wasn’t real crazy about them anyway. I put the 1950’s in. These are the best - sounding pickups I’ve heard! Competes highly with the SD Zephyrs at around the same price. Clearer, warmer. Just incredible!

My advice to you, if you bought a set of 1959 pickups, USE THEM! They’re really ……incredible. 
I’ll get my money’s worth out of playing them.

[Dub-T-123]

Funny how the big question is whether or not you should actually use the $1K pickups 

 

Do you think they’re different than Custombuckers? Kinda hard to compare between 335 and LP

[Jim H]

You’re right. Hard to tell with semi hollow and solid wood but the 1959’s seem to have clearer highs. They’re my new favorites. I might have to sell my others!

 

 

[Company Grip]

A few months ago I did a sound test between the 1959s, the custom buckers and some Seth Lovers. Honestly, for me, the custom buckers were the best! 
 

but, for the OP, I’ve never understood why a good chunk of the custom shop guitars have the 490 and 498 pickup set. To me, I think they are some of Gibsons weakest pickup offerings.