Should you Change Your SG Pickups? 490R 498T VS Classic 57's
Compare
Gibson 490R "Modern Classic" vs Gibson 57 Classic
Gibson 490R "Modern Classic"
neck humbucker
83 match
low confidence
Gibson 57 Classic
neck humbucker
We found no spec differences between them worth calling out.
Specs side by side
| Spec | Gibson 490R "Modern Classic" | Gibson 57 Classic |
|---|---|---|
| DC resistance | 8k | 8k |
| Inductance | not measured | not measured |
| Magnet | Alnico 2 | Alnico 2 |
| Coil | Hum-cancelling | Hum-cancelling |
| Slot | neck humbucker | neck humbucker |
| Traits | vintage output, soft & warm | vintage output, soft & warm |
How close on each spec
100 means identical on that spec. The score weighs these, and counts anything we couldn't compare as a typical difference. How scoring works
Output
100
DC resistance (no inductance for one of them)
Magnet
100
both Alnico 2
Coil
100
same coil type
Not compared: brightness, mids, bass (a spec is missing for at least one of them).
Videos
Featuring both
Gibson 490R "Modern Classic"
Gibson 490R & 498T pickups demo, 1998 Gibson Les Paul Standard Double Cutaway
Gibson 57 Classic
Gibson 57 Classic Pickups Demo (No Commentary)
Humbucker Shootout: Gibson Classic 57s Vs. Burstbucker Pro
What players and reviewers say
On the Gibson 490R "Modern Classic"
“The 490r/490t set is closest to the A2P.”
Comparing with Seymour Duncan Alnico II Pro (APH-1), Gibson 490T "Modern Classic", Seymour Duncan Alnico II Pro (APH-1), Seymour Duncan 59 Model (SH-1)
On the Gibson 57 Classic
“Sound nothing like the Gibson 57 Classic to me…..which I find boxy and blurry sounding. The Dimarzios are really open and clear.”
Comparing with DiMarzio PAF 57
“I can see why people say they can be muddy, but I like the fatness they bring to the sound.”
Full reviews
Gibson 490R "Modern Classic"
None collected yet.