[Classicplayer]

I have a 2000 Classic. For three years I played it with the stock pups. I adjusted them quite a bit lower than normal just to see if I could get them
to sound cleaner. The ceramics always seem to have some edge to them that was not always desirable IMHO. I had read in reviews that other owners of the Classic noticed the same thing. They kept the ceramics and just lowered them somewhat to quiet them down. I still was not satisfied, so I put a pair of Duncan '59s in. I found the '59s to have more options in tone. They still are
good for that Classic Rock grind, but clean up much better when I need a cleaner tone. I kept the original pups, but still am running the '59s, I'm satisfied. And, if I someday sell the guitar I can offer the original ceramics as part of any sale. I'm not saying the 496R and the 500T are not good sounding.
Some Classic owners would not think of parting with them. I think that there are other pickups out there on the market that work just as well and will sound more versatile.

Classicplayer