Gibson Pickup magnet type questions...

[lexluthier72]

Hey all,
I have a few questions....

1.) is the only difference between a 496R and a 490T the magnet type, or is the wire of a different type????....(I have both and the ohm readings are very similar)

2.) I have a zebra coil T-top with a large ceramic magnet, and long slugs. I thought all T-tops were thin alnico magnets/short slugs....any idea is this is original, and when did they change (year specific)?????

-Erin

 

[lexluthier72]

I think I found the answer to question 1...someone correct me if Im wrong...you know what they say about finding info on the internet....The 496 coils are overwound slightly...I couldnt find any info about wire type....So, putting in an Alnico II magnet may make the pickup too dark....
Still waiting for one of the P.U. experts to answer question number 2.
-E.

 

[EFK]

If it's a real t-top from the 60s/70s, most likely someone back in the 80s 'hot rodded' it w/ a ceramic mag and longer slugs. If the ceramic mag is thicker, the longer slugs were necessary to ensure full contact w/ the mag without pushing them down below the top of the bobbin. I remember a few friends buying 'kits' like this somewhere back in the mid/late 80s but can't remember where they came from.

 

[lexluthier72]

EFK...Thanks for the info...its a 70s stamped pat no. I will most likely order an A2 magnet and short slugs....Can anyone tell me more about the differences between the 490/496....Mainly are the coils in fact wound differently? (ie, type of wire/number of turns)
-Erin

 

[lexluthier72]

So....I emailed Gibson Tech support, and here is thier answer....It looks as if the 490T and the 496R share the same bobbins.....=) Below is the copied email.....
-E.



I wrote:

Hello there,
I was wondering if you could tell me more about the differences between the 490T and the 496R. I have both and they are around the same ohm output reading. Are the coils wound differently, or is the only difference the magnet type. Thanks.
-Erin Randolph


Gibson's Reply:

Hi Erin,

Thanks for the email. The 490T has an Alnico II magnet, while the 496R uses a ceramic magnet, giving it a more aggressive tone. Thanks again!

 

[SKATTERBRANE]

They make 490R/490T or 498T that have AlNiCo magnets. They make 496R and 500T that have ceramic magnets. You do not find a 490T and a 496R in the same guitar from the factory. They come in the following combinations: 490R/490T or 490R/498T or 496R/500T. You are mixing apples and oranges.

R=Rhythm T=Treble. You would NOT have a 496R and a 490T, the 496R (in the neck) would overwhelm the 490T (in the bridge)

R and T have different pole spacing. R is vintage spacing and T is bridge spacing. All 57 Classics and Burstbuckers and PAF style pickups use the R spacing reguardless if they are neck or bridge placed.

 

[SKATTERBRANE]

T-Tops came in various configurations. T-Top is NOT a model of pickup, it is slang that came from type of bobbins used from 1965 (or so) to 1980 (or so) Different models of pickups were made using T-Top bobbins through the years, like for example the original "Dirty Fingers" ,

 

[SKATTERBRANE]

In the 90s (for example) the USA Standards had either 490R (neck)/490T (bridge) or 490R (neck)/498T (bridge). The Classics had 496R (neck)/500T (bridge). Any T pickup has wider pole spacing than any R pickup, so the bobbins are not exactly the same, but are of the same style.

The 498T is wound hotter than the 490T (think 57 Classic plus vs normal 57 Classic, or Burstbucker 3 vs Burstbucker 2)

The 496R and 500T use much stronger ceramic magnets, in fact the 500T has THREE magnets.

Obviously (according to your measurements) the ceramic 496R neck pickups are wound about the same as 490T bridge pickups, so it follows the same as 490R neck pickups too.

 

[captain tightpants]

I have a 496R that reads quite a bit hotter than ANY 490R or T pickup that I have. My 496 reads 8.87 on my meter, my 490's read 8.53, 8.17 (490T's), 8.03, and 7.98 (490R's). That one hot 490T has a very similar tone to the 496 with an A2 mag.

I've used the 496 in several guitars with both an Alnico 2 and 5 magnets as a bridge pickup, I really like it. Oddly enough, I haven't tried it with it's ceramic magnet.

 

[SKATTERBRANE]

I hope I have cleared things up?

 

[jonesy]

I have the 490/498 in 2006 LP Studio, I was thinking about swapping out the A II's magnets for A V's What do you think that will do for my pickups Tone Wise??

 

[SKATTERBRANE]

Gibson pickup output measurements are all over the place on ALL their models. I have had normal 57 Classics that were hotter than 57 Classic pluses. I think people put too much emphasis on the ohm readings. A 496R with a A2 magnet becomes a 490R in essence! Same pickup, different magnet! It is like putting a A2 magnet in a Burstbucker Pro, it now becomes a Burstbucker 1.

 

[SKATTERBRANE]

I have the 490/498 in 2006 LP Studio, I was thinking about swapping out the A II's magnets for A V's What do you think that will do for my pickups Tone Wise??

Harder feel, less compression, more scooped in the mids. Probably less muddy.

 

[captain tightpants]

Gibson pickup output measurements are all over the place on ALL their models. I have had normal 57 Classics that were hotter than 57 Classic pluses. I think people put too much emphasis on the ohm readings. A 496R with a A2 magnet becomes a 490R in essence! Same pickup, different magnet! It is like putting a A2 magnet in a Burstbucker Pro, it now becomes a Burstbucker 1.

Oh, I'm not arguing that, just stating my findings. Like I said, that hot 490T sounds a lot like the A2'd 496R. And yeah, Gibson Ohm readings are all over the place

 

[jonesy]

Harder feel, less compression, more scooped in the mids. Probably less muddy.

That is kind of what I have been hearing, I may end up doing that?

 

[lexluthier72]

Skatterbrain...thanks for the good info. I know they dont come in the same guitar, my question was if I replace the magnet in the 496R would I come out with tone similar to a 490T, or something else....Gibson confirmed that The coils are wound the same (or approximately the same) on both pickup models(aside from the coil spacing).
-Erin

 

[captain tightpants]

Didn't I say that ?

 

[lexluthier72]

Yeah...I was trying to find that post...but somehow a search and I couldnt find it....besides, theres a fine line between similar and nailed on the money. Plus I have heard so many differing opinions, I just wanted a second opinion...on another note...further digging in the pickup stash at the shop revealed a matched set...490R/498T(alnico) So, although now I have the info, I most likely will keep the 496 I have stock!
-E.

Edit...Keep in mind Capt...Ive had severe brain fry this week...

 

[captain tightpants]

Just ribbin' you a little! It's what I do...

 

[jonesy]

Oh, I'm not arguing that, just stating my findings. Like I said, that hot 490T sounds a lot like the A2'd 496R. And yeah, Gibson Ohm readings are all over the place