Identifying 490R from 498T by appearance

[patrickBOOTH]

I have a set of 490R & 498T pickups that came out of my lester a while back that I want to sell, but I don't know which is which. Is there a way to tell without installing them in a guitar and hearing them? Thanks in advance.

 

[LtKojak]

Without a multimeter, measure the polepiece space in both p'ups.

The one with a wider spread is the 498T.

HTH,

 

[EvanPC]

Hmmm...Good question. I've been concerned with having this problem myself before. When I removed my Epi's p'ups, I made sure to write on the back side which was which. I could see why someone would not want to do this however, especially for nicer/rarer/vintage/boutique p'ups. Just happened to be my solution though.

If I ever decide to swap out my stock 490R 498T's, I'm not sure what I'll do. I'm curious to see if there's any other tips or tricks someone might lend besides measuring pole pieces, though kudos to Lt if that works.

 

[patrickBOOTH]

Without a multimeter, measure the polepiece space in both p'ups.

The one with a wider spread is the 498T.

HTH,

This makes the most sense. Thank you.

 

[Ed B]

Mine said "Gibson USA" on the back. Turn them so you can read those words and look where the poles are. Up is neck, down is bridge.

 

[patrickBOOTH]

Hmm, wonder if that is consistent?

 

[Ed B]

It was on 2 sets I've had, but I guess you can't be too sure.

Here's the other set. I wrote on them before I picked up on it.

These are from 2008. The others 2006. Still doesn't really mean they're ultra consistent.

Are you selling them as a set? If so don't worry about it.

 

[SKATTERBRANE]

Hmm, wonder if that is consistent?

Yes, it has to be, because one row of screws has a 2-1/16" spacing and flip the backing plate around, and the other row of screws as 1-15/16" spacing. The same backing plate accomodates either spacing. You will also notice the hole for the brass screws are slightly slotted. Whether those brass screws are inboard of the slot or outboard of the slot will be your clue. (Hint, narrower spacing would put the brass screws INBOARD of the slot) So, no measurement needed.

 

[HOT-BRIT]

check resistance with a meter the highest resistance will be the 498T

 

[River]

I couldn't tell mine apart, no way no how. Turns out it's because they were both 490Rs.

Don't assume that what you're supposed to have is what you have. And mine are NOT stamped "Gibson".

 

[patrickBOOTH]

So, uh, is anybody interested in them?

 

[River]

So, uh, is anybody interested in them?

Year, color, make, model?

 

[patrickBOOTH]

Came out of a 2001 Gibson LP standard plus. Nickel covers.

 

[joeobrien]

On a few pickup sets I have bought/removed, the leads are different lengths with the bridge pup lead being significantly shorter than the neck pup. But I guess that's not too reliable.

 

[captain tightpants]

Hmm, wonder if that is consistent?

Yes, at least on "Gibson USA" pickups. Take a look at the "T" imprint on the bottom edges of the base plate in the picture, you can just make it out.

The "T" literally stands for "Treble" as in treble pickup. Screw pole pieces for the bridge pickup are always on the "T" side.