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  1. Originally posted by RattleandHum1988:[..]

    Unfortunately they're not T-Tops. I don't know exactly what they're called, like 500T and 496R pickups? I'm not too sure what they are, but apparently they're more for hard rock, like metal. But I'll probably switch them out for T-Tops not too long after I get the beast. Thanks for the congrats man! And yes, of course the covers and knobs will have to go on. Haha. Edge-mitzvah. Nice.

    Alex


    500t/496r combo isn't horrible at all. T-Tops or Seth Lovers would be a bit more Edge-y. T-tops, ideally.

    Happy Edge-Mitzvah. I guess that means we all have to give you cards with money in them now? Hahahaha

    Mazel-Edge. (congratulations)
  2. Originally posted by RattleandHum1988:Well my U2 guitar mates, I've finally bought the King of all Edge guitars. A Gibson explorer. It cost about 1250$ off Ebay. I'm really happy about this one. Can't wait to get it!!! It should be really cool to just start playing 11 o clock tick tock on this thing. But yea, it should have a really great rock sound too. Time to get out the OD pedals! Here's a pic.
    [image]

    I'll post more when it comes in the mail. And yes, I'll be putting gold pickup covers and gold speed knobs on it to match The Edges. Awesome!!!


    Looks like a beauty. Congrats, Alex. I'm still saving up for my Explorer
  3. Originally posted by anstratdubh1979:[..]

    500t/496r combo isn't horrible at all. T-Tops or Seth Lovers would be a bit more Edge-y. T-tops, ideally.

    Happy Edge-Mitzvah. I guess that means we all have to give you cards with money in them now? Hahahaha

    Mazel-Edge. (congratulations)


    What's does the 500t/496r sound like? I hear they're very hot and good for metal, which isn't really what I'm looking for. I'm sure I'll be fine with them for a while, and I'll still love the guitar and all, but eventually I'll want some more, how did you put it, Edge-y pickups. How much do T-Tops go for now days? I can't seem to find them on ebay or anywhere. And which Seth Lovers are you talking about? Can you point me towards a specific set?

    And thanks Nate! Keep saving for your explorer, then we can have an Explor-War!

    Alex
  4. The 500T is a ceramic pickup which is good for metal but not so usable for rock / pop; the 496R is the matching neck pickup. Gibson also makes the hot 498T and the not-so-hot 490T for bridge position. They pair both the 490T and the 498T with the 490R neck pickup which is a good match. Gibson also makes the Burstbuckers #1 (vintage neck), #2 (vintage bridge or hot neck) and #3 (hot bridge) which are said to be authentic sounding but slightly microphonic - because they're not waxed. But the Pro- Burstbuckers have rave reviews and are waxed - slightly hotter than a PAF. Gibson also makes the well- reviewed but way overpriced (even in comparison to other Gibson pickups) Tony Iommi Signature pickup - somewhere in between 498T and 500T. I believe all of those except the 500T / 496R combo are Alnico pickups.

    One of my electrics is a mahagoni set neck dual humbucker guitar (no Gibson / Epiphone LP / EX / FV but a Squier Deluxe Double Fat Tele - made by Cort in Korea). I installed a pair of 490R / 498T and I'm completely happy with the axe. I recommend the 490R / 498T combo for all those who want to rock hard but not too heavy. Since Gibson uses them as stock pickups for most LPs you can get them for reasonable prices on ebay.

    Alex
  5. Seth Lover humbuckers. (Seth INVENTED Gibson's original PAF humbuckers)
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seth_Lover

    Seymour Duncan SH55 Seth Lover Humbucker Pickup - they are about $105.00 each.

    Others? The list of good pickups is long and subjective. Budget-wise, the Seymour Duncan '59s. Better options start at the Duncan Seth Lovers and go up for Lollars, Fralins, Holmes, etc. (from U2 Rec List FAQ's)

    There is a 1976 on e-bay right now. They want a ridiculous $6K for it. They are great guitars but $6K is a bit much. (link below)

    http://cgi.ebay.com/1976-GIBSON-EXPLORER---LIMITED-EDITION-ORIGINAL-REISSUE_W0QQitemZ290261977890QQcmdZViewItemQQimsxZ20080920?IMSfp=TL080920114009r24769

    He's also got it listed on Craiglist for $6500.00 - Either they've gone up in value - substantially - or there are some greedy (or rather hopeful) MOFO's out there.

    http://asheville.craigslist.org/msg/849912127.html
  6. Of course the SD Seth Lover is an option. SD is always an option - I've got a QuarterPounder in my Mex Nashville Tele and a Little59 in my self- assembled Mex DLX / HWY1 Strat. I just thought he asked for Gibson pickups.

    If I were limited to a budget I'd skip SD and go for GFS pickups without hesitation. They are incredible value for money. I've got a pair of GFS Liverpool in my chinese Gretsch copy and love how they sound. But would I install 25$ pickups into a 1000$ guitar? Probably not.

    Alex
  7. Great piccy of Edge's main 3 "War" era guitars.

    (Looks to be Bono's Fender Lead II off to the right)



    Wonder if Dallas has seen this? And if he has, does he pine for a time where one could get away with carrying LESS than a guitar showroom of guitars on tour?
  8. * edit * Opps, double post.
  9. Thanks for the tips guys. Alex I would totally go for GFS too, but like you said, I kinda want to put more expensive and better pickups in a Gibson, it just wouldn't feel right putting 30$ humbuckers in it. I do love GFS though, I currently have a set in my strat.

    I'll keep an eye out for the T-Tops, apparently they're about 200$ for one! I mean one humbucker, not one set. That's nuts! Like I said, I'll see how I like the sound once I get it. If I don't, well, we'll see
  11. Originally posted by RattleandHum1988:Thanks for the tips guys. Alex I would totally go for GFS too, but like you said, I kinda want to put more expensive and better pickups in a Gibson, it just wouldn't feel right putting 30$ humbuckers in it. I do love GFS though, I currently have a set in my strat.

    I'll keep an eye out for the T-Tops, apparently they're about 200$ for one! I mean one humbucker, not one set. That's nuts! Like I said, I'll see how I like the sound once I get it. If I don't, well, we'll see


    Seth Lovers are about $200 each. But good tone is SOOOOOOOO worth it.

    It's like Payless Shoes... when you pay less, you GET less.
  12. Mmmmmm... Explorer goodness.







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U2start is run by fans for fans. Help us reduce personal costs. Consider to make a donation to support us.
U2start is run by fans for fans. Help us reduce personal costs. Consider to make a donation to support us.
U2start is run by fans for fans. Help us reduce personal costs. Consider to make a donation to support us.