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  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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?
  5. * edit * Opps, double post.
  6. 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
  8. 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.
  9. Mmmmmm... Explorer goodness.







  10. Yes we all know you own a 1976, bought by your girlfriend (if I remember correctly). Do you have the T-Tops in yours still? Do the T-Tops and Seth lovers sound similar?
  11. Originally posted by RattleandHum1988:Yes we all know you own a 1976, bought by your girlfriend (if I remember correctly). Do you have the T-Tops in yours still? Do the T-Tops and Seth lovers sound similar?


    Sorry... like any proud "parent"... you tend to pull out your pictures of the "kids".

    I will hush now.
  12. tish, don't listen. Brag all you like and show the pics

    Those War era pics look the same to me

Contribute to the U2 community with uploading photos or by telling us which shows you have visited.
Contribute to the U2 community with uploading photos or by telling us which shows you have visited.
Contribute to the U2 community with uploading photos or by telling us which shows you have visited.
Contribute to the U2 community with uploading photos or by telling us which shows you have visited.