Ibanez Super 58 Pickups

[wildfield]

Hoping to benefit from the ICW expertise and knowledge base.

There is a seller on e-Bay who is selling Ibanez Super 58 pickups with gold covers.  I'm interested to know if you think these are legit Super 58's.  The pickups appear to have S58-N and S58-B stamped into the gold covers.  I have not seen this before.  Would be interested in your opinions.

Darryl

Ebay Item Number #220189398153

[Juha T]

They are Super 58 Customs.

This was discussed here before.

http://www.ibanezcollectors.com/forum/index.php?topic=10253.0

Juha

[wildfield]

Juha,

Thanks...what a dunce I am.  I remember reading that thread a while back.  I guess it's old age creeping in.

I've been wanting some Super 58's for my AM70.  Currently I have SD59 with gold covers but I want something a little darker sounding.  I had Super 58's (MIJ) in my AG195 but they have silver covers.

I don't think the Super 58 Custom is what I want.

Anyways, thank you for steering me to the previous discussion.

[ericibanez]

Super 58's are less bright in that guitar when compared to the SDs. They are very good and affordable. I have a gold one if you interseted. I belive it came out of an AR500 that I had (sold it to a guy who actually wanted SD 59s in it). I find that the super 58 is just as good as anything out there.

You can also get the duncans a bit darker by switching out the tone caps and /or switching the tone pots. The duncan site might have values for you.

Another choice for a semi hollow or hollowbody are the PRS MCcarty Hollowbody pickups. These are hard to get. Sound great in a semi. Only con is only 2 wire lead, you'll need to put in a new lead for coil split etc.

Once again the 58s should be the way to go. From what I've heard you can order them new from Ibanez directly. I'm sure someone on the site knows how to do that.

Good luck and enjoy the AM. They are great guitars!

[erudite1]

hello ericibanez, 

What are the specs on your Super 58? 2-hole, 3-hole? 2 or 4 leads?

—Steve

[jason43]

Yes, you can still order Super 58's from Ibanez. You need to look up the part number on Hoshino's website and order through your local dealer. They are however the 2 mounting screw version, not three.

[JohnS]

Steve:

The Super 58s on the AR5000re are 3 screw. I'll try to find out where they come from and if there are more for ordering, while at NAMM this week. My guess is they'll be from a source in Japan.

[erudite1]

Thanks John!

That'd be really great of you. I've got a beautiful AR305 that I'd love to restore to stock with a couple 58's.

—Steve

[wildfield]

Ibanez Super 58 (Custom) Update...I decided to order the pickups from e-Bay.  I read the entire thread (entitled "Did Artcore AS103s Ever Have Super 58s?").  I also contacted the seller who said the pickups were made in Korea and not China.  Don't know if exactly how accurate that piece of information is...seems strange if this pickup is the OEM spec for the AS103 and AF105.  Seems more likely it would be made in China.

Well anyways, curiosity got the best of me.  Even though $94 shipped for both pickups didn't seem like a bargain per the other discussion (thread), it didn't seem too bad to me.

I plan to put them in my AM70.  Will let you know the outcome.

Darryl

[Juha T]

What do you have now on you AM70?

The seller may say anything because no "Made in ....." is stamped on the pups.

Juha

[wildfield]

I have Seymour Duncan 59 with gold covers.  I like the sound of these pickups in my AG195 but I want something a little darker for my semi hollow (AM70).

Yes, who knows the actual country of origin.  Also a mystery is the actual construction of the Super 58 Customs.  According to one post in the other thread, it could be Alnico 3 instead of ceramic magnets.

Anyways, I'm happy to experiment...gosh, look at my AM70; it's one big experiment.

I'll let you now how it turns out.

Darryl

[jason43]

Everything I've read suggests that the Customs are made in China. That seller is selling them as Super 58's, which is probably where he's getting MIK from.

[Juha T]

It will be interesting to hear how Super 58 Customs sound on AM. I am afraid "real" Super 58's would be better choice. Customs are good enough on my AS103 but I would not describe them dark. Of course guitar's other electronics, effects and amp have their influence on the sound.

Juha

[wildfield]

I am afraid "real" Super 58's would be better choice.

Juha,

That is my hunch too.  I do keep half an eye out for Super 58's on e-Bay.  I guess if I wasn't so lazy, I'd just order some from my local shop...maybe one of these days.

In the meantime, I'm interested to hear what these p/u's from Hong Kong will sound like.  I'm not holding my breath nor do I have any real high expectations.

Darryl

[wildfield]

Recently I had time to (finally) replace the pickups in my AM70 (see the heavily modified AM70 a few posts above).  I had Seymour Duncan 59 PAF's in the neck and bridge positions.  I replaced them with Ibanez Super 58 Customs...I believe these are basically the same pickups that are coming in Artcore Custom guitars.

Wow, the sound is off-the-charts great.  A huge upgrade in tone.  Clear yet warm, fat yet articulate.  Wow.  I do wish the bridge was a little hotter, but all in all, this is a wonderful set of pickups.

Darryl