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Two questions about Super 58's: (1) is there any way to buy a set of new MIJ super 58's? (2) Is there a consensus on which boutique pups are closest?

4.5K views 11 replies 5 participants last post by  JayneLawrence  
#1 ·
Love the super 58's in my JSM100. I have a really nice PRS Special Semi-Hollow, but I hate the bridge pickups. Was thinking I might put in a super 58, but then realized I couldn't figure out how to buy them.

Are the purchasable anywhere?

If not, are there any models from boutique or well-regarded builders that most closely mimic the specs and sounds of the super 58?

Thanks-
 
#2 ·
You'll have to look for them used, as they're oem and not sold aftermarket. Today there are also Chinese versions which Ibanez puts into their more budget friendly guitars. Older Japanese ones tend to be pricier.

They have a PAF style wind (7k range) with an alnico 3 magnet, which is not used very much even today. Some small shops probably offer them (e.g. Mojo Tone), though probably their own style rather than trying to copy a Super 58. I don't know if or how much of a consensus there is about these being close to Ibanez originals.

Sometimes the big boys get in on the act, e.g. the relatively recent Custom Buckers made by Gibson use A3.

Since it's possible to buy loose magnets these days, people have also experimented with changing them in their existing pups. Have heard of people putting A3 in a Duncan 59, for instance.
 
#3 ·
You'll have to look for them used, as they're oem and not sold aftermarket. Today there are also Chinese versions which Ibanez puts into their more budget friendly guitars. Older Japanese ones tend to be pricier.

They have a PAF style wind (7k range) with an alnico 3 magnet, which is not used very much even today. Some small shops probably offer them (e.g. Mojo Tone), though probably their own style rather than trying to copy a Super 58. I don't know if or how much of a consensus there is about these being close to Ibanez originals.

Sometimes the big boys get in on the act, e.g. the relatively recent Custom Buckers made by Gibson use A3.

Since it's possible to buy loose magnets these days, people have also experimented with changing them in their existing pups. Have heard of people putting A3 in a Duncan 59, for instance.
THANK YOU - this is really great information.
 
#7 ·
Cool, thanks for the recommendation ... you think these will be close even though there are alnico 2 vs. 3?
 
#8 ·
No idea about what might have what sounds you want ... BK's Mules are '59 PAF'a'like apparently ... but having recently bought an HSH set from them following a detailed and helpful discussion, you might find BK similarly open to discussion and able to offer the magnet options you're after?