Ibanez Super 58

Passive alnico humbucker. Don't know much about resistance, other than it's futile to a Borg cyborg. I DO know sound and tone.

I like how my Ibanez AS73 has aged to a mellow gal, especially since it's a model not encountered very often: natural maple with cream binding and gold hardware all around, with goldtone pot speed dials. Yet the ACH pickups, as surprisingly nice as they sound, weren't giving me that subtle breakup that I was looking for in a 335-type jazz axe. The ACH pups seem great for blues, since every other shmoe on YouTube plays blues on Artcores; I ain't one of those shmoes. I'm a jazz-fusion/world music shmoe, and you will see very few people playing jazz on Artcores on YouTube.

The Super 58s change the tone enough to provide stiff competition to Gibson, Elferink, Phillips, and D'Angelico semi- and hollow bodies (imho). So instead of dropping up to $6K for one of the aforementioned, I went for the less-expensive-yet-efficient route of buying a superior pup and putting it into a vastly underrated 335-type guitar. Okay, so a jazz snob would be shelling $6K for the tone I got for $289+Super 58 costs+installation. Gee...what will I do with all the cash that I didn't have to spend?

Output is medium, and that's just fine. I use one amp: Tech 21 Trademark 60, one amazingly flexible and tone-worthy amp. Tone is great for mids, okay for bass and highs, but that's just fine. Positions unsuitable? Huh? Situations, maybe: the pickup is great for jazz and rock, and probably not what a shredder is looking for. If you play clean with a scootch of reverb and slight distortion you'll love this pup. You'll hate it if you're married to metal.

If anyone stole these pickups, they would also get an accompanying guitar that I've spent countless hours playing, practicing and tweaking. I'm afraid I'd be forced to kill them...or force them to listen to Kenny G and Celine Dion duets 24/7 for at least a year.

Pickup features: Passive Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Ibanez Jet King 2, Ibanez Jet King 1
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced:
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup: Scofield
You musical style(s): Pop/Rock, Alternative, Funk
Reason for pickup change:

Perceived output level: These are not for hollow-bodies... But on a solid body guitar with basswood or Mahogany, they rock. You get a feeling that they will stick to the roof if you toss them :)
Tone: I would rate the specter like this: Bass- 4, Middle-6, treble-8. This means it is very neatly balanced, only thing i would want from these were a little bit of bite. (More mid). However, the guitars i use them on (Jet kings) have coil taps, and that is really when they come into their right.
Sonic evaluation: Jet King 2 sounds better than the lighter JTK1. I use them on a Fender Cyber-twin, with Ibanez TS-9 Tube screamer if needed.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: These are the best suited styles: Pop, Rock, BLUES, JAZZ. (The capital letters mean that they are probably the very best microphones for this style)

Comments: I?ve been playing for five years, but have played the bass for ten. I LOVE the crispness
when they?re split, and there is nothing i HATE. (A little tip: If you are a grunge player, BUY
THIS! Lot?s of twang in the bridge position. This is also a good all-rounder, and are very well suited for the Jet-Kings. But on other guitars, they don?t sound quite as good, so
I give this pup an 8.

Pickup features: passive humbucking
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: AS80
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced:
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): jazz, fusion, blues, folk, artrock, collage
Reason for pickup change:

Perceived output level: The sound level was NOT a matter for me. When U don't play only metal sound level is not important. Sound level is OK, avarage, suits all gear I ever used. Does not limit playability. Please remember that with very high signal in passive pickups, You have grater effect of getting out of tune due to higher energy loss in magnetic field. Sustain goes lower too.
Tone: Woody with good definition. I don't agree that too bright. Not muddy (what happens very often). Very well balanced.
Sonic evaluation: I use it with JC-120 or with Laboga Raduli 50 (ECC83, EL84) connected to Mesa Boogie comined cabined (half open/half closed). Very versatile combination: jazzy, crunchy, clean, rocky, whatever excluding: pure metal sound or twinging stratocaster

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: fussion, jazz, rock, blues, folk... collage; Suits all

Comments: I give it 9. Sounds from rocky by bluesy to woody.
Does not have microphonic feedback (what happens even in upper class pickups) What is more important: You can set up it with heavy strings (12ths) in neck position to have balanced volume for each string in clean or crunch tone without extensive use of equalizer. So You have definition and character preserved. That's much more important than "output level"

Pickup features: Hummers that aspire to be Gibson PAFs
Impedence or other specs: chrome covers

Model of guitar or bass: Jet King JTK2
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: came with
Other pickups on guitar: Super 58
Artists using this pickup: endorsers who really have something else on their axes!
You musical style(s): Rock, Jazz
Reason for pickup change: no change

Perceived output level: Average HB output
Tone: Balanced tone w/ some harmonic character
Sonic evaluation: I use rack gear: Carvin Quad-X or Mesa Studio pre => Carvin T100 or Mesa 20/20 power amp => 2x12 and 4x10 cabinets (stereo). These pickups sound fine... not great, not bad. BTW, the previous AS193 reviewer is all wet -- somebody wired it wrong in his guitar (or the P/U is defective). The 58's sound fine on hollowbodies and solid electrics, and you can expect them to approach a PAF sound. No sparkle or jangle; more woody and smooth. Like bourbon. Distorted, they can sing, get some feedback going...

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I'm a player with a better ear than virtuosity. Rock & jazz are my outlets.

Comments: I've evaluated a LOT of gear, and it all comes down to personal preference. John Scofield, Joe Satriani, & Noodles could make you think these were the bomb. The hardware industry is large because we musicians have to buy (and unload) a bunch of gear to find The Sound in our heads. The Super 58's will meet your expectation when buying an Asian guitar. Go to Bill Lawrence for a big improvement. Personally, I like cheap guitars because these days, the build quality is very high; with a tuning machine upgrade and maybe some pickups, you've got yourself a giant killer that won't break the bank or break your heart when it gets a scratch or dent!

Pickup features: Passive Humbucking
Impedence or other specs: No idea

Model of guitar or bass: Ibanez Artcore United AS193
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Bridge
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Brit Pop, Rock, Punk, Jazz, Blues - No heavy metal
Reason for pickup change: This is a very bad sounding pickup

Perceived output level: Low gain
Tone: Very trebly, to the point of being harsh
Sonic evaluation: I'm using my brand new Ibanez Artcore United AS193, a very fine ES335 replica, trough my Fender Hot Rod Deluxe all-tube amp.
The reason I'm taking the trouble of writing this is because this is a very dissapointing pup. All the reviews I read were mostly fantastic, though a couple reviewers dared saying it might sound a "a bit bright"... Well I compared my guitar to a Telecaster, and the Tele sounded fuller, with more bass and low mids. Now please someone tell me how can a pup be considered to be any good if it makes a semi-hollow body es335 replica sound thinner than a telecaster???!!!!!
I'm getting some seth lovers or 59's from seymour duncan, or maybe some gibson 57's. These are pickups. In the meantime, I replaced the ibanez pup with the stock pups from a (check this out) Samick Royale... those are very BAD pickups, but sound closer to what this guitar should sound like!
Is it just me being tone-deaf? How can this pup get such marvelous reviews being that harshly-bright sounding? I just don't get it.
One good thing about it, though, so you can all see I'm trying to be objective: it has more definition than any pup I've ever tried, and everything you do with your fingers will be noticed. That might be a good thing for some jazz players.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: This pickup may be suitable for... mmm some sort of jazz?

Comments: I would definitely NOT buy this thing, and would tell all possible ibanez artcore guitar buyers to keep in mind, when buying the guitar, they will have to replace if not both, at least the bridge pickup, because it's just to harsh sounding.

Pickup features: Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: unknown

Model of guitar or bass: Epiphone Sheraton
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Stock 57 (CH) Epiphones
Other pickups on guitar: n/a
Artists using this pickup: unknown
You musical style(s): Blues & Jazz
Reason for pickup change: Stock Epi pups were muddy

Perceived output level: Very clean, smooth and balanced.
Tone: Tone changes nicely with 3 way switch: very balanced.
Sonic evaluation: I'm using a Line 6 pod into a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe.These pick-up interact/respond fantasticly with three way, volume and tone controls on the Epi-Sheraton. They capture a intimately controlable range of good clean sounds. Three way Les Paul switch in up position produces a warm but clean sound: mid position blends both pups and balances accurately with tone and volumn controls, slightly less warm then up position but still clean; down position produces a clean treble with slight jangle.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: It's a good match for blues. However, can pull some jazzy sound out of them but it's not as rich as it would be on a full size jazz box. It would be interesting to try them in a jazz box.

Comments: I am happy the previous posts on this particular pick-up were accurate. Didn't have to pay a lot to upgrade the Sheraton to an equivelant Gibson 335. These pick-ups are great. I'm now very satisfyied with the guitar and sound. The search is over. The secret is out. OH, I'd order the neck and the bridge position together since they are nicely balanced.

Pickup features: PASSIVE
Impedence or other specs: Haven't taken out to do true meter test.

Model of guitar or bass: Ibanez AS-80
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: n/a
Other pickups on guitar: SUPER 58
Artists using this pickup: BENSON, SCOFFIELD,METHANY?
You musical style(s): BLUES ROCK JAZZ
Reason for pickup change: NEVER CHANGED, Just can't think of anything I'd like to replace with.

Perceived output level: NOT as hot as DUNCAN 59, SETH LOVER'S, GIB. 490,57's but close.
Tone: NICE, CLEAR, WARM, BRIDGE has RIGHT! bite.
Sonic evaluation: Pick-ups sound just right in semi-hollow ax.I compansate the pick-ups not being as hot as everything else I play. By TURNING UP THE AMP. The SUPER 58s just get better. I believe Ibanez is winding them Hotter than say 80s. but still not as hot as Duncan,Gibson, ect ect.I get taken back at times by the lack of output but I would hate to change and then miss there tone. The tone is very nice.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Blues mainly,but also play around with everything else. Pick-UPS work!

Comments: I've been playing since I was 10 back in 66. I play through Gibsons, Hamers, PRS, and FENDERS. I like the AS80 IBANEZ. It rates right up there with a 335. I run my signal right through VOX wah, Tubescreamer, and into a Carvin Bel-Air 212. Sounds great. Think I'll add some Delay to the signal?

Pickup features: Passive humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: `81Ibanez AS 200
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced:
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup: Lots of them, see other rewiew
You musical style(s): Jazz, prog, blues...
Reason for pickup change: eem... I didn`t actually change P.U.s, just wanna tell u a little about the ones I`ve got.

Perceived output level: Unusally low output on these.
Tone: Balanced sound!
Sonic evaluation: These two Super 58s are the factory installed original ones, placed in my excellent 1981 Ibanez AS 200. (kinda a ES 335, only fancier:))
The output is very low indeed, even my stock strat seems to be able to keep up with my Ibanez. This is however not a bad thing. The overall sound of these mics seem to be almost completely based upon the instrument they`re in, they`re "honest" in a way I`ve never heard (before or since) in a humbucker before. They`re perfect for a thinline-style instrument, as they seem to let the sound of wood resonating through. The 4-leader cable creates some options too- the paralell sound is jangly and fresh, the split sound is weak, but bouncy. The comination-sounds are great- think Rickenbacker- when you place your neck HB in parallell, leave the bridge HB in seriell and adjust the PU.s heigths by taste. They are very thoroughly waxed too, LOW feedback for a thinline.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Great match for anyone who seeks true and honest tone. I Dont know if thy sound as good in a solidbody, though.

Comments: Been playing this axe for a few years now, bought it mint in `99. Am still experimenting with balance and combinations. I`ve also got a US Std. strat w/ EMGs and rosewood, and a US Std. strat with stocks and maple. I really love these P.Us flexibility, both in switching and during playing. (Try going Tasto to Ponticello with these babys...)I dislike the low output, but I guess thats just the nature of the beast. Compared to ES 335s PAFs, I guess these`d sound "weaker", but they seem very "genuine", if you get my drift. I really like these PUs, and will keep this guitar in its present form.

Pickup features: passive humbucking pickup
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: gibson les paul classic/patrick eggle js
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: seymour duncan 59
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup: pat metheny, john scofield, george benson, paul gilbert
You musical style(s): blues, rock, jazz
Reason for pickup change: sd59 was ok but a bit too bright. Original 500t was way too hot and couldn't get a good clean sound.

Perceived output level: about the same as other vintage pickups like sd59, sd pearly gates...
Tone: balanced. warm, much warmer than sd59 or pearly gates. The best word to describe this pickups is transparent; the let the guitar's tone come thru. I haven't tried antiquities or gibson classics, but compared with sd59 any pearly gates, these get better the wood's tone (which may be good or bad). Beware they change completely from one guitar to another. In the Patrick Eggle they sounded a bit thin (It's a very very light guitar). In the Les Paul the sound is amazing; warm, clear, smooth sustain...
Sonic evaluation: amp: crate vintage club 50; effects: Ibanez tubescreamer.
Guitars: Patrick Eggle JS limited ed. (as I said before, It wasn't a good choice for this guitar), Gibson Classic Les Paul

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Great for jazz, blues and rock. Could be use for country with the right guitar. Don't buy it for metal type of stuff.

Comments: I would buy it again and again. A lot of people who try this pickup fall in love with it. It's much cheaper than SD or Gibson and sounds better (I would say it colors the tone less than SD. I do like SD but really the super 58 is something you should try).
I've been playing for six years. Also own a Fender American Strat.
Only bad thing is that the covers are loosing the gold color a bit (in fact, only the neck pickup).
I've tried many other pickups (Gibson, Shaller, many SD... ) I this is the best so far. Think about the artists usign it, how they sound... I think it's pretty close to an old PAF, but not a raw and rude one, but a sweet and warm jazzy-bluesy one. Maybe for HardRock you should get a different one.
It also has a 4-conductor cable and sounds good in parallel (a bit less output but more single coil maybe p-90 type of sound) and ok in split (less output than a strat, thin but useful for some stuff). One last thing: use thick strings (10's or 11's better).