Gibson IM90R-NH 490R Modern Classic Neck Pickup w/Nickel Cover

The mid to late 1960's saw a very new type of music coming from the clubs of England. It was an whole new interpretation of the blues, much harder and definitely louder than anything before. Players were now demanding more powerful amplifiers with increased volume outputs which led to a need for a more versatile pickup that could prevent microphonic feedback at such high volume levels. Gibson's answer was the revolutionary 490T and 490R pickups (“T” for treble, and “R” for rhythm), which had the traditional characteristics of the original “Patent Applied For” pickups. First, a four-conductor wiring scheme allowed the 490s to be connected to any push/pull knob, allowing players to split the coils and increase versatility. Gibson also introduced wax potting, which did away with any air space, minimalizing microphonic feedback. The 490R has the tonal characteristics of an original PAF, with a slight increase in upper mid-range response.