Gibson ES-165 Herb Ellis

**Archie** · 10-06-2021, 04:16 PM

Originally Posted by lawson-stone

I love mine. A totally no-drama solid as a rock player. I replaced the 490R pickup with a Seymour Duncan Seth Lover and it’s perfect.

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Yes a friend mentioned the pickup. I played it thorough a small Laney when checking it out. Sounded good.

If I changed the pickup I'd probably go for a super 58 or an Hb-1.

**Archie** · 10-06-2021, 04:17 PM

Originally Posted by Rob MacKillop

That fingerboard looks superb, inviting!

I thought the same Rob.

**lawson-stone** · 10-06-2021, 06:25 PM

Originally Posted by ArchtopHeaven

Yes a friend mentioned the pickup. I played it thorough a small Laney when checking it out. Sounded good.

If I changed the pickup I'd probably go for a super 58 or an Hb-1.

Actually the 490R didn't sound bad. It has a the punchy, more electric sound of the fully potted humbucker with a bit more high end. I think it sounded a bit more "metallic" without being too much. But I love the PAF-like sound of the SDSL and in my ES165 it's just lovely.

**Archie** · 10-07-2021, 04:34 AM

Originally Posted by lawson-stone

Actually the 490R didn't sound bad. It has a the punchy, more electric sound of the fully potted humbucker with a bit more high end. I think it sounded a bit more "metallic" without being too much. But I love the PAF-like sound of the SDSL and in my ES165 it's just lovely.

I'll have a look on ebay for a used SDSL. Never heard one as far as I know. Worth a go; bit of fun etc..

**lawson-stone** · 10-07-2021, 10:34 AM

Originally Posted by ArchtopHeaven

I'll have a look on ebay for a used SDSL. Never heard one as far as I know. Worth a go; bit of fun etc..

I have loved this pickup, using it in a "budget" guitar and then after several years with the ES165 and the 490R, trying it in that one. Perfect match of performance and instrument. Plus I had it in the parts box....

**Durban** · 10-09-2021, 06:05 PM

Archtop.

dont put a Super 58 in trust me i have both. A Super 58 is brilliant, but not for a 175/165. rather a classic 57 or Lawson Seth Lover. The Super 58 has a clearer articulate sound. The orig 490N in the ES-165 is a shade brigter than Classic 57.

Having said this i like dark pups. yet a Ibanez Super 58 talking 79-83 ish are wonderfull AS200 JP20

**Archie** · 10-12-2021, 06:45 AM

Originally Posted by Durban

Archtop.

dont put a Super 58 in trust me i have both. A Super 58 is brilliant, but not for a 175/165. rather a classic 57 or Lawson Seth Lover. The Super 58 has a clearer articulate sound. The orig 490N in the ES-165 is a shade brigter than Classic 57.

Having said this i like dark pups. yet a Ibanez Super 58 talking 79-83 ish are wonderfull AS200 JP20

Hmmm, interesting.