1984 Ibanez Super 58 Original Pickups

[arnie65]

This is a set of 1984 Vintage Ibanez Super 58 original pickups, out of a Ibanez FG100 archtop (which I still have) These pickups have the definitive 70's Benson tone, or the Metheny vibe. Both guitarist played these in similar Ibanez models.. They are fat, thumpy, and warm... For 41 years old, they still look good and sound great, there's a small repair on the ground side of the bridge PU. (refer to pic) The pickups were made at the old FujiGen factory in Japan, which later moved to the Terada factory in 1986. This set is great for someone wanting to upgrade the pickups on their Ibanez guitar, or someone wanting that mid 70's Benson tone, or the 80's/90's Metheny tone on their archtop.


$300.00 O.B.O.

[Rodney Gene]

This is a set of 1984 Vintage Ibanez Super 58 original pickups, out of a Ibanez FG100 archtop (which I still have) These pickups have the definitive 70's Benson tone, or the Metheny vibe. Both guitarist played these in similar Ibanez models.. They are fat, thumpy, and warm... For 41 years old, they still look good and sound great, there's a small repair on the ground side of the bridge PU. (refer to pic) The pickups were made at the old FujiGen factory in Japan, which later moved to the Terada factory in 1986. This set is great for someone wanting to upgrade the pickups on their Ibanez guitar, or someone wanting that mid 70's Benson tone, or the 80's/90's Metheny tone on their archtop.


$300.00 O.B.O.

Can you measure the resistance on these? They were all over the map depending on the year and magnets used. But they are some of the best pickups on the planet, depending on the version of '58.

(And geeky side note) Benson didn't use 58's in the 70s, just the mini Johnny Smith style pickups. His first record with an Ibanez was in 1978 'Weekend In LA' with an Ibanez 2461, GB20 and GB10 all with minis.The GB30 wasn't released until 86. Prior to that it was Guild, Gibson, Gretsch, Dangelico. Methenys first record with his Prototype was 1989 'Question and Answer'

[arnie65]

Can you measure the resistance on these? They were all over the map depending on the year and magnets used. But they are some of the best pickups on the planet, depending on the version of '58.

(And geeky side note) Benson didn't use 58's in the 70s, just the mini Johnny Smith style pickups. His first record with an Ibanez was in 1978 'Weekend In LA' with an Ibanez 2461, GB20 and GB10 all with minis.The GB30 wasn't released until 86. Prior to that it was Guild, Gibson, Gretsch, Dangelico. Methenys first record with his Prototype was 1989 'Question and Answer'

This is what they measure.


Arnie..

[arnie65]

(And geeky side note) Benson didn't use 58's in the 70s, just the mini Johnny Smith style pickups. His first record with an Ibanez was in 1978 'Weekend In LA' with an Ibanez 2461, GB20 and GB10 all with minis.The GB30 wasn't released until 86. Prior to that it was Guild, Gibson, Gretsch, Dangelico. Methenys first record with his Prototype was 1989 'Question and Answer'

Benson recorded with his beloved Johnny Smith, but often toured with an Ibanez FG100 in the 70's before his own Benson model came out.. Here he is in the 70's with his Ibanez FG100, which had the super 58 pickups. Metheny played his old ES175 for the first part of his career, till Ibanez made him pretty much a copy of an FG100 but with an ebony tailpiece, and a super 58 on it...

[Rodney Gene]

(And geeky side note) Benson didn't use 58's in the 70s, just the mini Johnny Smith style pickups. His first record with an Ibanez was in 1978 'Weekend In LA' with an Ibanez 2461, GB20 and GB10 all with minis.The GB30 wasn't released until 86. Prior to that it was Guild, Gibson, Gretsch, Dangelico. Methenys first record with his Prototype was 1989 'Question and Answer'

Benson recorded with his beloved Johnny Smith, but often toured with an Ibanez FG100 in the 70's before his own Benson model came out.. Here he is in the 70's with his Ibanez FG100, which had the super 58 pickups. Metheny played his old ES175 for the first part of his career, till Ibanez made him pretty much a copy of an FG100 but with an ebony tailpiece, and a super 58 on it...

Well, respectfully man I don't make up history, it is well documented. He was playing Gibson, Guild, Dangelico etc...there is substantial documentation of Georges guitars and what was used for his records.

That shot you posted with the FG100 above is not from the 70s, that is from his Live at Montreux video in 1986.

[arnie65]

Well, respectfully man I don't make up history, it is well documented. He was playing Gibson, Guild, Dangelico etc...there is substantial documentation of Georges guitars and what was used for his records.

That shot you posted with the FG100 above is not from the 70s, that is from his Live at Montreux video in 1986.

I agree, Benson played and recorded with many guitars, the only thing I'm trying to say, is that he sometimes toured with an Ibanez FG100. There's plenty of pics that show that. Not trying to re-write history, or get into a senseless argument. As a matter of fact, I purchased my FG100 after talking to George himself at the 2012 NAMM show. He mentioned that he did like that model a lot, and used it on tours. Of course, he mentioned that his GB models are the best there is in Ibanez jazz guitars.....

[Rodney Gene]

I agree, Benson played and recorded with many guitars, the only thing I'm trying to say, is that he sometimes toured with an Ibanez FG100. There's plenty of pics that show that. Not trying to re-write history, or get into a senseless argument. As a matter of fact, I purchased my FG100 after talking to George himself at the 2012 NAMM show. He mentioned that he did like that model a lot, and used it on tours. Of course, he mentioned that his GB models are the best there is in Ibanez jazz guitars.....

Its all good man, it's not a senseless argument it is just a conversation about history and there is no flame here. Relevant info or accurate info is always worthy of note in vintage gear listed for sale. Super '58s are my favorite stock pickup hands down. Besides a large vintage Ibanez collection myself, I always recommended them, vintage '58s even better.

But one thing is that there are no documented recordings in the 70s of Benson with Super 58's and the 'Benson sound' is not related to or associated with the Super '58s. And really not even Ibanez until '78 a year or so after endorsing them despite the use of the 2461 with the minis. Not a bad thing, it just happens to be that way. As for pictures of Benson touring with the FG100 in the 70s? He may have, but I have never seen a live shot before mid 80s but I would love to if oyu have one. I have seen a couple pics in the George Benson Anthology with the FG100 stock photography studio shots, but there is no date. Based on his hair and stache', it looks early 80s.

For those looking at these, these are worth the asking price and worth using. Anyway, GLWTS Arnie.

[chris32895]

Any way to tell if these are Alnico 3 or 5?

[Rodney Gene]

Any way to tell if these are Alnico 3 or 5?

These are Japanese '84 with vintage PAF 7.4-ish readings - these will have A3, almost certainly if they are stock.
Ibanez was using A5 in the 80s generally for few Super '58 customs (much hotter), like those found on my Ibanez LR10 Lee Ritenour. They work in that guitar, but the hotter A5 versions do sound much different and less sweet in my opinion.

[trailmixer]

Maybe a bold question to ask, but would these be a worthwhile upgrade to an Artcore Custom AF125? It was a MIC hollow-body with alnico Super 58s, from what I know.

[jim777]

As for pictures of Benson touring with the FG100 in the 70s? He may have, but I have never seen a live shot before mid 80s but I would love to if you have one.

The FG100 was introduced in '82. Japanese Super 58s were introduced in '80.

[Rodney Gene]

The FG100 was introduced in '82. Japanese Super 58s were introduced in '80.

Yep, it was rhetorical. A gentle way to extract myself from a well documented subject.