Imagine the warm, singing tone of a classic electric guitar. You know that sound, right? It’s the backbone of so many iconic songs. But what if you want to capture that magic for your own guitar? That’s where Paf style pickups come in.
Choosing the right Paf style pickup can feel like a guessing game. There are so many brands and models, and they all promise something a little different. It’s easy to get lost in the technical jargon and wonder which one will truly bring your guitar to life. You might worry about spending money on a pickup that doesn’t sound quite right, or that won’t fit your playing style.
This post is here to help you cut through the confusion. We’ll explore what makes Paf style pickups so special and break down the key things to consider. By the end, you’ll feel more confident in understanding what to look for, and you’ll be one step closer to finding the perfect pickups to unlock your guitar’s true voice.
Top Paf Style Pickups Recommendations
- The Pearly Gates neck captures all the mojo of the original neck pickup from Billy Gibbons’ 1959 Les Paul. It is a P.A.F. with a unique tonal variation that provides more midrange than typical humbuckers from that time. The result is a neck pickup that cuts through with stronger tailored mids, but still has the open and airy treble attack of the Alnico 2 bar magnet. Combined with a warm, spongy low-end, this pickup is great for both rhythm and lead playing.
- Hand built in our Santa Barbara, CA factory, the Pearly Gates vintage output humbucker pickups use an Alnico 2 bar magnet, nickel silver bottom plate, 4-conductor lead wire for multiple wiring options, and are vacuum wax potted for squeal-free performance.
- As with all our P.A.F. style humbuckers, every Pearly Gates is wound on Seymour’s original Leesona winding machine from the early Gibson factory in Kalamazoo, Michigan, for that unmistakable vintage mojo.
- Handmade in Santa Barbara, California: Seymour Duncan takes pride in designing and crafting our products to create the most amazing sound possible. That starts with providing an environment that attracts and retains our great team of engineers, product designers and craftsmen, many of whom have been with the company for decades.
- DCR Neck: 7.30, Magnet: Alnico 2, 4c Shielded Cable
- Produces the characteristics of a vintage-style Stratocaster.
- Offers increased output.
- Alnico V magnets with Polysol-coated magnet wire.
- Fender Tex-Mex Strat single-coil pickups, From Texas grit to soaring clean tone, they're the pickups of choice for versatile players.
- Reverse-wound/reverse-polarity middle pickup to eliminate hum
- Copper wire: German brand plain copper wire
- Wire clip: plastic wire clip
- Hole spacing: 50mm/50mm
- Magnet: Alnico 2 class alnico2
- Output wire: metal braided wire 1P Braided Shield Copper shell: cupronickel copper shell
- Compatible with Les Paul style guitar and other electtric guitar humbucker pickup replacement.
- Resistance: 7-8K. Peak Frequency: 3.6H. Position: Neck pickup. Pole Spacing: 50mm. Chrome plate metal.
- Classic PAF vintage tone. Alnico 5 magnets provide incredible focus and dynamics.
- Metel braided single conductor cable, 42AWG. Vacuum wax potted and sealed to eliminate noise.
- The neck humbucker come with screws and springs, easy to install.
- Copper wire: German brand plain copper wire
- Wire clip: plastic wire clip
- Hole spacing: 50mm/50mm
- Magnet: Alnico 2 class alnico2
- Output wire: metal braided wire 1P Braided Shield Copper shell: cupronickel copper shell
- The Pearly Gates neck captures all the mojo of the original neck pickup from Billy Gibbons’ 1959 Les Paul. It is a P.A.F. with a unique tonal variation that provides more midrange than typical humbuckers from that time. The result is a neck pickup that cuts through with stronger tailored mids, but still has the open and airy treble attack of the Alnico 2 bar magnet. Combined with a warm, spongy low-end, this pickup is great for both rhythm and lead playing.
- Hand built in our Santa Barbara, CA factory, the Pearly Gates vintage output humbucker pickups use an Alnico 2 bar magnet, nickel silver bottom plate, 4-conductor lead wire for multiple wiring options, and are vacuum wax potted for squeal-free performance.
- As with all our P.A.F. style humbuckers, every Pearly Gates is wound on Seymour’s original Leesona winding machine from the early Gibson factory in Kalamazoo, Michigan, for that unmistakable vintage mojo.
- Handmade in Santa Barbara, California: Seymour Duncan takes pride in designing and crafting our products to create the most amazing sound possible. That starts with providing an environment that attracts and retains our great team of engineers, product designers and craftsmen, many of whom have been with the company for decades.
- DCR Neck: 7.30, Magnet: Alnico 2, 4c Shielded Cable
- German brand plain copper wire
- Braided Wire
- Hole spacing: 50mm/50mm
- Magnet: Alnico 2 class alnico2
- Output wire: metal braided wire 1P Braided Shield Copper shell: cupronickel copper shell
- Neck - Blk w/Logo
- Demo 78 Model
- HB PU
Choosing the Right Paf Style Pickups: A Guide for Guitarists
So, you’re looking to upgrade your guitar’s sound? Paf style pickups are a classic choice. They give guitars that warm, fat tone that’s been loved for decades. This guide will help you pick the perfect set.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for Paf style pickups, keep these things in mind.
- Magnet Type: Most Pafs use Alnico magnets. Alnico 2 magnets give a warmer, smoother sound. Alnico 5 magnets offer a brighter, more powerful tone. Some pickups use Alnico 3 for a clearer, more vintage sound.
- Winding: Hand-wound pickups often sound more unique. Machine-wound ones are usually more consistent. The number of winds, called the “turns,” also changes the sound. More turns mean a hotter, louder pickup.
- Coil Wire: Plain enamel wire is standard for vintage Pafs. This wire gives a sweet, singing tone. Some newer pickups might use different wires for different sounds.
- Output Level: This is how loud the pickup is. Lower output pickups sound clearer and more dynamic. Higher output pickups give you more crunch and sustain. Think about the music you play.
- Cover: Paf pickups often have metal covers. These covers can affect the tone a little. Nickel-silver covers are common and sound great. Some pickups are sold without covers for a slightly brighter sound.
Important Materials
The parts that make up a pickup matter a lot.
- Magnets: As mentioned, Alnico magnets are key. They are made of aluminum, nickel, and cobalt. This mix gives them their magnetic strength and tone.
- Wire: The copper wire used to wind the coils is very important. The thickness and insulation of this wire shape the pickup’s sound.
- Bobbin: This is the plastic or fiber part that holds the wire. The material and shape of the bobbin can subtly change the tone.
- Pole Pieces: These are the metal slugs under the strings. They are usually made of steel. Their shape and spacing affect how the strings’ vibrations are picked up.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Good pickups make your guitar sing. Bad ones can make it sound dull.
- Hand-winding vs. Machine-winding: Hand-wound pickups can have more character. The slight imperfections can add a unique voice. Machine-wound pickups are very precise. They offer a reliable and consistent sound.
- Materials Quality: Using high-quality magnets and wire makes a big difference. Better materials lead to a richer, more detailed sound. Cheap materials can result in a thin or muddy tone.
- Construction: How the pickup is put together matters. Careful assembly ensures good electrical connections. This leads to a clear, noise-free sound. Poor construction can cause hum or crackling.
- Potting: This is when the pickup coils are dipped in wax. Wax potting reduces unwanted feedback and microphonics. It can make the sound a bit less bright. Unpotted pickups are often brighter and more open-sounding.
User Experience and Use Cases
Paf style pickups are super versatile.
- For Rock and Blues: Pafs are perfect for classic rock and blues. They deliver that iconic warm, singing sustain. Think of Jimi Hendrix or Eric Clapton.
- For Jazz: They also work well for jazz. Their smooth tone is great for clean jazz chords.
- For Modern Music: While vintage, many modern players use Pafs. They offer a great foundation. You can then add pedals for different sounds.
- For Different Guitars: Pafs sound great in many guitars, especially those with humbucker routes like Les Pauls. They can also be fitted into guitars with single-coil routes with adapter rings.
Frequently Asked Questions about Paf Style Pickups
Q: What makes Paf style pickups sound different from other pickups?
A: Paf style pickups have a warm, full, and smooth sound. This comes from their humbucker design and often Alnico magnets. They don’t have the sharp, bright bite of single-coil pickups.
Q: Are Paf style pickups good for beginners?
A: Yes, they are a great choice. Their classic sound works for many music styles. They are forgiving and sound good even with less-than-perfect playing.
Q: How do I know if Paf style pickups will fit my guitar?
A: Most electric guitars with humbucker-sized routes can fit them. You might need adapter rings for some guitars.
Q: What is the difference between vintage and modern Paf style pickups?
A: Vintage Pafs aim to copy the sound of original pickups from the 1950s and 60s. Modern Pafs might use slightly different materials or winding techniques to offer variations on that classic tone.
Q: Do I need to change anything else on my guitar to install Paf style pickups?
A: Usually, you just need to wire them into your guitar’s electronics. You might need new potentiometers (pots) if the new pickups have different values.
Q: Can I mix Paf style pickups with other types of pickups?
A: Yes, you can. Many players have a Paf in the bridge and a different pickup in the neck, or vice-versa. This gives you more sound options.
Q: What does “output” mean for pickups?
A: Output is how loud the pickup is. Low output pickups are clearer and more dynamic. High output pickups are louder and give more distortion.
Q: How does the magnet type affect the sound of Paf style pickups?
A: Alnico 2 magnets make the tone warmer and softer. Alnico 5 magnets make it brighter and more powerful.
Q: Is it difficult to install Paf style pickups?
A: It requires some soldering skills. If you’re not comfortable with electronics, it’s best to have a guitar technician do it.
Q: Where can I find good quality Paf style pickups?
A: Many reputable guitar parts companies make them. Look for brands known for their quality and good reviews.