Ever heard that magical, singing tone coming from a classic electric guitar? That sweet, warm sound often comes from a special kind of pickup called a P.A.F. But what exactly makes a P.A.F. pickup so special? If you’re a guitarist looking to upgrade your sound or just curious about what makes those legendary guitars sing, you’ve come to the right place.
Choosing the right pickups can be a real puzzle. There are so many brands, styles, and sounds out there, it’s easy to feel lost. You want that perfect tone, but figuring out which P.A.F. pickup will get you there can be confusing and sometimes even a little frustrating. You might spend a lot of time and money trying to find the one that truly fits your music.
In this post, we’re going to break down the world of P.A.F. pickups. We’ll explore what makes them unique and help you understand the different options available. By the end, you’ll have a much clearer idea of what to look for and how to choose the P.A.F. that will make your guitar sound amazing. Let’s dive in and find the heart of that classic guitar tone!
Our Top 5 Paf Pickups Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Paf Pickups Detailed Reviews
1. FLEOR Alnico 5 Guitar Humbucker Pickup 4-Wires Neck+Bridge Pickup Set Chrome Fit LP Guitar Part
Rating: 9.3/10
Looking to give your electric guitar a powerful sound boost? The FLEOR Alnico 5 Guitar Humbucker Pickup 4-Wires Neck+Bridge Pickup Set in Chrome is a fantastic choice for LP guitars and other humbucker-equipped electrics. These pickups are built to deliver a strong, thick tone that will make your guitar sing.
What We Like:
- These pickups are made with Alnico 5 magnets. This gives them a strong output and a thick, powerful sound.
- They come with a 4-conductor lead wire. This allows for lots of different wiring options.
- The pickups are wax potted. This means they won’t make squealing noises.
- The set includes both a neck and a bridge pickup. You also get screws and springs, making installation easy.
- The chrome metal cover looks great on many guitars.
What Could Be Improved:
- The resistance range is pretty specific. Some players might prefer a wider selection of resistance values.
- While they fit LP guitars, it’s always good to double-check pole spacing for other electric guitar models.
This pickup set offers a great upgrade for your guitar. You’ll get a noticeable improvement in sound quality and versatility.
2. 1 Set ProBucker Alnico Bridge&Neck Pickups with Pro Wiring Harness Pots&3 Way Switches for Electric Guitar Chrome(Cream Ring)
Rating: 9.4/10
This 1 Set ProBucker Alnico Bridge & Neck Pickups with Pro Wiring Harness Pots & 3 Way Switches for Electric Guitar Chrome (Cream Ring) offers a significant upgrade for your electric guitar. It gives you a new sound and better control over your music. This set includes everything you need to replace your old pickups and wiring. You get a bridge pickup and a neck pickup, both made with Alnico magnets. These magnets help create a warm and clear tone. The set also comes with a pro wiring harness. This means the pots and switches are already set up for you. This makes installation much easier. The chrome finish looks sharp, and the cream rings add a classic touch to your guitar.
What We Like:
- The Alnico magnets provide a rich and full sound.
- The included wiring harness simplifies installation.
- The chrome finish and cream rings offer a stylish appearance.
- It’s a complete set, so you don’t need to buy parts separately.
- The 3-way switch lets you easily change between pickups for different sounds.
What Could Be Improved:
- The instructions could be clearer for beginners.
- More color options for the cream rings might be nice.
This pickup set is a solid choice for guitarists looking to enhance their instrument’s sound and aesthetics. It provides great value for a complete upgrade.
3. Gib Alnico 2 Humbuckers ’57 Classic and ’57 Plus Zebra Classic Plus Braided Wire Set PAF Pickups 50/50mm Bridge/Neck Fit Gibson LP LES PUAL Guitar
Rating: 9.4/10
Unleash the legendary sound of the 1950s on your Gibson Les Paul with the Gib Alnico 2 Humbuckers ’57 Classic and ’57 Plus Zebra Classic Plus Braided Wire Set. These pickups bring back the iconic PAF tone, offering a warm, full, and clear sound that defined a generation of rock and blues music. They’re designed to fit a variety of Les Paul models, making it easy to upgrade your guitar’s voice.
What We Like:
- Vintage Tone: These pickups perfectly recreate the classic ’50s PAF humbucker sound. They use Alnico II magnets and nickel elements, and they are slightly overwound for more output and a rich, clear tone.
- Noiseless Performance: You get a totally quiet playing experience. The pickups are wax-potted and have double black bobbins. They work well in both the neck and bridge positions.
- Versatile Fit: They fit many Les Paul models, including the Standard PlusTop, Ultra, Standard Quilt Top PRO, Custom PRO, and Ultra-III.
- Complete Wiring Harness: Everything you need is included. You get a 2-conductor, 2V2T wiring harness with four ALPHA potentiometers (2x B500K, 2x A500K), a toggle switch, and a jack. This makes installation simple.
- Enhanced Output: With an average DC resistance of 9K, these pickups deliver powerful tones that are ideal for many music styles.
What Could Be Improved:
- Installation Complexity: While a wiring harness is included, installing pickups and a new harness can still be a bit challenging for beginners.
- Specific Compatibility: While they fit many Les Pauls, it’s always wise to double-check the exact pickup route dimensions for your specific guitar model to ensure a perfect fit.
These Gib Alnico 2 Humbuckers are a fantastic choice for any Les Paul player seeking authentic vintage tone and improved performance. They offer a significant upgrade for your guitar’s sound.
4. LP 57 Classic & classic 57+ Alnico 2 Bridge+Neck Guitar Humbucker PAF Pickups Braided Wire Nickel For Les Paul style Guitar
Rating: 9.5/10
These LP 57 Classic and Classic 57+ Alnico 2 humbucker pickups bring a classic rock sound to your Les Paul style guitar. They use German-made plain copper wire for a smooth tone. The Alnico 2 magnets give them a warm, vintage feel that many guitarists love. This set includes both a bridge and neck pickup, so you can upgrade your whole guitar. They come with braided wire for a clean look and good shielding.
What We Like:
- Warm, vintage tone with Alnico 2 magnets.
- Includes both bridge and neck pickups for a complete set.
- Uses good quality German plain copper wire.
- Braided wire offers a tidy appearance and protection.
- Nickel covers give a classic look.
What Could Be Improved:
- Hole spacing is fixed at 50mm/50mm, which might not fit all guitars without modification.
- The “57+” designation might imply a hotter output than the standard “57,” but the description doesn’t clearly explain the difference.
These pickups offer a great way to get that sought-after vintage PAF sound. They are a solid choice for players looking to capture a classic rock tone.
5. Wilkinson Vintage Classic Alnico 5 Overwound Open Style Humbucker Pickups Set for Electric Guitar
Rating: 8.8/10
Upgrade your electric guitar’s sound with the Wilkinson Vintage Classic Alnico 5 Overwound Open Style Humbucker Pickups Set. This zebra-striped set brings a powerful, vintage tone to your instrument. It fits most electric guitars, making it a versatile choice for players. You get a neck and bridge pickup, ready to bring new life to your music.
What We Like:
- Offers a big, fat sound with lots of character and harmonics.
- Alnico V magnets give great focus and dynamics to your playing.
- Works with many popular guitar brands like Fender, PRS, Ibanez, and more.
- Includes options for coil splitting for even more sound possibilities.
- Genuine Wilkinson parts mean quality you can trust.
What Could Be Improved:
- The included screws might not fit all guitars, so you may need to use your own.
This pickup set is a fantastic way to get a classic, rich guitar tone. It’s a solid upgrade for any guitarist looking for more power and personality in their sound.
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Paf Pickups
Picking the right pickups for your guitar can make a huge difference in how it sounds. Paf pickups are famous for their warm, classic tone. This guide will help you find the perfect Pafs for your playing style.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for Paf pickups, keep these important features in mind:
- Output Level: This tells you how strong the signal from the pickup is. High-output pickups give you more volume and sustain, great for rock and metal. Lower-output pickups offer a cleaner, more vintage sound, ideal for blues and jazz.
- Magnet Type: The magnet is what makes the strings vibrate and create sound. Alnico magnets are common in Pafs. Alnico II magnets give a softer, warmer tone. Alnico V magnets provide a punchier, brighter sound.
- Coil Winding: How the wire is wrapped around the magnet affects the tone. Hand-wound coils often sound more organic and nuanced. Machine-wound coils are more consistent.
- DCR (DC Resistance): This is a measurement of the coil’s resistance. Higher DCR usually means a hotter output and a thicker tone.
- Pole Piece Spacing: This is the distance between the metal slugs that hold the strings. Standard spacing works for most guitars. Tremolo spacing is wider for guitars with tremolo systems.
2. Important Materials
The materials used in Paf pickups are crucial for their sound:
- Magnets: As mentioned, Alnico magnets (Alnico II, Alnico III, Alnico V) are the most common. Each type offers a slightly different flavor.
- Wire: Plain enamel-coated copper wire is the standard for vintage Pafs. The quality and gauge of this wire impact the tone.
- Covers: Metal covers, usually nickel-plated or gold-plated, can slightly dampen the treble response, giving a smoother sound. Uncovered pickups are brighter.
- Bobbin: The plastic parts that hold the wire are often made from butyrate or ABS plastic. Vintage-style butyrate bobbins are prized for their authentic tone.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a Paf pickup sound amazing or just okay:
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Hand-Craftsmanship: Pickups carefully made by hand, with attention to detail, often have a more dynamic and musical sound.
- High-Quality Magnets and Wire: Using premium materials leads to a better and more consistent tone.
- Proper Wax Potting: This process involves dipping the pickup in wax. It stops unwanted microphonic feedback, which can be annoying. However, some players prefer less or no potting for a more raw sound.
- Authentic Construction: Replicating the construction methods of original vintage Pafs often results in a more genuine tone.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Cheap Materials: Using low-grade magnets or wire can result in a dull or muddy sound.
- Poor Winding: Inconsistent or poorly done coil winding can lead to an unbalanced tone or lack of clarity.
- Lack of Wax Potting (if desired): Excessive feedback can make a pickup unusable in some situations.
- Mass Production Shortcuts: Sometimes, to make pickups cheaper, manufacturers skip steps that are important for sound quality.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Paf pickups are incredibly versatile. They are loved by guitarists across many genres.
- Classic Rock and Blues: Pafs are the backbone of many iconic guitar tones from these genres. They offer that creamy sustain and biting attack that cuts through a mix.
- Jazz and Fusion: For smoother, warmer tones with excellent note definition, Pafs are a top choice. They handle clean settings beautifully.
- Hard Rock: With a bit more output or the right amp settings, Pafs can deliver powerful, driving tones for hard rock.
- Versatile Players: If you play a bit of everything, a good set of Pafs can be your workhorse, adapting well to different styles.
When you install Paf pickups, you’ll notice a richer, more responsive sound. The guitar will feel more alive under your fingers. Many players find they can express themselves more easily with the right Pafs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Paf Pickups
Q: What does “Paf” stand for?
A: “Paf” stands for “Patent Applied For.” This name comes from early Gibson humbuckers that had this marking.
Q: Are Paf pickups humbuckers?
A: Yes, Paf pickups are a type of humbucker. They use two coils to cancel out hum and noise.
Q: What is the difference between a PAF and a modern humbucker?
A: Original Pafs often had slightly lower output, a more complex midrange, and a warmer, more organic tone than many modern humbuckers. Modern pickups are often hotter and brighter.
Q: Can I put Paf pickups in any guitar?
A: Yes, you can install Paf pickups in most electric guitars that have routes for humbuckers. You might need to adjust your pickguard or routing if your guitar has different pickup sizes.
Q: How do I know if I need Alnico II or Alnico V magnets?
A: Alnico II magnets give a softer, warmer tone, great for blues and classic rock. Alnico V magnets are punchier and brighter, good for rock and more aggressive styles.
Q: What is wax potting, and why is it important?
A: Wax potting is when the pickup is dipped in wax. It prevents microphonic feedback, which is unwanted squealing. It makes the pickup more stable.
Q: Are expensive Paf pickups always better?
A: Not always. While high-quality materials and craftsmanship usually cost more, there are many excellent, affordable Paf-style pickups available. It depends on your ears and budget.
Q: What’s the difference between covered and uncovered Paf pickups?
A: Covered pickups have a metal cover. This slightly smooths out the high frequencies for a warmer tone. Uncovered pickups are brighter and more articulate.
Q: How do I install Paf pickups?
A: Installing pickups involves soldering wires to your guitar’s electronics. If you’re not comfortable with soldering, it’s best to have a guitar technician do it.
Q: Where can I buy good Paf pickups?
A: You can find Paf pickups from many manufacturers, including Seymour Duncan, DiMarzio, Bare Knuckle Pickups, and many boutique builders. Check online music stores and specialty guitar shops.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
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