United States · Est. 1952
Gibson
The creators of the original PAF. The Burstbuckers and 57 Classics are the most authentic recreations of the humbucker that defined classic rock.
About the brand
Gibson began manufacturing its own pickups in the late 1940s. The P-90, designed by Walt Fuller, was Gibson's standard single-coil from 1946 until the humbucker replaced it. The PAF (Patent Applied For) humbucker, designed by Seth Lover and installed in Gibson guitars from 1957, is without question the most influential pickup in the history of electric guitar.
The warm, complex, and dynamic sound of the original PAF defines decades of classic rock, blues, and jazz. The current Burstbuckers are the most faithful official recreation of the original PAF, with deliberately unbalanced coils just like the original. The 57 Classic and Custom Bucker are the more consistent options for production guitars.
Gibson's limited edition and historical reissue pickups are considered some of the best available, particularly in their Historic series instruments. The P-90 remains in production and continues to find favour with blues and indie players who want something between a single-coil and a full humbucker.
Key facts
- PAF (1957): the original humbucker that defined rock and blues
- Burstbucker: the most faithful official recreation of the vintage PAF
- P-90: the most influential single-coil before the humbucker era
- Seth Lover designed the PAF in 1955, revolutionising electric tone
Iconic pickups
PAF (Patent Applied For)
The original humbucker. Designed by Seth Lover, it defined the sound of classic rock and blues. Original 1957-62 units are among the most sought-after collectible pickups.
Burstbucker
PAF recreation with deliberately unbalanced coils just like the original. Available in three outputs (1, 2, 3). The most faithful official recreation of the Gibson PAF.
57 Classic
Recreation of the 1957 PAF with balanced coils. More consistent between units than the Burstbucker, with the same warm, dynamic vintage character.
P-90
Gibson's original wide-coil single-coil. More powerful and darker than a Strat single-coil, with a characteristic 'growl' when driven. Iconic in blues and indie.
Notable musicians
- Jimmy Page · PAF en su Les Paul 1959
- Angus Young · SG con humbuckers Gibson
- Tony Iommi · Humbucker Gibson modificado
- Billy Gibbons · PAF vintage en Pearly Gates