What is a Gibson PAF humbucker?
Beloved for its dynamic touch sensitivity, clarity, openness, juicy harmonic richness, and an addictive blend of biting attack and forgiving compression, the original Gibson PAF – Patent Applied For – humbucker of the late 1950s has long been the Holy Grail of vintage pickups, and a challenge to reproduce.
What is a PAF pickup on a guitar?
PAF (pickup) Though it is commonly mistaken as the first humbucker pickup, the PAF was the first humbucker to gain widespread use and notoriety. The PAF is an essential tonal characteristic of the now-famous 1958-1960 Gibson Les Paul Standard guitars, and pickups of this type have gained a large following.
When did PAF humbuckers end?
PAF (pickup) They were replaced by the Patent Number (Pat No) pickup, essentially a refined version of the PAF. These were in turn replaced by "T-Top" humbuckers in 1967, and production ended in 1975. Though it is commonly mistaken as the first humbucker pickup, the PAF was the first humbucker to gain widespread use and notoriety.
What was the first solid body guitar with a PAF humbucker?
Les Paul Goldtops and Customs were the first solid-body electric guitars to receive PAF humbuckers, and Gibson's ES Series were the first hollow/semi-hollow designs to receive them. In late 1957 a black sticker with gold lettering was applied to each pickup's underside, that read " PATENT APPLIED FOR ."
What are PAF style humbuckers?
PAF stands for “Patent Applied For” and is the common designation for the very first Gibson humbucking pickups. The original PAFs, or Gibson humbuckers, featured alnico magnets for low output, warm low end, scooped mids, and clear treble, a tone that set the standard for every humbucker to follow.
What is the difference between PAF and humbucker?
PAF pickup has less sustain as compared to the humbucker. There is also a difference in the output of the two of these pickups, with the humbucker having a stronger output than the PAF. Magnets used in PAF are Alnico magnets that have different grades and variable tonal characteristics.
What does PAF mean in pickups?
Patent Applied ForA: Pretty much every guitar player has heard about the legendary “Patent Applied For” – or “PAF” – humbucking pickups that first appeared on Gibson guitars in 1957.
Is a PAF pickup a humbucker?
4:3219:00What Is The "P.A.F." Sound? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSound in fact i own several guitars that are equipped with paf style humbuckers. Everything fromMoreSound in fact i own several guitars that are equipped with paf style humbuckers. Everything from gibson reproductions to more boutique options like this curtis novak in the bridge.
How do you know if a pickup is PAF?
2:5212:17Let's talk about the PAF (Patent Applied For) humbucking pickup!YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd how they differ. So let's start with the covers. So original PAF covers are made of GermanMoreAnd how they differ. So let's start with the covers. So original PAF covers are made of German nickel silver that are plated in pure nickel.
Why are Seymour Duncan pickups good?
Seymour Duncan pickups have a reputation for quality tone and durable build and have been used by pro level guitarists for just shy of fifty years now and it's easy enough for you to get rock solid tone whether you're playing at home or you're a working musician.
Are PAF pickups noisy?
Noise comes about because the pickup's wire coil acts as an antenna. To eliminate noise while retaining the musical signal, Lover utilised two coils that were electronically out of phase. Both coils picked up noise equally, but when the noise currents in the coils were combined, the noise was cancelled out.
What is at top humbucker?
The original vintage “T-Top” Gibson Humbucking pickups were introduced as an updated version of the venerable PAF and early Patent No. pickups. They are characterized by the “T” impressed on the top of each of the internal bobbins.
What does PAF mean?
Personnel Action Form (PAF)
Are PAF pickups wax potted?
Were vintage PAF pickups wax potted? The answer is no. No Gibson pickup from the 1950's and 1960's were ever wax potted at the Kalamazoo factory. Wax potting is a process now commonly used to eliminate feedback through a humbucker pickup.
Are all humbuckers PAFS?
Since the 1950s, the vast majority of humbucking pickups have been configured just like PAF and Filter'Tron units. However, the humbuckers that Gibson made between 1956 and around 1962 have a very specific set of features, materials and manufacturing anomalies that set them apart from their contemporaries.
What is a P90 pick up?
P90 pickups are fundamentally single-coil pickups with a wider design and a different magnet disposition. Their assembly and size allow for more output and midrange response while maintaining a twangy tonal flavour. They're often seen as a cross between humbuckers and regular single-coils.
What does PAF mean?
Personnel Action Form (PAF)
What's the difference between Alnico 2 and Alnico 5?
Alnico 5 is a little stronger magnet, resulting in a slightly brighter tone. Alnico 2 is a little weaker, resulting in a slightly warmer tone. Alnico 5 has more MAGNETIC material and less FERRIC material, resulting in slightly lower Inductance.
How do you make a PAF humbucker?
0:3015:03HOW TO MAKE A PAF HUMBUCKER PICKUP. Overview of ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo at first I will say bit about materials and parts that I use humbucker is made of 40 parts andMoreSo at first I will say bit about materials and parts that I use humbucker is made of 40 parts and all of them in anyway make a contribution to pickups voice shaping.
What's the difference between Alnico 3 and 5?
With alnico 5 magnets, you get less nickel and aluminum and more cobalt in the mix. And as a result, you will get a brighter tone compared to Alnico 3. When pickups have alnico 5 magnets, you will likely notice a sharper attack. At the same time, you can also hear that classic Fender-style jangle.
PAF Guitar
PAF is an earlier model of the guitar pickup that is somehow the early humbucker guitar pickup that was invented back in 1955 by Seth Lover. It began to gain popularity when Gibson started using the PAF on the higher model of guitars and had their version of a refined PAF pickup which they had the patent to as well.
Humbucker Guitar
The humbucker is certainly the best thing that you can get out there on these electric guitars. The Humbucker pickup that you are getting out there uses two-wire coils to cancel out the noisy interference picked up by the coil. At times Humbucker also offers dynamic microphones that are the best thing to cancel electromagnetic hum.
When did the PAF humbucker stop?
These were in turn replaced by "T-Top" humbuckers in 1967, and production ended in 1975. Though it is commonly mistaken as the first humbucker pickup, the PAF was the first humbucker to gain widespread use and notoriety.
What is a PAF pickup?
A P.A.F. or simply PAF is an early model of the humbucker guitar pickup invented by Seth Lover in 1955. Gibson began use of the PAF on higher-model guitars in late 1956 and stopped in late 1962. They were replaced by the Patent Number (Pat No) pickup, essentially a refined version of the PAF. These were in turn replaced by "T-Top" humbuckers in ...
What year did Gibson make the PAF?
Early 1961 PAFs are almost exactly identical to the original 1957-1960 PAFs. In July 1961 Gibson standardized the PAF construction process with the introduction of the SG model. With this, smaller Alnico 2 and Alnico 5 magnets became standard. Transition to a new start lead location and a more formal number of wire winds was also introduced, leading to pickup DC resistance to center around 7.5kΩ. In addition, around 1963 these pickups were given a new sticker that had a patent number written on it. However, the stickers were labelled with " U.S. Patent 2,737,842 " until 1962, which is the number issued to the 1952 Les Paul trapeze tailpiece design and not the humbucking pickups. Between 1965-1966, Gibson switched to polyurethane -coated wire from enamel-coated to cut costs and streamline pigtail lead soldering time, changing the wire color from purple to red.
What is the PAF on Gibson pickups?
In late 1957 a black sticker with gold lettering was applied to each pickup's underside, that read " PATENT APPLIED FOR ." Over time the Patent Applied For sticker present on these pickups has evolved into the acronym P.A.F. as a way to identify pickups with this sticker. The patent for Gibson's design US patent 2896491 was eventually issued on July 28, 1959. The acronym P.A.F. is also sometimes written as PAF leaving the periods out. However, in 1978 the word "PAF" was registered as a trademark by DiMarzio. This registered trademark should not to be confused with original P.A.F. acronym used to describe the original vintage pickups made by Gibson and the subject of this article.
What magnets does Gibson use for PAFs?
Gibson used Alnico magnets in PAFs, the same magnet as used in the P-90. Alnico has several different grades with different tonal properties.
What is the T top on a Gibson humbucker?
1967-1980. With the reintroduction of a humbucker equipped Les Paul Custom in 1968, Gibson standardized a T-shaped tool mark on the top of humbucker bobbins. This new style of Gibson humbucker became known as the T-Top.
Who makes PAF pickups?
reproductions with original P.A.F. winding machines from the Kalamazoo factory. Other established companies making P.A.F. style pickups include Amber, Bareknuckle, DiMarzio, Kent Armstrong, Kloppmann Pickups, Lindy Fralin, Lollar, Mojotone, Monty's Guitars, Orpheus Pickups, OX4, Sheptone, Theo Dahlem Pickups, V16, Wizz and Wolfetone.
What is a PAF pickup?
The most popular pickups are the so-called humbucker or double-coil pickups, mostly known as PAF which are usually seen in the purest vintage style models. The design of this pickup model focuses on the sustained and reduction of background noise, by two coils connected in series with polarity and inverted winding.
What is the best humbucker set?
If you are looking for a humbucker set that keeps almost any style running, the Seymour Duncan Antiquity will be the best choice because of its versatility. Even though it will probably grant you a visit to your technician.
What is the peak frequency of a symlink?
Its peak frequency is 2540 kHz which sounds good, but it actually ranges there, meaning that you will be stuck with a low-end that always sound somehow like metal or hard rock music.
What is a Kirk Hammett bone breaker?
As you can imagine by its name, the Kirk Hammett Bone Breaker is designed for a more metallic and dried sound, aiming to emulate the strong and vibrant sound of Metallica’s star guitar player.
Does EMG have humbuckers?
Moving on to a more advanced pickup for your guitar, EMG offers an incredible set of pieces all over its humbuckers that promise to be easy to install which is usually the nightmarish part when changing your pickup system.
Does nickel cap affect guitar sound?
By covering the humbucker the nickel cap will slightly affect the sound of your guitar and the sound will become a little brighter.
Can you split a pickup to a humbucker?
However, in case you want to have a split connection - that goes from a simple pickup to a humbucker - it is best to take it to the technician, it is not an expensive modification.
2. Shed PAF Daddies
Spencer Mumford uses vintage-correct components and applies his outstanding relic-ing skills to create a PAF replica that looks indistinguishable from a real 55-year-old gig warrior.
5. House Of Tone Tru PAF Humbuckers
These Tru PAFs are the unpotted PAF humbucker replicas we have been waiting for from one of the UK’s most talented and knowledgeable winders. The units are made entirely from vintage-correct parts and for a small upcharge, relic’d sets with ‘Patent Applied For’ stickers are available to order. Wax potting and four-conductor wire are also available.
6. Tyson Tone The Preachers PAF Set
Tyson Tone’s unpotted PAF replicas feature butyrate bobbins, maple spacers, 42AWG plain enamel wire and rough-cast alnico magnets charged to vintage-correct levels. Then it gets more interesting, because Bob Tyson winds his coils using a vintage mechanical auto traverse coil winder, just as Gibson did.
7. Seymour Duncan Antiquity Humbucker
It’s now common knowledge amongst guitar players that Seymour Duncan’s Antiquity range produces some of the best pickups on the market. Their PAF replica is no different, offering a truly vintage sound and look. Notably more balanced than a true PAF, it’s also worth mentioning these pickups aren’t wax potted if that’s also your bag.
8. Lindy Fralin Pure PAF
Widely regarded as one of the best PAF replicas on the market today, it offers both vintage articulation and sheer power in spades. Constructed by hand, the magnets are weakened by hand allowing the upper range to sound less forceful and evens out the tonality. Perfect for both jazz and rock aficionados.
What is a PAF pickup?
The PAF pickup is the one that defined the sound of the modern humbucker pickup. It was developed by Seth Lover in 1955 while he was working for the Gibson company. Their early versions replaced the P-90s on Les pauls, and since then have been the standard pickup in such guitars.
What does PAF stand for in pickups?
PAF stands for “Patent Applied For”. This was a legend added just to inform that the technology behind these pickups was patented by Gibson. The thing is that this particular feature caught on among their fans and became the pickup’s nonofficial name.
What is the difference between a PAF and a Filtertron?
The main differences between Filtertron and PAF humbuckers, apart from their construction are that Filtertrons sound like a step in between single-coils and modern humbuckers. They have a twangy high end and sound great clean. PAFs are a bit muddier, not that good at cleans, but amazing when overdriven.
Why were filtertrons and pafs designed at the same time?
Filtertrons and PAFs were designed at about the same time trying to solve the same problem that many guitarists were struggling with.
What is a filtertron pickup?
Filtertron pickups are usually narrower and smaller than humbuckers. Their poles are layout closer. Some boutique pickup brands, such as Lollar, however, manufacture regular humbucker-sized Filtertrons. If you are planning on a pickup swap, you should take measurements first to make sure they would fit.
When did Filtertron pickups come out?
Filtertron pickups were introduced in 1957 . The guitar master himself, Chet Atkins was working alongside one of Gretsch’s engineers on a new kind of pickup that could solve the problem of the 60 cycle hum that P-90s and single coils suffered from.
What helps these pickups generate that particular tone, and being more technical, is that their poles are closer together answer?
What helps these pickups generate that particular tone, and being more technical, is that their poles are closer together, they use a larger magnet, and their bobbins are taller. All of these features contribute to a brighter tone.
Why did PAFs change every year?
PAFs changed every single year they were made, because of tolerance and physical design changes and material changes. So you can see this is proof of concept of my working knowledge to make my replicas. The knowledge WORKS, and is so very very close.
Why haven't they recreated the original Gibson humbuckers?
So, what's different about modern Gibson humbuckers? Why haven’t they recreated the originals? For starters, they are using the wrong materials, going for cheap materials rather than the RIGHT materials. One of their guys recently said they analyzed everything in the original PAFs and when they used modern equivalents, they couldn’t get that sound. Well, they failed to do adequate reverse engineering, they didn’t understand what they saw. No, what they did doesn’t work. What they are doing now doesn’t work either.
Is a 7.2K vintage PAF bad?
It will be so bright and harshly oriented; it will hurt your ears. Is it a “bad” PAF? No. You’re just using it in the wrong place. Put it in the neck position, please.
Do oldy PAFs sound like Gibson?
I’ve heard this astonishing statement from really good players and all I can say is they must have hearing damage, or they need to throw away their pedals or stop playing with so much distortion! On simple vintage amplifiers, that don't have distortion footswitches, master volume and gain channels, you can plainly hear that the oldy PAFs don't sound like anything Gibson has made since those days.
Do PAF bobbins have the same winding?
Nope. PAF bobbins are not physically identical parts. The official winding recipe was 5,000 turns of wire per each coil, to equal the same number of winds as a P90 (10,000 winds) because they wanted the same voltage output. If you put 5,000 winds on a slug coil, and the same on the pole coil, then measure, they won’t read the same, because the slug bobbin has a longer path for one turn of wire. That was consistent on all the PAFs I’ve restored or dissected. People think they put more winds on the slug coil and that's not really true.
What is the ohms of a 1959 PAF?
Billed as “custom,” and including Robson’s tasty and realistic hand aging, this is what you’ll get if you request his current favorite take on an accurate 1959 PAF, with a neck pickup carrying an Alnico III magnet and wound to 7.24k-ohms , and an Alnico V bridge pickup wound to 8.32k-ohms, both unpotted.
Who is the author of PAF?
While all the better makers today have put a lot of thought into their PAF recipes, James Finnerty of ReWind Electric in Washington, Utah, has done enough research to write a book on the stuff. In fact, he and co-author Mario Milan have done just that with their 2018 tome The Gibson ‘PAF’ Humbucking Pickup: From Myth to Reality.
How many ohms does a bare knuckle pickup have?
The pickups are unpotted and measure 7.36k-ohms in the neck and 8.42k-ohms in the bridge. It’s worth noting that Bare Knuckle also sells its own Custom Audio Taper CTS potentiometers, regarded by many as one of the better reproductions of vintage-taper pots available.
How many tone controls does the Sunbears bridge pickup have?
Dialing down the bridge pickup’s tone control to seven or eight also opened up new depths in a warmer, rounder pickup that nailed yet another pleasing voice. All told, the Sunbears are a great repro-PAF set that reminds us how many of the good vintage originals preface their juicy, plummy core with a lively, slicing attack that makes for attention-getting soloing.
Where are BFG Whiskerbuckers made?
Manufactured by Cream T pickups in Ormskirk, England, the BFG Whiskerbuckers are the first of the company’s new Super Scanner series, produced following meticulous analysis of the original PAFs in – yes – Billy F. Gibbons’ legendary 1959 Gibson Les Paul known as Pearly Gates, using Cream T’s patented analog spectrum recorder.
Where is the bareknuckle pickups set?
Bareknuckle Pickups The Mule set (Image credit: Bareknuckle Pickups) Based in Falmouth, England, Bare Knuckle was formed by touring and studio guitarist Tim Mills back in 2003, and has risen to greater prominence in recent years as the company’s reputation ascended.
Is the PAF humbucker the Holy Grail?
The PAF humbucker remains the Holy Grail, but are today's pickup companies getting closer to replicating it? (Image credit: Future)
