Fitted with powerful Alnico 8 magnets for the first time in Gibson Pickup Shop history, the new ELEV8 series represents the next evolution of Gibson humbucker design
The Gibson Pickup Shop is kicking off a new era in humbucking pickup design with the all-new ELEV8 series, featuring three humbucker types offering complementary voices designed to work individually or as matched sets. The humbucking pickups included in the new ELEV8 range are the standard ELEV8, the ELEV8 Plus, and the vintage-inspired ELEV8 Underwound. Each one is available uncovered with Double Black or Zebra bobbins, or with Double Black bobbins beneath a nickel cover.
Gibson invented the original Patent Applied For humbucker™ in 1955, and over the years, has utilized Alnico 2, 3, 4, and 5 magnets in pickup construction, each grade with its own unique tonal characteristics. For the ELEV8 pickups, Alnico 8 magnets are employed for the first time in Gibson pickup history.
These pickups level up your tone with exceptional output, punch, and authority, and as such, they’ve already found a perfect home within the newly launched Victory Baritone models, too. The combination of Alnico 8 magnets and custom-gauge wire creates a powerful voice with a controlled, tight bass response. This gives modern players the confidence to explore drop tunings, aggressive palm-muted riffs, and dense mixes without sacrificing precision.
Featuring four-conductor wiring across the entire lineup, the ELEV8 pickups are also ready for coil splitting and advanced switching options. This added versatility allows players to move between thick humbucking tones and brighter, more cutting sounds.
The standard ELEV8 (10k ohms) is available in both traditional Gibson neck and bridge spacings, while the ELEV8 Plus (15k ohms) is thoughtfully overwound to pair perfectly with the standard ELEV8 in the neck position. The ELEV8 Plus raises your tone to the top with powerful voicing and tight bass response that’s well-suited for high-gain applications, while the ELEV8 Underwound is designed as a neck position pickup that pairs perfectly with the standard ELEV8 at the bridge for a modern/vintage combination.
