Four new pickup sets capture the full tonal spectrum of the Patent Applied For humbucker, the most sought-after electric guitar pickup in music history
The Gibson Pickup Shop has launched four new pickup sets that capture the elusive tonal characteristics of the famous Patent Applied For humbucker™. Spanning from 1957 into 1960, each set delivers real historic character recreated through extensive 3D scanning, reverse engineering, scientific analysis, and deep research into original examples.
After debuting on Gibson lap steels in late 1956, the Patent Applied For humbucker first appeared on Gibson electric guitars in early 1957. Although they were not present on the very first units, it was the Patent Applied For decals affixed to the undersides of the pickups that earned P.A.F.s their nickname. First featuring in the electric guitar catalog on the ES-175™, the humbucker became the primary pickup for high-end Gibson instruments, including the Les Paul™ Goldtop, Les Paul Custom, and Les Paul Standard.
The 1957-1960 P.A.F. Reissue Sets reproduce the dimensions, materials, appearance, and distinctive tonal traits of original Gibson Patent Applied For pickups. Each set has a unique tonal profile shaped by its wire turn counts and specific grade of long, rough-cast Alnico magnets.
The decals on the undersides of P.A.F. pickups were responsible for their nickname
Each pickup is wound on vintage Gibson coil-winding machines using 42 AWG plain enamel wire and vintage-correct butyrate bobbins. Period-accurate details include maple spacers, steel slugs and keeper bars, and two-conductor wiring, True Historic nickel covers, Patent Applied For decals, and authentic tooling marks on the baseplate feet.
“The original P.A.F. humbuckers have inspired generations of players because they do more than reproduce sound; they respond to the player,” says Jared Brandon, Pickup Product Manager at Gibson. “With the 1957-1960 P.A.F. Reissue Sets, we have recreated four distinct voices from that historic era, giving guitarists the clarity, harmonic complexity, and dynamic feel that made these pickups legendary.” Let’s dive into each one…
1957 P.A.F. Reissue Set
The 1957 set is the most aggressive in the collection. Their long, rough-cast Alnico 5 magnets and unbalanced coils deliver tight, punchy lows, a bright, clear top end, and a slightly scooped midrange. The pickups feature Double Vintage Black butyrate bobbins, True Historic nickel covers, two-conductor wiring, unpotted construction, and average DC resistance readings of 8.1 k ohms for the treble pickup and 7.5 k ohms for the rhythm pickup.
The new P.A.F. Reissue Sets come in four distinct flavors, encompassing the full spectrum of P.A.F. tone
1958 P.A.F. Reissue Set
The 1958 set is the most balanced and versatile out of the four, providing long, rough-cast Alnico 4 magnets that produce even bass and treble and a smooth midrange. These pickups offer Double Vintage Black butyrate bobbins, True Historic nickel covers, two-conductor wiring, unpotted construction, and average DC resistance readings of 8.3 k ohms for the treble pickup and 7.6 k ohms for the rhythm pickup.
1959 P.A.F. Reissue Set
The 1959 P.A.F. Reissue Set captures the open, woody, and harmonically rich character associated with classic Burst tone. Their long, rough-cast Alnico 3 magnets and unbalanced coils create a softer bass response, airy highs, and a pronounced, musical midrange. The set has Double Vintage White butyrate bobbins, True Historic nickel covers, two-conductor wiring, unpotted construction and average DC resistance readings of 8.1k ohms for the treble pickup and 7.7k ohms for the rhythm pickup.
1960 P.A.F. Reissue Set
The smoothest and warmest set in the collection, the 1960 P.A.F. Reissue has long, rough-cast Alnico 2 magnets that produce rounded lows, gently rolled-off highs, and a sweet midrange. The set has the softest attack of the four, with subtle natural compression. It features Double Vintage Black butyrate bobbins, True Historic nickel covers, two-conductor wiring, unpotted construction, and average DC resistance readings of 8.6 k ohms for the treble pickup and 8.0 k ohms for the rhythm pickup.
The new Gibson P.A.F. Reissue Sets are available globally via authorized Gibson dealers, Gibson Garage locations in Nashville, London, and Miami, and Gibson.com.
