Here are the features that make a great vintage humbucker: a soft magnetic field, a sweet tone, a perfect balance between warmth and clarity, and the ability to transition from clean to distorted just by the attack of the pickup. For our PAF® 36th Anniversary Neck, we wanted to continue in the footsteps of pioneers like Seth Lover (the designer of the original Patent Applied For humbucker) and create pickups that combine all the characteristics of vintage humbuckers. These pickups are not just clones. We redesigned the PAF® using our patented technology and the Gibson® Les Paul®, produced by Larry DiMarzio, from 1959, as a reference. Larry's Gibson® Les Paul® has an amazing unique sound, and it is not just due to the pickups; it is the total fusion of many elements of the guitar itself. Although the pickups have a weak magnetic field, the sound is well defined: almost like a single-coil. We duplicated the weaker magnetic field to allow the strings to vibrate more, as well as to focus and articulate the attack and output. We use computer-controlled winders to consistently layer our custom coated 42 gauge wire, achieving the exact frequency response we desire. It is then dipped in our custom formula to eliminate squeal and microphonics. The cover is made of nickel-silver, and our new plating makes it more magnetically transparent than the original. The PAF® 36th Anniversary Neck is smooth but not muddy. It works just as well in the neck or bridge, like the best humbuckers from the 50s. We will build the PAF® 36th Anniversary as you wish. Choose the coil style — glossy vintage or modern matte, the base type — traditional long legs or standard short legs, and the wire type — vintage single conductor or 4 conductors. The PAF® 36th Anniversary Neck is available uncovered, and we also offer three types of covers: standard polished and plated, unplated polished, and our aged cover, which looks so authentic and worn that you would swear it has been around since 1959.
