PAF type pickups to try?

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harddriver

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I recently installed a set of 36th anniversary PAF dimarzios in a 96 Epi goldtop.

While I seem to like the pickups quite well, I just wonder how close they are to actual era correct Gibby PAF's with the MOJO Factor that obviously can't be replicated! Or can it?

The only other manufacturer that seems to garner my interest is Motorcity. Which model is closest to a true PAF, seems to be the black belt model.

I'm just curious and like trying different things so hence the above question. No I won't spend 5K on an actual 1950's gibson PAF a close approximation will do.
 
Depending on how much research you are willing to do, there is enough information out there on the subject to make your brain implode.

I would probably just leave those 36's in there and play the shit out of that thing. They were designed based on Larry DiMarzio's real 1959 LP with PAF's in it, there are some comparison videos on his site of the two.
 
Not all original PAFs are the same. They varied so you are aren't chasing after one tone. Don't get caught up in the bullshit.

I have a friend that has tried many booteek PAFs in his LPs and LP type guitars: Lollar, Sheptone, Throbak, Bareknuckle, etc. There are subtle differences but they are all fine and IMHO this trek to PAF Dali Lama heights is urband legend and hype and not worth the trouble.

The Dimarzio 36ths are fine as evidenced by your recent posts. I have them in four guitars: LP, 335, and two Sadowsky superstrats.
 
snowdog":1slubyns said:
Depending on how much research you are willing to do, there is enough information out there on the subject to make your brain implode.

I would probably just leave those 36's in there and play the shit out of that thing. They were designed based on Larry DiMarzio's real 1959 LP with PAF's in it, there are some comparison videos on his site of the two.
Click to expand...

Yeah I know, everything is subjective, I purchased the 36th's off of the video you refer to and Vrad's stellar clips. Yes on the subject of pure PAF tone implosion is imminent. :lol: :LOL:

I'm just curious to others experience with there PAF clone/replica experiences on the board.

BKP pickups always seem to impress me as well tonewise as do the Motorcitys that seems to have a nice clank to them. Wade seems to have really gotten into the metallurgical aspect of things which is kind of cool.

I've heard the name sheptones but never looked into them.
 
ALL respect brutha.

But your putting these pickups in a EPI<

for the Dime, upgrade to at least a Gibby Studio, or something with some wood in it to really hear what your seeking.

Not talking out of my ass. Not a fan boy. Had a GREAT Epi Paul, (Currently in the Classifieds, Shameless plug! lol!) for 12 YEARS< cause I "Will not drop the cash" for a real Gibson... Coupla years ago my cousin (Studio owner, band manager) Brow beat me into getting a 1999 Classic LP. Fucking night and day. KILLS the EPI sound wise. Get the wood that will represent those pickups correctly.

PM Jerry-Surreal amps, I put a T-top and Custom 5 in it for the amp show and he loved my guitar....

PS-I am an avid pickup swapper, the Gibby tells me WAY more info than the EPI. :)
 
I think you shouldnt replace the Di Marzios. They are fine in a Epi.
 
the 36th dimarzio sounds amazing indeed, but it's way too loud, fat and middy, and that's not really how a regular PAF should sound
definitely a great pickup, but not true even to larry's original '59 tone
sounds hotter, thicker and darker than my '78 dimarzio PAF, that's already hotter than I would expect from a PAF clone

I installed BKP mules a couple weeks ago and I'm really impressed
probably my favorite pickups ever, along with the riff raff, and I'm a heavy rock/metal player
the clarity and the organic feel without mushing out under gain like gibson stock pickups is just unreal
the neck VHII also sounded amazing in the bridge position (supposedly like an alnico 5 mule, and pretty close to the riff raff)
the bridge VHII sounds like a slightly crunchier and punchier riff raff, very focused with a subtle midscoop
I love the black dog as well, but I wouldn't call it a PAF, since the specs are way off and the voicing is very midrangy, in a similar way to the 36th, but with a modern texture, like the holy diver model (which is JB based)

the neck motor city 2nd degree black belt is amazing as well (didn't try the bridge version)
 
There are some great suggestions here! The Tom Holmes 455 is another pickup that seems to grab my ears from clips that I have heard. The BKP Mule keeps coming up too.

I owned an 83 Gibson Les Paul custom for years that I just never bonded with, heavy as a boat anchor and the body wood was pretty dead. I hadn't had a Les Paul for a long time until my brother picked up a 2000 Korean LP custom, It had the correct weight, feel, playability and sounds great, way better than the current made in China Epi LP's and probably on par with a Studio model or better IMO. So I set out to find a Korean LP and picked this one up, so far I think I'm less disappointed in it than a $2500 Gibson. I played a friends newer Chambered Standard Model LP and It didn't scream quality axe to me for the money. :confused:

Guitars are a crapshoot anyway you can play a bunch before finding the right one anyway,I'm sure there are some great newer Gibson LP's out there.
 
I would not go off clips. Original PAF's varied quite a bit and were not wax potted.

Rolph VP PAF- end of search, done. Rolph's are what I have in mine. DiMarzio, WCR Godwood isn't even close to the Rolph PAF's. Last I heard Tom Holmes pups take several months to deliver after placing order. Good luck.
 
-1 on the MCP 2nd Degree Black Belts... lifeless.

Stick with the Dimarzio 36ths. Best PAF replicas I've heard, and I've tried a lot.
 
lots of great pickups named here. Tom Brantley(Fralins right hand man) made me some PAF Clones that sound great in my LP. Tom is head pickup guy over at Mojotone now. The pickups are the mojo website I believe. Tom's a great guy and will custom make whatever ya want!
 
DGTs.


David Grissom had PRS clone his vintage 1959 ES's original PAFs when they built his signature guitar. They spent a long time getting them right. Having tried hundreds of pickups, these are definitely my favorite. And they sound unbelievably good split. I've got a pair in my SC245 and I don't even think about another pickup.
 
I know the originals were not wax potted, but I defintiely need mine potted. So far what I like about the 36th's is they seem to resonate like they are almost not potted. I tried a pickup sometime ago unpotted and I sent it back in to be potted.

I remember seeing a Seymour Duncan vid of him the custom shop and he said the pickup winding machine he has there is one from Gibson's Kalamazoo plant. Who knows? I don't know why I haven't even considered Seymour Duncan in this contest, being a Duncan guy and all?

The Sheptones site was interesting.

Wasn't throback making PAF clone pickups? I thought I remember rave reviews coming out about those.
 
They won't gain you any internet forum points but don't forget the Duncan '59.
 
Duncan 59's, Seth lovers, antiquities, pearly gates, alnico II's. Duncan has a bunch to try.
 
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