Original Gibson PAF Pickups: The Holy Grail of Electric Guitar Electronics

Why Original PAF Pickups Matter

Original Gibson PAF (Patent Applied For) humbucking pickups represent the absolute pinnacle of electric guitar pickup design and manufacturing. Produced from 1957 to 1962, these hand-wound pickups are considered by collectors, players, and luthiers to be the gold standard against which all other humbuckers are measured. The PAF pickup transformed electric guitar tone forever and remains the most sought-after vintage guitar component in existence.

What makes original PAFs legendary:

• Hand-wound construction with inconsistent but magical tonal characteristics

• Unpotted design allowing for incredible harmonic complexity and feedback sensitivity

• Alnico magnets providing warm, musical saturation

• The "sweet spot" of output—hot enough for sustain, clean enough for clarity

• Manufactured during Gibson's peak quality period before corporate changes

• Limited production run makes authentic examples extremely rare and valuable

Historical Context: The Birth of the Humbucker

The PAF pickup was invented by Gibson's Seth Lover in 1955 as a solution to the single-coil pickup's inherent hum problem. After two years of development, Gibson began installing these revolutionary pickups in their premium instruments in 1957.

Key Development Timeline:

• 1955: Seth Lover develops the humbucking design at Gibson

• 1957: First PAF pickups appear in Gibson Les Paul Standard guitars

• 1958: PAF production expands to ES-175, ES-335, and other Gibson models

• 1959: Peak production year with finest examples produced

• 1961: Patent granted, "Patent Applied For" stickers discontinued

• 1962: Final year of true PAF construction methods

The PAF era coincided with Gibson's golden period of guitar manufacturing, when premium materials were still readily available and craftsmanship remained at its peak. These pickups were installed in some of the most legendary guitars ever made, including 1958-1960 Les Paul "Bursts," early ES-335s, and premium hollow-body electrics.

Current Market Value (2025 Update)

Original Gibson PAF pickups have experienced explosive value appreciation, with pristine examples now commanding prices that exceed many complete vintage guitars. The market has been particularly strong in recent years as collectors compete for the finest examples.

Value Factors:

• Sticker Presence: PAFs retaining original "Patent Applied For" stickers command 20-30% premium

• Output Reading: Specific resistance ranges are more desirable (7.5k-8.5k ohms typically preferred)

• Originality: Untouched examples with original leads and mounting rings

• Provenance: Documentation from famous guitars or players significantly increases value

• Condition: Sticker condition, magnet strength, and coil integrity affect pricing

Note: At Edgewater Guitars, we consistently pay 30-40% more than typical guitar shops for premium PAF pickups, and we understand the nuances that affect their value.

Detailed PAF Identification Guide

Patent Applied For Stickers

Authentic PAF stickers are crucial identifiers:

• Paper Construction: Original stickers are printed on thin paper with a specific texture

• Font and Spacing: "Patent Applied For" uses specific typeface with consistent character spacing

• Adhesion Pattern: Original stickers show age-appropriate lifting at edges

• Color: Should appear cream/off-white with age (not bright white)

Pickup Construction Details

Bobbin Characteristics:

• Black or cream plastic bobbins with specific mold marks

• "Gibson" stamped on bottom of bobbin (though not always visible)

• Mounting ears show specific tooling marks from original manufacturing

Magnet Specifications:

• Alnico II, IV, or V magnets (Alnico II most common and preferred)

• Rough-cast magnet surface, not polished smooth

• Specific dimensions: approximately 2.5" x 0.5" x 0.125"

Wire and Winding:

• 42 AWG plain enamel copper wire (not poly-coated)

• Hand-guided winding creating slight irregularities

• Lead wire: braided shield with cloth covering

• Winding direction varies between neck and bridge positions

Resistance Readings

Authentic PAF resistance typically ranges:

• Neck Position: 7.2k-8.2k ohms

• Bridge Position: 7.8k-9.1k ohms

• Sweet Spot: Many collectors prefer 7.5k-8.5k range for optimal tone

Important Note: Resistance alone doesn't determine authenticity—wire gauge, magnet strength, and construction details are equally important.

Dating PAF Pickups

Sticker Period (1957-1961):

• All pickups feature "Patent Applied For" rectangular stickers

• Sticker placement varies slightly but is typically centered on pickup

Post-Patent Period (1961-1962):

• No stickers present (patent was granted)

• Same construction methods as sticker period

• Often called "no-sticker PAFs" by collectors

Potentiometer Cross-Reference: PAFs can be dated by cross-referencing potentiometer codes in the guitars they came from:

• 1957: CTS pots dated 704xxxx series

• 1958: CTS pots dated 134xxxx series

• 1959: Centralab pots dated 134xxxx series

• 1960-1962: Various manufacturer codes

Physical Specifications

Dimensions

• Length: 3.375" (85.7mm)

• Width: 1.5" (38.1mm)

• Height: 0.75" (19.0mm) without mounting ring

Electrical Specifications

• Inductance: Typically 4.0-5.5 henries

• Capacitance: 100-150 picofarads

• DC Resistance: 7.2k-9.1k ohms

• Resonant Peak: Usually 2.5k-4kHz depending on guitar's electronics

Construction Materials

• Magnets: Alnico II, IV, or V

• Wire: 42 AWG plain enamel

• Bobbins: Black or cream ABS plastic

• Mounting: Nickel-plated brass mounting rings (when original)

Tonal Characteristics: The PAF Sound

Original PAF pickups are revered for their distinctive tonal qualities:

Clean Tones:

• Warm, woody character with excellent note definition

• Complex harmonic content that responds to playing dynamics

• Clear treble without harshness

• Full midrange presence that cuts through a mix

Overdriven Tones:

• Musical saturation that compresses naturally

• Singing sustain with harmonic richness

• Excellent feedback characteristics due to unpotted construction

• Dynamic response that cleans up with lighter picking

Technical Factors Contributing to PAF Tone:

• Unpotted Construction: Allows microphonic feedback and harmonic complexity

• Hand-Guided Winding: Creates slight irregularities that add tonal character

• Alnico Magnets: Provide warm, musical compression

• Plain Enamel Wire: Different magnetic properties than modern poly-coated wire

Common Issues and Authentication Challenges

Typical Problems with Vintage PAFs:

1. Sticker Loss: Original stickers often fall off or are deliberately removed

2. Corrosion: Mounting screws and rings may show rust or corrosion

3. Weak Magnets: Alnico magnets can lose strength over 60+ years

4. Wire Breaks: Fragile lead wires may break at solder joints

5. Potting: Some PAFs were later potted, affecting their tone and value

Authentication Red Flags:

• Modern stickers: Reproduction stickers are common on fake PAFs

• Incorrect resistance: Values outside typical PAF ranges

• Wrong wire type: Poly-coated wire instead of plain enamel

• Incorrect bobbins: Modern plastic or wrong color combinations

• Perfect condition: Be suspicious of PAFs that look too new

Counterfeit PAF Market:

The high value of PAF pickups has created an extensive counterfeit market. Common fakes include:

• Modern pickups with reproduction stickers

• Rewound original bobbins with new wire

• Complete reproductions using period-correct materials

• "Frankenstein" PAFs using mix of original and reproduction parts

Why Players and Collectors Value PAF Pickups

For Players:

• Tonal Versatility: Excel in both clean and overdriven applications

• Dynamic Response: React naturally to playing technique and guitar volume

• Recording Friendly: Sit perfectly in mixes without excessive processing

• Sustain Quality: Provide musical feedback and harmonic richness

For Collectors:

• Historical Significance: Represent a pivotal moment in electric guitar evolution

• Rarity: Limited production period makes authentic examples increasingly scarce

• Investment Potential: Values have appreciated consistently over decades

• Craftsmanship: Hand-wound construction represents peak of analog manufacturing

Famous Recordings Featuring PAF Pickups:

• Early blues recordings by Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, and Peter Green

• Classic rock albums from the 1960s and early 1970s

• Jazz recordings featuring Gibson ES-175 and ES-335 guitars

• Countless studio sessions where PAF-equipped guitars were the standard

Selling Your Original PAF Pickups

If you own original Gibson PAF pickups, Edgewater Guitars offers specialized services for these premium components:

Our PAF Expertise Includes:

• Authentication Services: Our team can verify originality using multiple identification methods

• Accurate Valuations: We understand the subtle factors that affect PAF values

• Market Knowledge: Current pricing based on recent sales and auction results

• Discrete Transactions: High-value pickup sales handled with complete confidentiality

Why Choose Edgewater for Your PAFs:

• Premium Offers: Typically 30-40% higher than guitar shop offers

• Expert Knowledge: We understand what makes PAFs valuable and rare

• Immediate Payment: No consignment or waiting periods

• Professional Documentation: Full authentication and condition reports

Ready to sell your vintage Gibson PAFs? Our specialists can provide a free evaluation. Contact us at (440) 219-3607 or request a quote online.

Identifying PAF Pickups in Your Vintage Gibson

Where to Look:

• Les Paul Standards (1958-1960): Two PAF pickups standard

• ES-335 Series (1958-1962): Premium models equipped with PAFs

• ES-175 (late 1950s-early 1960s): Single PAF in neck position

• ES-345 and ES-355: Twin PAF configurations

• Flying V and Explorer: Limited production models with PAFs extremely valuable

Quick Authentication Steps:

1. Remove pickup from guitar (if comfortable doing so)

2. Check for sticker presence and condition

3. Measure DC resistance with multimeter

4. Examine bobbin construction and materials

5. Document with clear photographs for professional evaluation

Authentication Resources

Essential References:

• "The PAF Book" by various authors: Comprehensive guide to PAF identification

• Vintage Guitar Magazine PAF Articles: Regular features on authentication

• Gibson Factory Records: Limited availability but valuable for provenance

Professional Authentication:

For high-value PAF pickups, consider professional authentication services:

• Vintage guitar experts with PAF specialization

• Electronics testing for inductance and capacitance values

• Magnet strength testing and composition analysis

• Documentation services for insurance and resale

  
  

Common PAF Questions Answered

Q: Are PAFs worth more than the guitars they came in? A: In some cases, yes.

Q: Can PAF pickups be restored or refurbished? A: Minor repairs like resoldering lead wires are acceptable, but rewinding or significant modifications destroy authenticity and value.

Q: How do I safely remove PAF pickups for evaluation? A: Use proper tools, photograph everything before removal, and handle with extreme care. Consider having a qualified technician perform the removal.

Investment Perspective: PAF Market Trends

Original Gibson PAF pickups have shown remarkable appreciation over the past two decades:

Market Drivers:

• Increasing scarcity as more PAFs are identified and preserved

• Growing recognition of their historical importance

• Strong collector demand from both players and investors

• Limited supply with no possibility of reproduction

Related Resources

Free Educational Resources:

• Complete Gibson Serial Number Lookup Tool

• Vintage Gibson Potentiometer Dating Guide

• How to Spot Fake PAF Pickups

• Gibson PAF Resistance Chart

Related Vintage Guitar Content:

• 1958 Gibson Les Paul Standard Guide

• 1959 Gibson ES-335 Identification

• Vintage Gibson Hollow Body Guitars

• Selling Your Vintage Gibson Guitar

Expert Authentication Services

Edgewater Guitars provides comprehensive PAF authentication services throughout Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and West Virginia. Our team includes specialists who have handled hundreds of original PAF pickups and understand the subtle details that separate authentic examples from reproductions.

Authentication Services Include:

• Visual inspection of all components

• Electrical testing and documentation

• Photographic documentation for records

• Market valuation based on current conditions

• Insurance appraisal services

For PAF authentication or to discuss selling your vintage Gibson pickups, contact Edgewater Guitars today. We travel to you for high-value components and provide discrete, professional service.

Contact Information:

• Phone: (440) 219-3607

• Online Quote Request: Get Free PAF Evaluation

• Service Area: Ohio and neighboring states

About the Author: The Edgewater Guitars team includes certified vintage guitar appraisers and electronics specialists with over 30 years of combined experience in vintage Gibson identification and authentication. We have personally handled and authenticated hundreds of original PAF pickups and maintain detailed databases of authentic examples for comparison purposes.