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Pure P.A.F. with Bone White
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Pure P.A.F.

  • Hum-Cancelling
  • Clean & Articulate
  • Traditional Appearance
  • Vintage Output
(36 questions)
(175 genuine reviews)

$160 – $320

Experience what a humbucker should really sound like and get inspired by the Pure P.A.F’s beautiful tone. Lindy’s favorite humbucker, the Pure P.A.F. is a 50’s P.A.F. clone, using real Butyrate Bobbins and all USA-Made parts. Featuring a clean, clear tone with incredible versatility and dynamics and expertly crafted using 100% USA-Made materials, we guarantee the Pure P.A.F. will inspire you for years to come.

 

 

PRODUCT OPTIONS:
Clear

Please Select Options Above To Display Add-Ons.

Humbucker Cover

Further customize the look of your pickups by adding a USA-Made Nickel Silver cover.

Bone White Humbucker Bezel

We have Bone White Humbucker Bezels in stock, if you would like your humbucker bezel to match the Bone White bobbins. Bezels are standard Les Paul sizing.

Partial Split Resistor

Coil Splitting? Grab one (or two) of our Partial Split Resistors. They will give you a stronger single coil tone when split. Installation Instructions Here

Gold Screws

Check here if you want to include Gold Pole Pieces & Mounting Screws for your pickups. Not necessary if buying gold covers.

SPEED UP YOUR ORDER

Since you're buying a single pickup, we might need more information from you. To avoid unnecessary delays in your order, please choose one of the options below:

Notice

Due to the nature of Raw Nickel, Raw Nickel may contain slight cosemetic defects or abrasions.

Recommendation

We recommend using 2-Conductor With Shield Lead when purchasing a single pickup. 2-Conductor lead allows you to reverse the phase should you have phase issues. Learn More

Notice

While we do our best to match double-white bobbins, there may be subtle differences in color due to different dye lots from the manufacturer.

Lead Time

A Lead Time of 2-3 Weeks is just an estimate. Lead Times are subject to change depending on the current shop capacity and size of the order. We will always try to complete your order quicker than the stated lead time.

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The Ultimate In Vintage PAF Tone

Want to learn more about our Pure P.A.F.? Here's all the information you'll need:

Pure P.A.F. FEATURES:

Are you ready to cut through in the mix? The Lindy Fralin-designed Pure P.A.F. is our best-selling humbucker. Based on the specifications of the original 50’s Gibson® P.A.F. pickups, this model features a clean, articulate tone that’s incredibly versatile.

The Pure P.A.F. is a lower output humbucker, which is more dynamic and expressive than higher output pickups. It’s more articulate and cleaner than our Modern P.A.F., but beefier than our P-92. Lindy’s passion for the sound of vintage 50’s humbuckers led us down the road to design and create the Pure P.A.F., and it’s easy to see why – this pickup sounds incredible.

Features:

  • Our Best-Selling Humbucker – low output, vintage tone
  • Original Gibson PAF® specifications: low output, with modern clarity
  • Clean and clear, smooth grind and a sharp attack
  • USA-made Alnico 2 Magnets for vintage tonal balance and output
  • Compensated Overwound Bridge for even volume across all pickups
  • Hand-wound with our “Sectioning” technique for unique, dynamic tone
  • Hand-built for unrivaled quality control
  • 10-Year Warranty on manufacturing defects

Sound

How does it sound? Clean and articulate!

The Pure P.A.F. stays clean and features a late break-up and a smooth grind. This pickup is perfect if you’re trying to restore life to your guitar. Don’t let the term “vintage” fool you – you’ll find that it’s loud and versatile enough to play with modern-voiced pickups; it just features more clarity than modern humbuckers.

Built with USA-Made AlNicCo II and 42-gauge Plain Enamel wire, the Pure P.A.F. pickup is a gateway to instant vintage tone. When playing without distortion, you’ll find that this pickup sings what you put into it: it’s dynamic and warm. Highs are accentuated with a medium attack. With distortion, you’ll find that the grind is nice and smooth.

Our manufacturing process allows us to achieve unparalleled quality control. When Lindy designed this pickup, he wanted it to be as close to the originals as possible. Pure P.A.F.’s consist of USA-Made Butyrate bobbins, baseplates, magnets, and wire. We wind each pickup by hand, one at a time, using our proprietary “Sectioning” technique. Doing this gives the pickup a sweet, clear tone, reminiscent of the early Gibson Humbuckers/

Finally, we assemble each pickup one at a time, by hand, which allows us to achieve unbeatable attention to detail. After assembly, we wax-pot the pickup to prevent microphonics and preserve the pickup for years to come.

Tonal Graph for Pure P.A.F.:

The tone graph below for our Pure P.A.F. features Lows, Midrange, Highs, and general Output.

HIGHS
MIDS
LOWS
OUTPUT

Attack: Soft & Round

Tech Specs

 

 

 

 

See below for the estimated DCR and Polarity Information for our Pure P.A.F..

SPECIFICATION VALUE
Neck Ohm Reading (Stock):7.5K
Bridge Ohm Reading (Stock):8K
Neck Polarity:Reversible with 3-Conductor or 4-Conductor Lead
Bridge Polarity:Reversible with 3-Conductor or 4-Conductor Lead
Magnet:USA-Made Alnico 2
Wire:USA-Made 42-Gauge Plain Enamel
Bobbin Material:USA-Made Butyrate
Baseplate Material:Nickel Silver
Cover Material:Nickel Silver
Slug / Pole Piece Material:Steel
Recommended Pot Value:500K*
Baseplate Leg Depth:6mm

* You can experiment with pot values for a different tone. This pickup will sound dark and warm on 250K pots

Looking for humbucker wiring codes? You can find them here.

Sizing

Humbucker Dimensions

 

 

 

Humbucker Lead Color Codes

See below for our Humbucker Lead color codes. For help with matching to other manufacturers, check out this resource here.

Gibson Braided Lead:

2-Conductor With Shield
Gibson Braided Lead - Use on Gibson-Style Instruments only, where each pickup has it's own respective volume and tone pot. Do not select this lead on Fender-style instruments, unless the instrument is wired like a Gibson, like a Telecaster Deluxe. This lead is non-reversible. You cannot split the humbucker with this lead.

2-Conductor Lead:

2-Conductor With Shield
Two-Conductor Lead - Select this lead if wiring to a Blade Switch or buying a single pickup. 2-Conductor allows you to reverse the phase of the pickup.

3-Conductor Lead:

2-Conductor With Shield
3-Conductor Lead - Select this lead if wiring to a Blade Switch, need coil-splitting, or if buying a single pickup. This lead allows you to reverse the phase and coil split.

4-Conductor Lead

2-Conductor With Shield
4-Conductor Lead - Only select this lead if you need Series / Parallel wiring. This lead allows you to reverse the phase, wire in series / parallel, and coil split.

Pure P.A.F. Questions And Answers:

Have a question about our Pure P.A.F.? Ask it here. Your Question will be publically visible.

If you want to ask a Private Question, please contact us through our Contact Us Form.

If you have multiple questions, please call us at (804) 358-2699.

    What do you recommend for a Gibson LesPaul Standard 2008 that has BurstBucker Pro pickups? I play rock and hard rock.
  1. Q What do you recommend for a Gibson LesPaul Standard 2008 that has BurstBucker Pro pickups? I play...... Read more
    There are no answers for this question yet.
    2. A good 1984 VH bridge Humbucker pickup?
  2. Q A good 1984 VH bridge Humbucker pickup?
    A

    Hey Steve, our Pure P.A.F. would be perfect for the quintessential Van Halen tone!
    3. Why don't they come unpotted as standard, like an original PAF? You can't deny unpotted pickups have richer harmonic overtones. I know it can be requested in the notes.
  3. Q Why don't they come unpotted as standard, like an original PAF? You can't deny unpotted pickups h...... Read more
    A

    We use Paraffin wax for the most transparent tone, and we feel that this wax provides the most protection of the pickup in exchange for the most transparent effect on tone. You can always request no potting or light potting if you so desire! - Tyler
    4. Are your Pure PAF's potted? If so, can I get a set non-potted?
  4. Q Are your Pure PAF's potted? If so, can I get a set non-potted?
    A

    Hey Dave, yes, our Pure P.A.F.'s are potted, and if you want them unpotted, you can request this in the "notes" field on the checkout screen.
    5. Hello! I have a new-to-me Gibson ES-335 with their T-Type pickups. They sound OK, but when is OK good enough? I'm looking for pickups with a bit more clarity, little more toward "vintage" output, with the smoothness and full-spectrum tone of the early 335's. I've had pickups with Alnico 2,3,4 and 5 magnets, but that is not the only variable when it comes to pickup construction (IMO of course). But I can say that Alnico 5 has been my least favorit... Read more
  5. Q Hello! I have a new-to-me Gibson ES-335 with their T-Type pickups. They sound OK, but when is OK ...... Read more
    A

    Hey Ken,

    Thanks for reaching out. For your setup, I'd recommend our 7.8 / 8.2K set, which will give you a balanced tone with a bit thicker sound than our Stock 7.5K / 8K set. It will also drive a bit more for your style of music! - Tyler
    6. Are your pure PAF humbuckers wax potted?
  6. Q Are your pure PAF humbuckers wax potted?
    A

    Hey Gerald, yes all of our pickups are wax-potted.
    7. Which conductor do I need if my guitar has coil splitting? I have a Epiphone DC Pro
  7. Q Which conductor do I need if my guitar has coil splitting? I have a Epiphone DC Pro
    A

    Hey Danny, go with 3-Conductor.
    8. I have an early 2010s Carvin TL60 w/ HH. I'm looking to put Pure PAFs in it. I measured strings at the neck pickup position and over the bridge: Got 49.2 mm and 52. Is it possible to get a matched set of pickups with that spacing configuration? Also, the current setup has individual coil tapping switches. And I'd like to swap out all the electronics while I'm at it. Tone + volume + 3 way switch. Can you also provide suggestions for the above so I... Read more
  8. Q I have an early 2010s Carvin TL60 w/ HH. I'm looking to put Pure PAFs in it. I measured strings a...... Read more
    A

    Hey Eric, sure thing. You can use the "Notes" field on the checkout screen to request, or simply add each individual pickup to the cart separately. For your wiring configuration, select 3-Conductor Lead (as you'll be wiring to a blade switch first). 0.02mfd Caps would work well with this setup as well.
    9. What wind do you recommend fora PRS S2 standard 22 satin all mahogany body? I play blues and classic rock.
  9. Q What wind do you recommend fora PRS S2 standard 22 satin all mahogany body? I play blues and clas...... Read more
    A

    Hey Robert - I'd recommend the 7.8  / 8.2 set. It's still clean and clear but has a touch more output when playing blues and classic rock. - Tyler
    10. Do you recommend stock wind for a es-335?
  10. Q Do you recommend stock wind for a es-335?
    A

    Hey Tyler, yes - we recommend going with the Stock Wind to start for an ES-335. Just keep in mind that our pickups are eligible for a 30-day no-risk exchange policy.
    11. I want to improve my ES 347 (dirty fingers with coil tap) in order to play jazz. Is pure PAF a good choice? Read more
  11. Q I want to improve my ES 347 (dirty fingers with coil tap) in order to play jazz. Is pure PAF a go...... Read more
    A

    Le Pure P.A.F. sera un excellent choix pour jouer du jazz. Je recommanderais le 7.8K / 8.2K pour un peu plus de médium et un ton plus épais. Concernant le nombre de conducteurs, si vous avez une guitare Gibson, choisissez Gibson Lead. Si vous avez des besoins de séparation de bobine, choisissez un câble à 3 conducteurs.

    The Pure P.A.F. will be a great choice for playing jazz. I'd recommend the 7.8K / 8.2K for a bit more midrang... Read more

    12. I have a Gibson Les Paul 2016 standard having buster bucker pro. I want a Pickup set to sound exactly like 1959 LP. What should I order with Ohms. And my guitar has a circuit of push pull all the famcy stuff which I would like to retain. But I am chasing the sound of 1959 LP, same as "The Beast" Gibson Les Paul owned by Bernie Marsden.
  12. Q I have a Gibson Les Paul 2016 standard having buster bucker pro. I want a Pickup set to sound exa...... Read more
    A

    Hey Edwin, we recommend the Stock Output of the Pure P.A.F, which is 7.5K and 8K in the Bridge. This will provide you with a lot of clarity and versatility. - Tyler
    13. Looking for a bridge pickup replacement for my 1975 Les Paul Custom. I have a PRS McCarty 594 with the 58/15 LT pickups that I love. How close can we get to a 58/15 LT pickup to replace the bridge T-top PUP in the 75 LP?
  13. Q Looking for a bridge pickup replacement for my 1975 Les Paul Custom. I have a PRS McCarty 594 wit...... Read more
    A

    Hey Dave, I cant seem to find the specs of your pickups anywhere. Can you email us at [email protected] with the resistance reading?
    14. Hi, I have a 2014 Fender Select Strat. (HSS) What should my product options be for the Pure PAF pickup be. I need the All White Option. Thanks John
  14. Q Hi, I have a 2014 Fender Select Strat. (HSS) What should my product options be for the Pure PAF p...... Read more
    A

    Hey John, go with the Double White 52mm Pure P.A.F. with 3-Conductor Lead. Choose 8K for Stock (clean tones) and 8.2K for a slightly overwound version.
    15. Hi - I have a G&L ASAT (Tele) with dual Humbuckers. Looking for a sweeter and more lively full tone than the alnico Vs in there now. I usually play with light overdrive but also want a sweet driving lead sound without a ragged edge (Santana, Betts...etc). The body is swamp ash with a maple neck and rosewood board. One tone knob (with coil split). I would love to hear your suggestions here. Thank you!
  15. Q Hi - I have a G&L ASAT (Tele) with dual Humbuckers. Looking for a sweeter and more lively ful...... Read more
    A

    Hey Matthew, I'd recommend the overwind version of our Pure P.A.Fs - the 7.8K and 8.2K set. This will balance the Swamp Ash but still give you the vintage, classic tone.
    16. Hi Fralin, 1. Can I mix your Pure Paf & Modern Paf? I want to install it to my LES PAUL TRIBUTE. 2. What wire should i select just to be sure. Gibson wire or 3 conductor? 3. What is the good Neck Value and Bridge Value for mixing PURE PAF AND MODERN PAF.. i like this sweetness of the vintage sound Paf and at the same the Growl leads of modern sound. But not too heavy metal. 4. Do I need to order also Partial split resistor? 5. How long to Shi... Read more
  16. Q Hi Fralin, 1. Can I mix your Pure Paf & Modern Paf? I want to install it to my LES PAUL TRIBU...... Read more
    A

    Hey Albert, yes you can. A good balance would be a 7.8K neck and a 9K Bridge, and we recommend 3-Conductor and the partial split resistor if you plan to coil split.
    17. I have a Les Paul Traditional Pro II with split push/pull coil and a boost knob, do I go with the partial split resister with the PAF order?
  17. Q I have a Les Paul Traditional Pro II with split push/pull coil and a boost knob, do I go with the...... Read more
    A

    Hey Michael, yes - we recommend using the Partial Split Resistor with our Pure PAF, as it's a low-output humbucker.
    18. My guitar has only one pickup and I play jazz. What do you recommend? What answer should I give to the "partial split resonator" and "speed up my order questions"?
  18. Q My guitar has only one pickup and I play jazz. What do you recommend? What answer should I give t...... Read more
    A

    Hey Rob, If you're looking for that PAF tone, the Pure P.A.F. will work perfectly for Jazz. You don't need a Partial Split Resistor unless you're thinking of splitting the pickup. Also, regarding polarity, since it's a single pickup guitar, I would just suggest ordering a pickup with 3-Conductor lead.
    19. Hi. Can I buy them without covers and put my own covers on them ? I got some aged VOS covers that matches with my Gibson ES-335 VOS
  19. Q Hi. Can I buy them without covers and put my own covers on them ? I got some aged VOS covers that...... Read more
    A

    Hey Juan, sure thing. Just purchase without covers and make sure the string spacings match.
    20. Hey I have a custom shop 59 les Paul . It currently has the throwback Ed A pickups (8.3 bridge long rod alnico 2). I find them a bit brite. I want something with more midrange and less treble (jimmy page tones ). Do u receommend the pure paf with an overwound bridge at 8.3 or the modern paf ?
  20. Q Hey I have a custom shop 59 les Paul . It currently has the throwback Ed A pickups (8.3 bridge lo...... Read more
    A

    We would recommend the Modern P.A.F. For a thicker and darker tone than our Pure P.A.F.

     

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CUSTOMER REVIEWS

175 Genuine Reviews for Pure P.A.F.

  1. Anatoly S.
    Verified Buyer

    One set of Lindy’s and you are hooked. These PAFs were my fifth set. Sometimes I feel like I’m getting another guitar just to put Lindy’s pickups in it 🙂

  2. Robert P Sietz
    Verified Buyer

    Wonderful PAF pickups for Les Paul. Fantastic !!

  3. Jim
    Verified Buyer

    Absolutely fantastic. This is my third set of Fralins, and I’m hooked. The PAF has very nice dynamic range, and yet feels like a bit of compression (I know! That is a contradiction!). The tone on clean is amazing and I love the attack on crunch. Great pickups.

  4. Nino
    Verified Buyer

    wonderful clear sound and yet so powerful! I love this pickups. Looks and sounds great! Here you‘ll find a picture of this nice guys:
    https://www.instagram.com/p/CdWmbJfs50d/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

  5. Jon Andrews
    Verified Buyer

    Lindy’s pickups are an addiction. Once you’ve experienced them, it’s impossible to be satisfied with most other pickups.

    In this case, I had Pure PAFs – 7.8/8.2 in black chrome installed on a pelham blue Gibson Midtown. As anticipated, it’s the perfect pairing of a gibson semi-hollow and the Pure PAF. Noiseless. Absolutely Sings and plays incredibly well with my pedal board – Mini Volume -> Boss OD -> JHS Screamer -> Timmy OD -> Strymon Flint -> ricochet -> boss synth -> flashback II.

    Highly recommended for semi-hollows! Fantastic customer service & consultation.

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