Pure P.A.F.
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.
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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.
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 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 Lead:
3-Conductor Lead:
4-Conductor Lead
Pure P.A.F. Questions And Answers:
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Am I able to order underwound or lower output Pure PAFs?
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Q Am I able to order underwound or lower output Pure PAFs?A
Hey Jordon, sure thing - just request what output you are looking for in the "Notes" field on the checkout screen. Please note that custom winding can disqualify you from our 30-day exchange policy.
Hello, I have a question about your humbucker pickups. Can I get a shorter leg version for the Strat?
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Q Hello, I have a question about your humbucker pickups. Can I get a shorter leg version for the St...... Read moreA
Currently, the shortest legs we have available are our 6mm depth.
If pickup covers are ordered, do you solder them on or is this left up to the customer?
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Q If pickup covers are ordered, do you solder them on or is this left up to the customer?A
We install the covers and solder them for the customer.
Am I correct in assuming that your Pure P.A.F ‘s are the best choice for a 66-69 Gibson ES-175? I’m looking for something as close sounding to the originals as possible. Also, can you recommend a prebuilt wiring harness that would complement your pickups?
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Q Am I correct in assuming that your Pure P.A.F ‘s are the best choice for a 66-69 Gibson ES-175? I...... Read moreA
Yes, the Pure P.A.F.is the perfect pick up for your ES – 175 guitar. You can expect clean, clear tones and an articulate attack. Regarding wiring harnesses, we do not make them. However, we recommend these here.
Which String Spacing should I choose?
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Q Which String Spacing should I choose?A Gibson-style instruments use 49.2mm on the neck and bridge. Fender-style instruments use a 52mm Bridge and a 50mm neck.
Which Output should I choose?
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Q Which Output should I choose?A Our most popular set is our 7.5K neck and our 8K bridge and has a clear and open tone. If you want a stronger and darker tone, go with a higher output.
Which Lead should I choose?
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Q Which Lead should I choose?A If you have a Gibson-style instrument with separate volume pots for each pickup, go with the Gibson Shielded Braided lead. Fender-style instruments or players with coil-tapping or phase reversing needs, go with 3-Conductor. If you want the maximum options, go with 4-Conductor.
Will these pickups fit inside the mounting ring on a 2019 Gibson Les Paul Classic? Thanks!
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Q Will these pickups fit inside the mounting ring on a 2019 Gibson Les Paul Classic? Thanks!A Yes these should fit any standard sized humbucker mounting ring. We have dimensions available if you would like to check measurements.
Can the Pure P.A.F.s be ordered unpotted?
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Q Can the Pure P.A.F.s be ordered unpotted?A Yep! Please request it in the “Notes” field on the checkout screen.
How an you identify,a Lindy Fralin P.A.F. humbucker pick up?
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Q How an you identify,a Lindy Fralin P.A.F. humbucker pick up?A Last year (2020) we started stamping our logo onto the baseplates, but prior to that, there were no specific features that gave it away. All pickups will have a sticker with our logo output for each position.
In the sound files you have a file Pure PAF – Jazz with Chris Whiteman. What is the Neck and Bridge output for the guitar Chris is playing…thanks!
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Q In the sound files you have a file Pure PAF – Jazz with Chris Whiteman. What is the Neck and Brid...... Read moreA That is out 7.8K / 8.2K Set.
I want to change the pickups in my ’93 PRS custom 24. I really like the sound of the McCarty pickups currently in PRS guitars. I think your Pure PAF would be the way to go. I am open to your suggestions. I will split the coils so I will need 4 conductor wire. I have replaced the 5 way switch with push pots. What spacing would you suggest should I order the Pure PAF set? Lastly could you tell me a little about the partial split resistor.
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Q I want to change the pickups in my ’93 PRS custom 24. I really like the sound of the McCarty pick...... Read moreA The best way to determine the string spacing is to measure. Here’s how to measure. Regarding the Choice of Lead, all you need is 3-Conductor, not 4-Conductor (more on that here). Lastly, I highly recommend the Partial Split Resistor with our Pure P.A.F.’s as it gives you a much stronger single coil tone w... Read more
Hello Wondering if these Pure P.A.F. pickup set is potted. Will I get that high feedback ?
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Q Hello Wondering if these Pure P.A.F. pickup set is potted. Will I get that high feedback ?A Yes – all of our pickups are potted to prevent microphonics.
I just picked up an LP style guitar and I’m thinking of upgrading the pickups. I run a 65 Bassman and a Traynor YBA-1 and stack a few low gain overdrives for a crunchy yet open and uncompressed tone. Having been a Fender low output single coil kinda guy for years, I’m looking forward to something different tonally but don’t want to lose that uncompressed open sweetness. Do the Pure PAFs fit that description? How much of a difference would i...
Read more
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Q I just picked up an LP style guitar and I’m thinking of upgrading the pickups. I run a 65 Bassman...... Read moreA Absolutely! Our Pure P.A.F.’s feature an open, clear midrange and a vintage sag that stays dynamic. We always recommend getting our pickups potted as unpotted pickups do not come with our 10-year warranty as corrosion can eat away at the coil wire.
Can you Coil Tap this model?
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Q Can you Coil Tap this model?A
Yep! Choose 3-Conductor Lead and use our diagrams here. You may want to use a Partial Tap Resistor as this is a medium-output humbucker.
What’s the difference between this model and the Modern P.A.F.?
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Q What’s the difference between this model and the Modern P.A.F.?A The Pure P.A.F. has fewer turns per coil and uses a slightly weaker magnet, giving this pickup a clearer and more articulate tone than the Modern P.A.F. In a nutshell, this pickup has a clearer midrange and snappier highs than the Modern P.A.F.
Pure P.A.F. Questions And Answers:
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
I bought the Fralin Pure PAF pickups because I have Fralins on a Strat and a Telecaster and really like them. The difference between the Fralins and the stock Fender pickups was very noticeable right away and a huge improvement. As for the Pure PAFs, I bought an Epiphone ES-339 as a platform project guitar. Epiphone has really upped it’s game, putting out a fine product at a very reasonable price, but I wanted to turn the instrument into a high end tone machine and after waiting 8 months for the guitar to deliver, I was finally able to install the Pure PAF pickups. I must say that I was stunned at how great they sound. The note clarity is amazing — you can hear every note in a chord and in all three positions, the sound is distinctive and definitely “PAF” al the way. EXACTLY what I wanted. My expectations were high, but they’ve been surpassed by these outstanding pickups. I highly recommend them. Thanks!
I’m a Neck Position Strat Player. Lately, I began playing a venue with insane EMI. None of my Guitars had Humbuckers in the Neck. I had Warmoth cut me up a new single Neck Humbucker Pickguard and set out looking for the best P.A.F. I could find. The Fralin P.A.F. is awesome and takes Pedals really well.
When I order my Pure P.A.F. Fralin pickups, I didn’t know what to expect. In my SG Supreme 2016, I replaced the standard Burst Bucker that were good, but something was missing. Then I ordered quite expensive boutique pickups that were better, but that something was still missing. It is sometime difficult to describe that missing thing. I checked on the Web trying to find that missing thing I cannot describe.
I finally decided to try the Pure P.A.F. Fralin. What a surprise! I got the missing thing in my sound. So I really enjoy my purchase. I don’t need to try to compensate using different pedals. Only a Keely Compressor, the Fender Amp Reverb and a GH Diablo Boost/Distortion pedal when required. No need for other pedals when you got a great sound.
Thanks Fralin! Great pickups…
I am the proud owner of two sets of LF pickups. I have a set of the High Output singles in my Strat and now the Pure PAF in my PRS Thinline 594. These are some of the finest pickups I’ve ever played. Instead of explaining the satisfaction that I get from playing them, I will just say that I spent a ridiculous amount of time researching, reading reviews, and racking my brain as to which direction to go (kid in a candy shop situation). I could not be happier with both sets that I now own. I was even able to speak with Lindy directly over the phone, and he called me back again to clarify some of my notes that I added when I placed my order. Top-notch all around.
The difference in sound of my guitars before I put Fralin’s in and after is effectively like the difference between a circle drawn on a piece of paper and holding an actual sphere.
Simply put – they are the most 3 dimensional sounding pickups ive ever heard, and the way they react to different dynamic forms of playing almost makes them an instrument unto themselves. They react as if they were alive.
The only downside to them is that they ruin your other guitars that you haven’t upgraded yet. I have some pretty spectacular sounding instruments, but once my ear got used to the Fralin’s, guitars that I used to think sounded pretty good now sound flat in comparison.
The cherry on the top is the out of this world direct customer service. I can think of few other companies that where you can have a direct conversation with the owner who can help guide you to the best solution to your goals. Lindey is a genius by anyone’s math, and every single interaction I have had with anyone in the company has been an absolute model of the right way to do business at a human level.
I don’t know that I’ll be completely satisfied till all my instruments are swapped up to Fralin’s!
Instruments so far
Gibson Les Paul – Unbuckers
Epiphone Sheraton: Pure PAFs
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