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:
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.
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Are your pure PAF humbuckers wax potted?
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Q Are your pure PAF humbuckers wax potted?A
Hey Gerald, yes all of our pickups are wax-potted.
Which conductor do I need if my guitar has coil splitting? I have a Epiphone DC Pro
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Q Which conductor do I need if my guitar has coil splitting? I have a Epiphone DC ProA
Hey Danny, go with 3-Conductor.
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...
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Q I have an early 2010s Carvin TL60 w/ HH. I'm looking to put Pure PAFs in it. I measured strings a...... Read moreA
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.
What wind do you recommend fora PRS S2 standard 22 satin all mahogany body? I play blues and classic rock.
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Q What wind do you recommend fora PRS S2 standard 22 satin all mahogany body? I play blues and clas...... Read moreA
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
Do you recommend stock wind for a es-335?
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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.
I want to improve my ES 347 (dirty fingers with coil tap) in order to play jazz. Is pure PAF a good choice?
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Q I want to improve my ES 347 (dirty fingers with coil tap) in order to play jazz. Is pure PAF a go...... Read moreA
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.
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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...
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.
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Q I have a Gibson Les Paul 2016 standard having buster bucker pro. I want a Pickup set to sound exa...... Read moreA
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
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?
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Q Looking for a bridge pickup replacement for my 1975 Les Paul Custom. I have a PRS McCarty 594 wit...... Read moreA
Hey Dave, I cant seem to find the specs of your pickups anywhere. Can you email us at [email protected] with the resistance reading?
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
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Q Hi, I have a 2014 Fender Select Strat. (HSS) What should my product options be for the Pure PAF p...... Read moreA
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.
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!
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Q Hi - I have a G&L ASAT (Tele) with dual Humbuckers. Looking for a sweeter and more lively ful...... Read moreA
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.
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...
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Q Hi Fralin, 1. Can I mix your Pure Paf & Modern Paf? I want to install it to my LES PAUL TRIBU...... Read moreA
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.
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?
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Q I have a Les Paul Traditional Pro II with split push/pull coil and a boost knob, do I go with the...... Read moreA
Hey Michael, yes - we recommend using the Partial Split Resistor with our Pure PAF, as it's a low-output humbucker.
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"?
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Q My guitar has only one pickup and I play jazz. What do you recommend? What answer should I give t...... Read moreA
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.
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
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Q Hi. Can I buy them without covers and put my own covers on them ? I got some aged VOS covers that...... Read moreA
Hey Juan, sure thing. Just purchase without covers and make sure the string spacings match.
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 ?
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Q Hey I have a custom shop 59 les Paul . It currently has the throwback Ed A pickups (8.3 bridge lo...... Read moreA
We would recommend the Modern P.A.F. For a thicker and darker tone than our Pure P.A.F.
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.
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https://youtu.be/TQLbmuaS7cE
Put the Pure PAF in the bridge of my Kiesel semi hollow. I really only bought it cause I was going to replace my neck pickup (with a big single) and I had to pay shipping to nz anyway so might as well maximise the shipping cost. After a couple of hours of playing I was incredibly impressed. It is amazing. The review above was straight after I installed them, now they may be my favourite PAF style pickup of all time.
https://youtu.be/TQLbmuaS7cE
Put the Pure PAF in the bridge of my Kiesel semi hollow. I really only bought it cause I was going to replace my neck pickup (with a big single) and I had to pay shipping to nz anyway so might as well maximise the shipping cost. After a couple of hours of playing I was incredibly impressed. It is amazing. The review above was straight after I installed them, now they may be my favourite PAF style pickup of all time.
I have a bridge Pure P.A.F. wound to 8.4k. It really nails the PAF sound. It’s always articulate and responsive; this seems to be the trend with Fralin pickups. If I ever need another pickup I’ll be coming back.
It sounds great out of phase and in a partial split as well.
Excellent pickup!
I’m a crossover (recovering) jazz guy and I loaded these into my strandberg fusion. I loved the fusion as is but the Suhr pickups were a little hot and “bitey”. The Fralin pure PAF is much more rounded, the sound is frankly quite beautiful: perfect for classic rock, blues, and of course jazz.
I recommend this upgrade highly if you find your current humbucker is harsh.
Until I received the Fralin pure PAF my favorite humbucker was the Gibson 57 Classic Plus. This is better. I put an overwound Pure PAF in the bridge of my Flying V and the punchy yet articulate growl is perfect through my Marshall Studio Classic (mini JCM800). It’s exactly what I was hoping for.
I also had a question about conductor choice on my order form and Lindy himself called me the next day to explain the answer.
Basically, 10/10 service, 10/10 product.
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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