Gibson 57 Classic humbucker

^# 24

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$119.00 to $164.99 Price Tier: Standard

4.5 (6)

Find out who is using Gibson 57 Classic

1 community setup

4 wishlisted

19 saved

Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated July 3, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

5.0 (20)

$164.99

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5.0 (20)

$119.00 11 available New

$95.00 14 available Used

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5.0 (3)

$164.99

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4.8 (298)

$135.00 $133.00 $2.00 · All time low

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Average Price: $135

Standard/Professional

$99

$200+

Price Tier

In the Electric Guitar Pickups category, Gibson 57 Classic humbucker is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Gibson 57 Classic humbucker". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Experience the timeless tone of the Gibson 57 Classic Humbucker, a piece of music history that brings the legendary sound of Gibson guitars to your fingertips. This is no ordinary pickup. This is the ultimate reissue of the original 'Patent Applied For' (PAF) humbucker by Seth Lover, the pickup that set the standard for all others.

The Gibson 57 Classic Humbucker doesn't scream, it sings. Its tone is warm, yet full, capable of delivering a clear, bluesy sound to a fat, sustain-rich lead sound. This humbucker complements any guitar, from a Les Paul or SG to an ES series or even the more exotic models like the Flying V or Explorer.

While it's gentle on the ears, it doesn't shy away from delivering that classic Gibson humbucker crunch when you need it. This pickup features Gibson's special Alnico II magnet, vintage enamel coated wire, nickel-plated pole pieces, nickel slugs, Maple spacers, and vintage-style, 2-conductor, braided wiring. It's not just a pickup, it's a piece of music history that can be part of your sound.

Key Features:

Humbucker pickup
The ultimate reissue of the legendary PAF
Delivers clear, bluesy sound to fat, sustain-rich lead sound
Features Gibson's special Alnico II magnet
Vintage enamel coated wire
Nickel-plated pole pieces and nickel slugs
Maple spacers
Vintage-style, 2-conductor, braided wiring
Nickel cover

Product specs

Active	No
Wiring	2-Conductor
Output	Low
Cap	Yes
Colour	Nickel
Position	Bridge, Neck

FAQs

What type of magnets are used in the Gibson 57 Classic humbucker?: The Gibson 57 Classic humbucker uses Alnico 2 magnets, which contribute to its warm, full tone and balanced response, reminiscent of the original PAF humbuckers.
Is the Gibson 57 Classic humbucker suitable for both bridge and neck positions?: Yes, the Gibson 57 Classic humbucker is designed to be used in both bridge and neck positions, allowing for versatile tonal options in your guitar setup.
What kind of wiring does the Gibson 57 Classic humbucker have?: The Gibson 57 Classic humbucker features a vintage-style two-conductor braided wiring, which is typical of classic humbucker designs and aids in achieving its traditional sound.
How would you describe the tonal output of the Gibson 57 Classic humbucker?: The Gibson 57 Classic humbucker has a low output, delivering a warm, vintage tone with a balanced response, ideal for achieving that classic Gibson sound.
Does the Gibson 57 Classic humbucker have a cover, and what is its color?: Yes, the Gibson 57 Classic humbucker comes with a nickel cover, giving it a classic and polished appearance that complements its vintage sound.

Videos

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Six-String Samurai

Gibson 57 Classic / Classic Plus vs Seymour Duncan Slash Alnico II Pro Set

Six-String Samurai

Gibson 57 Classic vs Seymour Duncan APH 2N Slash

Blackstarguy71

Lollar Imperial vs Gibson '57 Classic - Which PAF Humbucker is for You?

Foxxy Gear Reviews

Classic 57 vs MHS Humbuckers vs Burstbuckers

Five Days of Silence

Humbucker Shootout: Seymour Duncan '59 Model Vs. Gibson Classic 57s

Visual Guy

Gibson 57 Classic Pickups (2009 Gibson SG '61 Reissue)

Visual Guy

Gibson 57' Classic set vs Burstbucker 61T & Burstbucker 61R set - part one

Brzytownik

Reviews

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PROS

Delivers creamy leads and extra bite for rhythm work
Provides rich, heartwarming tones ideal for blues and jazz
Simple installation suitable for most guitarists
Offers excellent clarity and sustain for clean and overdriven tones
Smooth, fuller sounds better than some vintage pickups
Balanced, vintage-aspiring sound perfect for studio work
Enhances dynamics and punch, especially in neck position
Affordable upgrade with great value for sound improvement

CONS

Lacks coil splitting due to simple conductor design
Considered a bit expensive by some users

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson 57 Classic humbucker.

Comparisons

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The Gibson 57 Classic Plus is used in the bridge position for a hotter output compared to the standard 57 Classic, which is preferred in the neck.
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Burstbucker 1 and 2 pickups are noted for providing more headroom compared to Slashbuckers, akin to turning the latter up to 11.
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It's reported that Burstbucker pickups are generally brighter than 57 Classics, making the latter more suitable for heavy, fuzzy blues tones.
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GFS Vintage 59 pickups are noted for their affordability and similar sound to the Gibson 57 Classics, particularly enhancing the tone of budget guitars.
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The 490R/490T pickup set is identified as a cost-effective alternative to the 57 Classics, with minimal differences in wire type and pole spacing.
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Setup and maintenance

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Adjusting pickup height is crucial to avoid muddiness, especially on the neck pickup of a Les Paul.
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Use cases and applications

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The 57 Classic's creamier, lower output sound complements single coils on a Stratocaster, creating a balanced tonal mix.
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Mods and upgrades

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Combining Gibson 57 Classics with orange drop capacitors and vintage wiring in an SG enhances tonal output, described as making the guitar "a screamer".
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Owners suggest Seymour Duncan APH-2 pickups for a wider variety of sounds, especially for those transitioning from Fender to Gibson.
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Some owners recommend Bareknuckle Mules as a boutique alternative to Gibson 57 Classics, noting their superior sound quality and customization options.
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Converting 57 Classics from 2-conductor to 5-conductor wiring using USB cable is mentioned for those seeking coil-splitting capabilities.
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User experience

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Users report that the 57 Classic can be a bit dark in the neck position, especially on a Les Paul, but performs better in an SG or 335.
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Multiple owners find 57 Classics to offer a warmer, smoother tone, with a preference over Burstbuckers in some instances for classic Les Paul sound.
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Users report that Seymour Duncan's Pearly Gates pickups offer a round and smooth tone, though slightly hotter than expected, providing a distinct tonal character.
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Features and functionality

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Gibson Burstbuckers in USA models come wax-potted from the factory, while aftermarket versions on Gibson's website are unpotted.
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Value and pricing

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It's suggested that secondhand Gibson 57 Classics can be obtained for less than the new retail price, making them a more affordable option for budget-conscious buyers.
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