Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Amazon
4.0 (1)
$149.00
Reverb
5.0 (6)
$149.00 New
$80.00 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (4)
$149.00
Thomann
4.9 (49)
$135.00 $133.00 $2.00 · All time low

Average Price: $138

Standard/Professional

$99

$200+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Gibson Burstbucker 1". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Gibson Burstbucker 1 is a nod to the past, a piece of history wrapped in a modern silhouette. Designed for those who seek the soulful, classic tones of the golden era of rock, this pickup is your ticket back in time, but with a reliability that only the present can offer. Its Alnico II magnets provide a sweet, articulate sound that's as versatile as it is distinct. Perfect for purists and modern players alike, the Burstbucker 1 is more than just a pickup; it's a bridge to the tones that shaped music.

Key Features:

  • Alnico II magnets for a sweet, vintage tone
  • Low output, ideal for the neck position but versatile enough for any setup
  • Unpotted, two conductor design, staying true to the original PAF blueprint
  • Captures the essence of the '50s and '60s sound, with modern reliability

Product specs

Type Humbucker
Position Bridge, Neck
Active/Passive Passive
Magnet Material Alnico II
Number of Conductors 1 wire plus braided shield
DC Resistance 7.8K
Connectivity Soldered
Number of Strings 6
Covering Covered

FAQs

What type of tone can I expect from the Gibson Burstbucker 1 pickup?

The Gibson Burstbucker 1 pickup offers a vintage PAF-style tone with an airy, bright character. Its slightly underwound coils and Alnico II magnets provide a clear and articulate sound, making it ideal for classic rock and blues.

Is the Gibson Burstbucker 1 suitable for both neck and bridge positions?

Yes, the Gibson Burstbucker 1 is designed for use in both neck and bridge positions, offering versatility in tone and performance across different guitar setups.

Does the Gibson Burstbucker 1 pickup require wax potting?

The Gibson Burstbucker 1 is not wax potted, which contributes to its vintage tone by allowing more natural microphonic qualities, reminiscent of early humbuckers.

What is the DC resistance of the Gibson Burstbucker 1?

The Gibson Burstbucker 1 has a DC resistance of approximately 7.8K, contributing to its slightly underwound, vintage sound character.

Can the Gibson Burstbucker 1 be used with any electric guitar?

The Gibson Burstbucker 1 is compatible with most standard 6-string electric guitars, fitting into both neck and bridge positions for a range of tonal possibilities.

Visual Guy

Visual Guy

Humbucker Shootout: Gibson Burstbucker 1 and 2 Vs. Classic 57s

Video thumbnail for Humbucker Shootout: Gibson Burstbucker 1 and 2 Vs. Classic 57s by Visual Guy

Humbucker Shootout: Gibson Burstbucker 1 and 2 Vs. Classic 57s

Visual Guy

Visual Guy

Video thumbnail for Gibson Burstbucker 1 & 2 Pickups with R8 Les Paul 1958 Historic VOS by Visual Guy

Gibson Burstbucker 1 & 2 Pickups with R8 Les Paul 1958 Historic VOS

Visual Guy

Visual Guy

Video thumbnail for Humbucker Shootout: Gibson Custombuckers Vs. Burstbuckers 1 and 2 by Visual Guy

Humbucker Shootout: Gibson Custombuckers Vs. Burstbuckers 1 and 2

Visual Guy

Visual Guy

Video thumbnail for Comparison of Gibson Burstbucker 1&2 and Seymour Duncan Joe Bonamassa Amos by Kerry Lin 林書正

Comparison of Gibson Burstbucker 1&2 and Seymour Duncan Joe Bonamassa Amos

Kerry Lin 林書正

Kerry Lin 林書正

Reviews

PROS

  • Perfect for replicating vintage Gibson PAF sound

  • Articulates playing well at various volume levels

  • Excels in clean, driven, and overdriven tones

  • Delivers classic '60s vintage characteristics

  • Excellent choice for classic rock tones

  • Offers good value for money

  • Great rhythm and lead tones for iconic rock sounds

  • Enhances tone with additional vintage-spec components

CONS

  • Challenges in handling feedback at high volumes

  • Not ideal for high-gain metal or jazz styles

  • Better suited for home use than live gigs

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Burstbucker 1.

Setup and maintenance

  • Adjusting pickup height can significantly influence sound; users suggest experimenting beyond factory settings for optimal tone.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Burstbucker 1 is underwound with Alnico 2 magnets, affecting its output compared to Alnico 5 magnets in 60s Burstbuckers.

    Source
  • Burstbucker 1 pickups are described as having a bell-like sound with lower output, ideal for vintage tones and clarity.

    Source
  • Burstbuckers in a Gibson Standard 60s are described as having a slow attack and weak sound compared to boutique alternatives.

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Comparisons

  • Burstbucker 1 is noticeably quieter than Burstbucker 2 and 3, which are wound for different tonal outputs.

    Source
  • Burstbucker Pros are noted to be harsher compared to Burstbucker 1 and 2 due to their Alnico 5 magnets, making them potentially less warm sounding.

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  • Custombuckers are often preferred over Burstbuckers for their tonal quality, with Burstbuckers noted to be plain but effective for vintage sound profiles.

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  • The Custombuckers and Classic 57s are preferred over Burstbuckers for their tonal superiority, with Burstbuckers noted as dark and granular.

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  • A P-90 in a LP Junior is significantly hotter than a Burstbucker 2, offering a contrast in output and tonal character.

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User experience

  • Users report varying output levels between guitars, even with identical pickup height settings, highlighting potential inconsistency in factory setups.

    Source
  • Users report the Burstbucker 1 having a clear, non-muddy sound in a chambered mahogany body, maple top guitar, especially in the neck position.

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  • Owners using modded single-channel amps with Burstbuckers achieve decent clean tones by rolling back volume and picking lightly, though not aiming for a Fender-like clean.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Magnet swapping on Burstbucker Pros allows conversion to Burstbucker 1 and 2, using Alnico 2 magnets to achieve a smoother tone.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Burstbuckers are praised for their performance direct into a Marshall-style amp, achieving a desirable crunch when slightly overdriven.

    Source
  • Burstbucker 1 pickups are appreciated for their ability to deliver mid-gain tones with bite, but they can become shrill under modern high-gain settings.

    Source

3.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

5 star
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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Dave Grohl uses Gibson Burstbucker 1

Dave Grohl

Guitarist, Drummer

Nirvana

...
Verified via Gibson

Dave Grohl’s signature Gibson has a Burstbucker 1 in the neck position.

See how Ronnie Wood uses Gibson Burstbucker 1

Ronnie Wood

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Vintage Guitar® magazine

His guitar has Burstbucker #1 in neck position and #2 in bridge.

See how Jeff Tweedy uses Gibson Burstbucker 1

Jeff Tweedy

Singer, Guitarist

Wilco

...
Verified via Rainbowguitars

His signature model has a pair of BB #1s in nickel covers.

See how Rich Robinson uses Gibson Burstbucker 1

Rich Robinson

Guitarist

The Black Crowes

...
Verified via Premierguitar

His guitar has BB #1 and BB #2.

See how Brendon Small uses Gibson Burstbucker 1

Brendon Small

Guitarist

Dethklok

...
Verified via Long-mcquade

His signature Epiphone has BB #1 in neck position and BB #2 in bridge position.

See how Joe Hottinger uses Gibson Burstbucker 1

Joe Hottinger

Guitarist

Halestorm

...
Verified via Premier Guitar

Joe Hottinger uses a Burstbucker 1 pickup on the 6-string side of his EDS-1275, as documented in the "Rig Rundown: Halestorm’s Lzzy Hale and Joe Hottinger [2021]" by John Bohlinger on Premier Guitar.

See how Brian Ray uses Gibson Burstbucker 1

Brian Ray

Singer, Guitarist

Paul McCartney (Live Band)

...
Verified via Gbase.com

His signature model has Burstbucker 1 in neck position.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Gibson Burstbucker 1, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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