Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
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
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What type of tone can I expect from the Gibson Burstbucker 1 pickup?
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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.
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Is the Gibson Burstbucker 1 suitable for both neck and bridge positions?
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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.
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Does the Gibson Burstbucker 1 pickup require wax potting?
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The Gibson Burstbucker 1 is not wax potted, which contributes to its vintage tone by allowing more natural microphonic qualities, reminiscent of early humbuckers.
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What is the DC resistance of the Gibson Burstbucker 1?
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The Gibson Burstbucker 1 has a DC resistance of approximately 7.8K, contributing to its slightly underwound, vintage sound character.
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Can the Gibson Burstbucker 1 be used with any electric guitar?
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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.
Videos
Visual Guy
Humbucker Shootout: Gibson Burstbucker 1 and 2 Vs. Classic 57s
Reviews
PROS
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Perfect for replicating vintage Gibson PAF sound
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Articulates playing well at various volume levels
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Excels in clean, driven, and overdriven tones
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Delivers classic '60s vintage characteristics
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Excellent choice for classic rock tones
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Offers good value for money
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Great rhythm and lead tones for iconic rock sounds
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Enhances tone with additional vintage-spec components
CONS
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Challenges in handling feedback at high volumes
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Not ideal for high-gain metal or jazz styles
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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
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Adjusting pickup height can significantly influence sound; users suggest experimenting beyond factory settings for optimal tone.
Source
Features and functionality
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Burstbucker 1 is underwound with Alnico 2 magnets, affecting its output compared to Alnico 5 magnets in 60s Burstbuckers.
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Burstbucker 1 pickups are described as having a bell-like sound with lower output, ideal for vintage tones and clarity.
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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
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Burstbucker 1 is noticeably quieter than Burstbucker 2 and 3, which are wound for different tonal outputs.
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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
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Users report varying output levels between guitars, even with identical pickup height settings, highlighting potential inconsistency in factory setups.
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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
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Magnet swapping on Burstbucker Pros allows conversion to Burstbucker 1 and 2, using Alnico 2 magnets to achieve a smoother tone.
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Use cases and applications
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Burstbuckers are praised for their performance direct into a Marshall-style amp, achieving a desirable crunch when slightly overdriven.
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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.
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3.5 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
His guitar has Burstbucker #1 in neck position and #2 in bridge.
His signature Epiphone has BB #1 in neck position and BB #2 in bridge 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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