Gibson Burstbucker 2

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$134.00 to $149.00 Price Tier: Standard

4.0 (6)

All time low price

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Page last updated Jun 30, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated June 30, 2026.

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5.0 (3)

$149.00 4 available New

$74.00 11 available Used

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4.8 (61)

$135.00 $134.00 $1.00 · All time low

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Average Price: $119

Standard/Professional

$99

$200+

Price Tier

In the Electric Guitar Pickups category, Gibson Burstbucker 2 is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Gibson Burstbucker 2". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 23, 2026.

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Description

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The Gibson Burstbucker 2 is a tribute to the legendary PAF pickups, designed to recreate the classic tones revered by guitarists around the globe. Known for its medium output, this pickup strikes a perfect balance between vintage warmth and modern versatility, making it an ideal choice for players who want a touch of classic sound with a bit more edge. Unlike its siblings, the Burstbucker Type 1 and Type 3, the Type 2 offers a harmonious blend of clarity and bite, suited for either neck or bridge positions.

What sets the Burstbucker 2 apart is its unique winding process. The coils are intentionally mismatched, allowing for a more dynamic and expressive tone. This subtle imperfection in winding mirrors the variability of the original PAFs, delivering a sound that is both rich and nuanced. The use of Alnico II magnets further enhances its tonal qualities, providing a smooth top end and a tight, articulate bass response.

Wrapped in a sleek nickel cover, the Burstbucker 2 not only sounds incredible but also looks stunning on any guitar. Whether you're looking to upgrade your existing setup or seeking that elusive vintage tone, the Gibson Burstbucker 2 offers a timeless sound that is both dynamic and expressive.

Key Features:

Medium output for versatile tonal options
Alnico II magnets for smooth highs and tight lows
Unpotted, two-conductor design
Nickel cover for classic aesthetic appeal
Ideal for both neck and bridge positions

Product specs

Available since	March 2003
Active	No
Wiring	2-Conductor
Output	Medium
Cap	Yes
Colour	Nickel
Position	Bridge, Neck

FAQs

What type of magnet is used in the Gibson Burstbucker 2 pickup?: The Gibson Burstbucker 2 pickup uses Alnico 2 magnets, which contribute to its warm, vintage tone reminiscent of classic humbuckers.
Is the Gibson Burstbucker 2 wax potted?: No, the Gibson Burstbucker 2 is not wax potted, which allows for a more open and airy tone, similar to vintage humbuckers.
Where can the Gibson Burstbucker 2 be installed on a guitar?: The Gibson Burstbucker 2 is designed for both bridge and neck positions, offering versatility in tonal applications.
What is the wiring configuration of the Gibson Burstbucker 2?: The Gibson Burstbucker 2 features a vintage braided two-conductor wiring, which is typical of traditional humbucker designs.
How would you describe the output of the Gibson Burstbucker 2?: The Gibson Burstbucker 2 has a medium output, providing a balanced sound that is suitable for a wide range of musical styles.
Does the Gibson Burstbucker 2 come with a cover?: Yes, the Gibson Burstbucker 2 comes with a nickel cover, adding to its classic aesthetic and slightly affecting the tonal characteristics.

Videos

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PlayRockZone

Gibson Pickups - 57 Classic - BurstBucker 1 & 2 - 490R 498T - 496R 500T

PlayRockZone

Gibson Burstbucker 1 and 2 Humbuckers

Visual Guy

GIBSON Burstbucker 1 & 2 [PAF-Style Humbucker Roundup]

Guitar Player Magazine

Gibson Burstbuckers 1 & 2 in 1996 Gibson Les Paul Standard - overdrive

aivnonline

Dimarzio 59 PAF Bridge vs Gibson Burstbucker 2 Bridge | 50's wiring

Kuitaristi

Reviews

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PROS

Delivers a warm, full sound, especially on clean and grunge channels
Offers a vintage '60s character, perfect for classic rock enthusiasts
Impressive versatility, suitable for various music genres
Provides excellent value for money considering its performance
Highly praised for its impressive musical feedback
Enhances sound quality significantly when replacing older pickups

CONS

Can produce excessive feedback at high gain levels, especially at loud volumes
Installation can be tricky and requires some soldering experience
May not be ideal for live gigs, where Seymour Duncan pickups have an edge

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Burstbucker 2.

Use cases and applications

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Burstbuckers work effectively when paired with a Marshall-style amp slightly past breakup, providing a desirable crunch that cleans up with lower volume.
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Burstbucker 2 pickups perform well in mid-gain scenarios with bite but can become shrill under modern high-gain settings.
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User experience

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Owners with Gibson Standard 60s models noted that Burstbucker 2 pickups can appear weak, leading them to seek alternative pickups for improved performance.
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Some users find Burstbucker 2 pickups to have a slow attack and weak sound in certain guitars, prompting them to switch to boutique replacements.
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Burstbucker 2 pickups are favored for gigging, with some players noting they don't feel the need to modify or "what if" their guitar setup.
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Some owners find Burstbuckers to be a bit dark, especially in neck positions, but value their versatility and clarity in live band scenarios.
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Burstbucker 2 praised for cutting through mixes and live band scenarios effectively, according to multiple owners.
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Comparisons

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Burstbucker 2 pickups are perceived as inferior to Gibson Custombuckers and Classic 57s, with some users describing them as dark and granular.
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Burstbucker 2 pickups are described as having a brighter and thinner tone compared to PAFs, which can sit well in a mix but might not satisfy PAF expectations.
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The tonal output of Burstbucker 2 is considered hotter than 57 Classics or vintage PAFs, with a noticeable difference in clean or lightly overdriven settings.
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Burstbucker 2 noted as superior to 498t/490r in Les Paul Studio for vintage midrange sound, while Seymour Duncan APH-1 neck pickup offers "articulate" tone.
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Mods and upgrades

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One owner replaced their Burstbucker neck pickup with an Alnico 2 Pro for better sound but noted mismatch with the Burstbucker bridge.
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Replacing stock Nashville bridge with Faber ABR-1 and Kluson aluminum tailpiece improves tone and reduces weight (31g vs 80g).
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Owners suggest swapping AlNiCo 5 magnets in Burstbucker Pro pickups with AlNiCo 2 to achieve the Burstbucker 1 & 2 sound, indicating a cost-effective modification.
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Features and functionality

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Burstbucker 2 pickups are praised for their bell-like tone and relatively low output, offering clear sound without harshness, especially in the neck position.
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Burstbucker 2's Alnico II with uneven winds provides distinctive midrange "quackiness," suitable for vintage rock, modern rock, and metal.
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