Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (3)
$149.00
Amazon
5.0 (1)
$149.00
Thomann
4.9 (68)
$135.00 $133.00 $2.00 · All time low

Average Price: $146

Standard/Professional

$99

$200+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

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

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Description

Unleash the evocative tones of yesteryear with a modern twist using the Gibson Burstbucker Pro. Designed for the discerning guitarist who craves the vintage PAF sound with a contemporary edge, this humbucker pickup effortlessly captures the heart of classic Gibson tone. The Burstbucker Pro distinguishes itself with its slightly unbalanced coil windings, resulting in a sweet harmonic complexity that is both rich and articulate.

At the core of its sonic prowess is the powerful Alnico 5 magnet, replacing the traditional Alnico 2 to deliver a fatter and meatier tone. This upgrade ensures more drive and attack, perfect for cutting through the mix with authority. The pickup's wax potting minimizes feedback, making it ideal for high-gain settings without compromising on tone clarity.

Whether you're looking to enhance your tonal palette or seeking to inject some old-school bite into your sound, the Burstbucker Pro is your ticket to achieving that desired sonic character. This pickup doesn’t just emulate the classic; it elevates it, offering a modern spin on a timeless classic.

Key Features:

  • Alnico 5 magnet for enhanced drive and attack
  • Slightly unbalanced coil windings for sweet harmonic complexity
  • Wax potted for reduced feedback and noise
  • 2-Conductor wiring
  • Nickel cover with double black bobbins
  • Average DC resistance: 7.8K

Product specs

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

FAQs

What type of magnet is used in the Gibson Burstbucker Pro Neck Pickup?

The Gibson Burstbucker Pro Neck Pickup uses an Alnico V magnet, known for its strong magnetic field and ability to produce a bright, dynamic tone with enhanced highs.

Is the Gibson Burstbucker Pro Neck Pickup wax potted?

Yes, the Gibson Burstbucker Pro Neck Pickup is wax potted to minimize feedback and noise, ensuring a cleaner sound even at high volumes.

What is the output level of the Gibson Burstbucker Pro Neck Pickup?

The Gibson Burstbucker Pro Neck Pickup has a moderate output, providing a full, airy tone that delivers a classic vintage sound with a modern edge.

How does the Gibson Burstbucker Pro Neck Pickup differ from other Burstbucker models?

The Burstbucker Pro is designed for a slightly higher output and features Alnico V magnets, offering a brighter tone compared to other Burstbucker models with different magnet types.

Is the Gibson Burstbucker Pro Neck Pickup suitable for all music genres?

The Gibson Burstbucker Pro Neck Pickup is versatile, making it suitable for a wide range of genres, from blues and rock to jazz, thanks to its dynamic range and tonal clarity.

Does the Gibson Burstbucker Pro Neck Pickup require soldering for installation?

Yes, the Gibson Burstbucker Pro Neck Pickup requires soldering for installation, as it features a single wire plus braided shield for connectivity.

Dad Rock and Guitars

Dad Rock and Guitars

Gibson 490R/498T vs Burstbucker Pros - Les Paul Studio

Video thumbnail for Gibson 490R/498T vs Burstbucker Pros - Les Paul Studio by Dad Rock and Guitars

Gibson 490R/498T vs Burstbucker Pros - Les Paul Studio

Dad Rock and Guitars

Dad Rock and Guitars

Video thumbnail for GUITAR TONE - Gibson Pickup Shootout: 57 Classic Plus vs Burstbucker Pro by jAMMAN798

GUITAR TONE - Gibson Pickup Shootout: 57 Classic Plus vs Burstbucker Pro

jAMMAN798

jAMMAN798

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

Humbucker Shootout: Gibson Classic 57s Vs. Burstbucker Pro

Visual Guy

Visual Guy

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Gibson Burstbucker Pro Humbucker Pickups

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Visual Guy

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

Humbucker Shootout: Gibson Burstbucker 1 and 2 Vs. Burstbucker Pro

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Video thumbnail for Seymour Duncan JB vs Gibson Burstbucker Pro - Gibson Les Paul Studio by Dad Rock and Guitars

Seymour Duncan JB vs Gibson Burstbucker Pro - Gibson Les Paul Studio

Dad Rock and Guitars

Dad Rock and Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson Les Paul Standard. Burstbucker Pro vs Seymour Duncan Antiquities. Humbucker comparison. by GUITARS & GIZMOS

Gibson Les Paul Standard. Burstbucker Pro vs Seymour Duncan Antiquities. Humbucker comparison.

GUITARS & GIZMOS

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Video thumbnail for GIBSON BURSTBUCKER PRO DEMO. OILID by Oilid

GIBSON BURSTBUCKER PRO DEMO. OILID

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Reviews

PROS

  • Delivers classic Gibson tone, even on non-Gibson guitars

  • Fat and bright neck pickup offers full-bodied, articulate sound

  • Harmonically rich with great clarity, clean and overdriven

  • Provides a noticeable upgrade from stock pickups in budget guitars

  • Achieves a Gary Moore-like tone with ease

  • Offers both superb rock and clean tones

  • Transforms budget guitars to sound like high-end models

  • Ideal for both rhythm and lead guitar parts

  • Perfect balance of grit and classic LP tone

CONS

  • Bridge pickup can have hazy bass and harsh top

  • Lacks subtlety in certain guitar setups

Owner Insights

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

Mods and upgrades

  • Some owners suggest replacing Burstbucker Pros with a 490R/498T set for those seeking a traditional Les Paul sound and improved feedback control.

    Source
  • Upgrading to Jupiter capacitors can significantly enhance the sound quality of Burstbucker Pros, making them less trebly and more balanced.

    Source
  • Users recommend pairing a 60s Burstbucker in the neck with a 57 Classic in the bridge for a clear, focused sound and improved mid-range clarity.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Burstbucker Pro's compression and barky mids can be reduced by swapping them with unpotted pickups like the 60s Burstbuckers for a more open sound.

    Source
  • The Burstbucker Pro's bright articulation in the neck position is noted as beneficial for cutting through a band mix, avoiding muddiness typical of Les Pauls.

    Source
  • Burstbucker Pros are often perceived as low-output pickups despite their bright, crisp tonal quality.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The BB Pros can sound barky and ice-picky in certain setups, but perform better with vintage-style clean amps, especially in SG guitars.

    Source
  • Burstbucker Pros reportedly perform poorly with Marshall DSL amps, sounding overly bright, but fare better with other high-gain setups.

    Source
  • Owners report Burstbucker Pros excel in hard rock/metal genres, delivering impressive sustain in Les Paul guitars.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Burstbucker Pros are hotter than 60s Burstbuckers, which some players prefer for lower output and easier tone shaping.

    Source
  • The Burstbucker Pros are described as having a more compressed sound with better low-end response compared to BB2s, but with muffled mid-range cleans.

    Source
  • Burstbucker Pros in high gain settings can produce better note clarity compared to 498T pickups, although experiences vary widely.

    Source
  • The 498T pickups are often preferred for high gain and are described as less "fuzzy" and clearer than Burstbucker Pros.

    Source
  • Some compare Burstbucker Pros unfavorably to SD Custom Shop or Bare Knuckle pickups, citing hand-wound craftsmanship and vintage accuracy.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Adjusting the pole pieces of Burstbucker Pros can significantly alter perceived harshness, with some owners screwing them all the way in for a smoother tone.

    Source
  • Adjusting pickup height on Burstbucker Pros can significantly alter tone, offering a simple method to fine-tune sound.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners describe Burstbucker Pros as initially harsh and bright, likening the tone to a "bright Tele," but adjustments can improve satisfaction.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Burstbucker Pros are considered expensive compared to similar offerings like Seymour Duncan or DiMarzio, influencing buyer preference.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Gibson Burstbucker Pro Humbucker Set – electricpickupartist

wordpress.com

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
jimmarchi1

Review for both positions.

My 3 star review is because this review is for both the enck and bridge pickups in this set. These came stock in my LP Platinum. They're alnico V powered, but otherwise are a burstbucker 1 in the neck and 2 in the bridge. I hated the bridge pickup (labeled 'pro lead wound by PS April 2009', the same guy who wound my regular BB2), but the neck sounds good now that its dialed in. Maybe the 'Pro Lead' will sound better in another guitar, but in an LP with an ebony fretboard it had hazy bass and harsh top with a real lack of subtlety.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Gary Moore uses Gibson Burstbucker Pro

Gary Moore

Singer, Guitarist

Thin Lizzy

...
Verified via YouTube

His signature model has a pair of Burstbucker Pros.

See how Neal Schon uses Gibson Burstbucker Pro

Neal Schon

Singer, Guitarist

Journey

...
Verified via Guitar Chimp

Neal Schon uses the Gibson Burstbucker Pro in the bridge position of his 2005 Gibson Custom Shop Signature Les Paul Custom, as detailed on Guitar Chimp.

See how Mark Lettieri uses Gibson Burstbucker Pro

Mark Lettieri

Guitarist

Snarky Puppy

...
Verified via reverb.com

his Gibson Les Paul 2002 Humbuckers is owned by Mark Lettieri.

I say these because 2002 models mostly came with Burstbucker Pros, also called Burstbucker Vs.

See how Tom Linton uses Gibson Burstbucker Pro

Tom Linton

Guitarist

Jimmy Eat World

...
Verified via Photo

According to this Guitar Geek rig diagram, Tom uses Gibson Burstbucker Pro pickups in his Gibson SG.

See how Grace Potter uses Gibson Burstbucker Pro

Grace Potter

Singer, Guitarist

Grace Potter and the Nocturnals

...
Verified via New York Music Emporium

She uses those pickups in her Flying V.

See how Trini Lopez uses Gibson Burstbucker Pro

Trini Lopez

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Gino Guitars

The Trini Lopez signature ES-335 model has Burstbucker Pros.

See how Dave McGarry uses Gibson Burstbucker Pro

Dave McGarry

Guitarist

Red Sun Rising

...
Verified via Photo

In his instagram photo, he thanks Gibson for sending him a pair for his Gibson Studio.

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 Pro, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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