Pricing and availability

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

Sweetwater
5.0 (8)
$125.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (20)
$125.00
Musician's Friend
5.0 (80)
$125.00
zZounds
5.0 (7)
$125.00
Thomann
4.9 (42)
$135.00 $133.00 $2.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£137.00

Average Price: $127

Standard/Professional

$99

$200+

Price Tier

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Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Humbucker 1959". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Revitalize your electric guitar's tone with the Humbucker 1959, a meticulously crafted pickup that pays homage to the legendary sound of the late '50s. Designed with authenticity in mind, this pickup brings vintage warmth and clarity to your instrument while maintaining the robust qualities that have defined classic rock and blues for decades. Its construction features the same enameled wire and nickel-plated studs used by the original humbucker pioneers, ensuring a timeless sound that resonates with both seasoned professionals and aspiring musicians alike.

Whether you're chasing the soaring leads of a classic rock anthem or the soulful bends of a blues solo, the Humbucker 1959 offers a rich and dynamic palette. The balanced coil windings provide a harmonious blend of highs, mids, and lows, delivering a versatile tone that adapts seamlessly to various musical styles. Install it in the neck or bridge position to experience a distinctive, lush sound that will inspire your playing.

Discover the perfect balance of vintage charm and modern reliability with the Humbucker 1959, a pickup that not only captures the essence of a bygone era but also sets the stage for your own musical legacy.

Key Features:

  • Vintage-style construction with enameled wire and nickel-plated studs
  • Authentic '59 humbucker sound with balanced coil windings
  • Rich, dynamic tonal range suitable for multiple genres
  • Ideal for neck or bridge position
  • Designed for electric guitars seeking classic tone and modern reliability

FAQs

What type of music is the Humbucker 1959 best suited for?

The Humbucker 1959 is ideal for classic rock, blues, and jazz due to its warm, full-bodied tone and moderate output, which captures the vintage sound of the late 1950s.

What are the tonal characteristics of the Humbucker 1959?

The Humbucker 1959 offers a balanced EQ with a focus on treble, moderate mids, and a strong bass response, providing a clear and articulate sound with a vintage warmth.

Is the Humbucker 1959 suitable for both neck and bridge positions?

Yes, the Humbucker 1959 is available for both neck and bridge positions, with specific models designed to optimize performance and tonal balance in each position.

What kind of magnet is used in the Humbucker 1959?

The Humbucker 1959 uses an Alnico V bar magnet, which contributes to its classic, dynamic sound and smooth sustain.

Does the Humbucker 1959 offer noise cancellation?

Yes, the Humbucker 1959 is a hum-canceling pickup, designed to reduce unwanted noise and interference, providing a cleaner sound output.

Can the Humbucker 1959 be used for high-gain applications?

While the Humbucker 1959 is primarily designed for vintage tones, its moderate output can handle moderate gain settings, making it versatile enough for classic rock and blues styles.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Humbucker 1959.

Comparisons

  • The 61 Tribute pickups differ significantly from the 59s, being much hotter and brighter, which helps them stand out in mixes.

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  • ThroBak pickups are highlighted for their authenticity, being wound on original Gibson Kalamazoo machines, offering a competitive edge over other PAF replicas.

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  • Lindy Fralin PAFs are praised by owners for their quality, with positive experiences reported after replacing pickups in both Les Paul and Jazz bass guitars.

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  • Owners find that the 59 Tribute pickups offer more harmonic movement and brightness compared to Burstbucker #2, making them less suitable for hard rock and metal.

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  • ThroBak pickups are suggested as a more affordable alternative with comparable vintage accuracy but without the premium case.

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User experience

  • It's noted that all original PAFs sounded different, suggesting variability even among vintage models, which may not align with personal preferences.

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  • A user recounted purchasing original 1959 PAFs for $50 each in 1989, noting their exceptional sound through vintage Fender amps.

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  • Series 1 pickups are described as providing a balanced tone and surpassing Alnico 3's warmth and complexity in a 60th anniversary R9 guitar.

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Value and pricing

  • A user purchased Sheptone Tribute Reproduction P.A.Fs for $125 used, finding them comparable to Gibson's advertised PAF set, which retails significantly higher.

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  • Despite a $1000 price tag, the pickups are perceived as collectibles, with the case and limited edition status contributing to their value.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Users recommend ThroBak USA-made magnets for reliable magnet swaps, emphasizing their superiority over imported magnets.

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  • Owners have successfully swapped magnets in Burstbucker 61s to Alnico II, effectively recreating the sound of 59 Tributes.

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Other

  • There are rumors that the 59 Tributes and 2015-16 Custom Buckers are nearly identical, both being close recreations of the original vintage 59 PAFs.

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Features and functionality

  • Series 1 uses Alnico IV magnets, and Series 2 uses Alnico II. Series 2 also features a vintage-style patina and zebra bobbins for a distinct look.

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  • These pickups are noted for their bright, spikey tones and complex character, which may not pair well with heavy FX pedalboard setups.

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Use cases and applications

  • 59 Tribute pickups are praised for their vintage sound, excelling in rock, jazz, and one-guitar arrangements, with notes that bloom well on sustain.

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  • Some buyers install these pickups for their sound quality, while others purchase them strictly for display purposes.

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Critic Reviews

Gibson brings back “holy grail” ‘59 PAF set – for $999 | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

Gibson's 1959 Humbucker Collector’s Edition set shines with meticulous craftsmanship, boasting the most accurate recreations of the legendary PAF pickups. The sweet, woody tones and historical significance make these humbuckers a coveted addition for serious guitarists. However, the hefty $999 price tag may deter budget-conscious players, especially since similar tones can be found in more affordable options. While the packaging is luxurious, the exclusivity and cost may limit its appeal to a niche audience. Overall, these pickups are a dream for collectors and tone aficionados but may leave casual players feeling priced out.

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