Gibson releases exclusive new 'historic' PAF: 1959 Humbucker Collector’s Edition Series 1

[jwalker]

With respect to you and your products, that's a pretty bold statement considering you haven't yet sampled Gibson's product, and without knowing exactly how much R&D Gibson put into their product. Then again I'm sure that most aftermarket pickup makers will claim that their products are the best on the planet.

I’m a Gibson fan! I’m all for setting the bar higher. It gives the competition something to shoot for. It’s what keeps business fun. The core of my bold statement was ThroBak has winding capabilities that are unique in the P.A.F. world and I don’t see this changing that.

Gibson has deeper pockets than anyone so I don’t question their capacity to do the R&D.

 

[Wizard1183]

Incorrect. Old growth is one thing but it is not the only thing. The plastics aren’t exact even though they are much closer and certainly not the aging of plastics. The bridge still isn’t exact. The top burst color is still color fast and doesn’t really fade like the 58-mid 1960, and for all the bluster about Murphy Lab there is still literally no solid evidence that it’s closer to vintage nitro- only that it checks kinda like it when provoked and the checking is pronounced. And ML fingerboards are not aged either, and the inlays are too perfect too.

They reversed engineered the nitro “allegedly” “supposedly “ so that’s done and over with. You’re correct on the bridge but the late 2023 they recreated the bridge. The plastics are reverse engineered. No two plastics are the same on vintage. As far as aging? Idgaf about fake aging. Neither should anyone. Because it’s fake anyone. I mean I guess they can use the railroad spike on the plastics too while they’re at it? But doesn’t change anything. Gibson can’t recreate the color fast or natural nitro checking due to EPA laws like small companies can. So that’s out. Like I said. You recreate an old growth? There’s literally nothing left.

YOU want more accurate than what’s out there right now and include old growth? Then you buy an actual 58-60. Case closed. Sound wise? It’ll be on par regardless. They produce that? And as of right now? I’m willing to bet not many if any? Can decipher a CS from a vintage in a double blind test. So forget about it

 

[Wizard1183]

I’m a Gibson fan! I’m all for setting the bar higher. It gives the competition something to shoot for. It’s what keeps business fun. The core of my bold statement was ThroBak has winding capabilities that are unique in the P.A.F. world and I don’t see this changing that.

Gibson has deeper pockets than anyone so I don’t question their capacity to do the R&D.

Exactly what more R&D is needed than what your company, Jared Brandon or any other boutique dealer has done in the past to recreate a P.A.F. pickup? Zero. All of you have rebuilt the damn thing.

Tone wise you can’t get any closer than what’s been produced already. Maybe just maybe? Yall missed a few things for looks. But tone wise? There’s nothing more. Gibson as a corporation? Sure as fuck is looking at the monetary system over exacts. Like you? I love Gibson. But I’m going to question their abilities considering their major monetization they’re into these days.

 

[60thR0]

They reversed engineered the nitro “allegedly” “supposedly “ so that’s done and over with.

Their claim is that they reverse engineered the look and feel, not the chemistry. It’s not at all over with. However I take your point that it may not be feasible to get closer.

Gibson can’t recreate the color fast or natural nitro checking due to EPA laws like small companies can. So that’s out.

That’s simply false regarding the colors. They use analine dyes on the backs so there is no technical or legal reason they couldn’t do that with the burst as well. I don’t know the real reason but my guess is that it’s the same as in 1960- there would be too many complaints.

And speaking of back color I’ve yet to see them get that right either. The TH dark cherry that’s still persists today might look nice but it’s not even vaguely accurate. Then there is a selection of I believe 3 other back colors available but they are all in various states of fading. Nothing that is how it an original would look from the factory- but you can get that from HM.

There’s plenty to work on, it’s not just old growth mahogany.

 

[Wizard1183]

Their claim is that they reverse engineered the look and feel, not the chemistry. It’s not at all over with. However I take your point that it may not be feasible to get closer.


That’s simply false regarding the colors. They use analine dyes on the backs so there is no technical or legal reason they couldn’t do that with the burst as well. I don’t know the real reason but my guess is that it’s the same as in 1960- there would be too many complaints.

And speaking of back color I’ve yet to see them get that right either. The TH dark cherry that’s still persists today might look nice but it’s not even vaguely accurate. Then there is a selection of I believe 3 other back colors available but they are all in various states of fading. Nothing that is how it an original would look from the factory- but you can get that from HM.

There’s plenty to work on, it’s not just old growth mahogany.

I agree, but I’ll tell you now that Gibson will not clone a 58-60burst down to every minute detail. Otherwise? It’d cost consumers $200k

 

[ForeverFabFour]

I recently posted about Gibson's new $20,000 Brazilian Murphy lab Les Paul. These Humbuckers fit right into the narrative of Gibson, becoming a "luxury brand" as some of you have stated. I never thought I'd see the day when I could got to Gibson and buy myself a new $20,000 Les Paul by pulling my $200 Gibson Lifton wallet out of my $400 Gibson Lifton backpack, all while wearing my $1498 Gibson X Billy Reid Biker jacket .

anyways... pretty insane Gibsons newest and highest priced pick ups ever released are not in the new $20,000 Les Paul..... just saying

 

[latestarter]

I've had two sets of ThroBaks. One I replaced with Antiquities or something mass-produced; the other, I think I put Gibson pickups back in. Couldn't get rid of them fast enough. I would rather have these.

And you’ll find many people in the exact opposite position.

 

[Wizard1183]

I recently posted about Gibson's new $20,000 Brazilian Murphy lab Les Paul. These Humbuckers fit right into the narrative of Gibson, becoming a "luxury brand" as some of you have stated. I never thought I'd see the day when I could got to Gibson and buy myself a new $20,000 Les Paul by pulling my $200 Gibson Lifton wallet out of my $400 Gibson Lifton backpack, all while wearing my $1498 Gibson X Billy Reid Biker jacket .

anyways... pretty insane Gibsons newest and highest priced pick ups ever released are not in the new $20,000 Les Paul..... just saying

In 2013 the name was changed from Gibson Guitar Corp. to “Gibson Brands Inc.” you’re welcome.

What you buy today is foolish for tomorrow

 

[J.D.]

Because of the original winders, materials and research, IMO, ThroBak is making the most historically accurate PAF style pickup available.

For whatever reason, some people prefer and will pay more for an item marketed by Gibson with the Gibson brand.

PAF style pickups are all over the place. You can get a good PAF sound for far less than $1K. I personally like Duncan Antiquities and Seth Lovers with magnet swaps.

Each buyer has to decide what is important. PAF detail accuracy, Gibson name, cost, tone/function, etc.

 

[NickiC]

Might buy a wallet, duffel or backpack if I saw a decent leather, Chibson made version.

 

[Wizard1183]

Might buy a wallet, duffel or backpack if I saw a decent leather, Chibson made version.

I’m sure the Chinese will start capitalizing on Liftons as well lol

 

[Wizard1183]

Because of the original winders, materials and research, IMO, ThroBak is making the most historically accurate PAF style pickup available.

For whatever reason, some people prefer and will pay more for an item marketed by Gibson with the Gibson brand.

PAF style pickups are all over the place. You can get a good PAF sound for far less than $1K. I personally like Duncan Antiquities and Seth Lovers with magnet swaps.

Each buyer has to decide what is important. PAF detail accuracy, Gibson name, cost, tone/function, etc.

And ppl put in throbaks and don’t like it. They put in 1958-1960 P.A.F.s and it doesn’t make them play any better. Or they still don’t hear the tone they’re after. Hmmmmm

It’s funny. The Les Paul tone. But you never hear drummers, pianists, saxophone players complaining they don’t sound like theyre favorite players when using the same instruments saying. They don’t make em like they used to? Lol

 

[guitarbob123]

And ppl put in throbaks and don’t like it. They put in 1958-1960 P.A.F.s and it doesn’t make them play any better. Or they still don’t hear the tone they’re after. Hmmmmm

It’s funny. The Les Paul tone. But you never hear drummers, pianists, saxophone players complaining they don’t sound like theyre favorite players when using the same instruments saying. They don’t make em like they used to? Lol

I don't think you chat to many instrumentalists then, there's plenty of pianists, drummers etc. who are fussy about using older gear and not liking the way modern instruments are made or their timbre, just as there's plenty of guitarists who don't care about historical accuracy.

PAFs and vintage Les Pauls are very much a niche interest within a niche interest.

I do agree with the playing better/worse comment though. Ultimately, it does come down to playing ability, for most people the reason they don't sound like Jimmy Page isn't cause they're not using the right magnets, wire etc. in their pickups, or right speakers in their cabs, it's just cause they can't play like Jimmy Page.
A clever marketer will be able to make money from selling them a dream though.

 

[ADP]

They get $20k for a guitar. Because the end buyer feels to themself: "Now I have NO excuses! This is the best I can get!" When in reality, with a mindset like that - there's only the real deal or nothing. At which point one has to decide which parts of the "real deal" constitute the "no excuse" feeling of playing their finally perfect Les Paul. So there is a market for every player's level of tone from soulless Chinese trash to nearly the Les Paul's of the 50's with the same woods and dyes. (But never formaldehyde glue)

Either that or "who cares $20k? Sign me up for another guitar! Let me know when the next one comes out!"

 

[Marc B]

playing better/worse

..nailed it.

 

[garywright]

Because of the original winders, materials and research, IMO, ThroBak is making the most historically accurate PAF style pickup available.

For whatever reason, some people prefer and will pay more for an item marketed by Gibson with the Gibson brand.

PAF style pickups are all over the place. You can get a good PAF sound for far less than $1K. I personally like Duncan Antiquities and Seth Lovers with magnet swaps.

Each buyer has to decide what is important. PAF detail accuracy, Gibson name, cost, tone/function, etc.

Seymour has an original Leesona ..read his 50s PAF description for what he offers for $300 a pair

 

[seafood]

 

[rifle]

I like it, a lot. Very cool set of pickups and supercool case.

 

[goldtop0]

Think they're great, their marketing dept are tops in my books, buy what you want guys it's all there.

 

[S. Weiger]

..nailed it.

WTF?? What's wrong with this alternative version ?!?
They're KIDS FFS.
Jezz...