What Are Paf Humbuckers

A: Pretty much every guitar player has heard about the legendary “Patent Applied For” – or “PAF” – humbucking pickups that first appeared on Gibson guitars in 1957.

What does PAF humbucker mean?

A: Pretty much every guitar player has heard about the legendary “Patent Applied For” – or “PAF” – humbucking pickups that first appeared on Gibson guitars in 1957.

When did Gibson stop using PAF pickups?

The PAF lasted to about 1962 to 1965. Nickel plated part models transitioned away from PAF pickups first around 1962, since these guitars were sold in greater numbers. Gold plated part guitars can often be found with PAFs (or one PAF and one Patent# pickup) as late as 1965.

Robert Thorne

Robert Thorne

Automotive & Future Transportation Editor

Robert Thorne covers electric vehicle innovations, autonomous driving systems, global mobility trends, and automotive engineering developments.

Share this article
Twitter Facebook Pinterest