Epiphone are proud to announce the introduction of the ProBuckerâ„¢ pickup. Currently offered in various models including the Les Paul Standard PlusTop PRO, Les Paul Ultra Pro, Les Paul Standard Quilt Top Pro, Les Paul Custom Pro, Les Paul Ultra-III, and other models coming soon. These pickups are an inspired
version of Gibson's BurstBucker, featuring unevenly wound coils and Alnico-II
magnets that replicate that "Patent Applied for" airy tone. You'll
love the way they sound!
In an effort to continually improve quality, Epiphone has introduced new features over the years like our wiring harness Quick Connector for unequalled reliability and ease of service, an All-Metal Toggle Switch to ensure years of reliable service and performance, Full-Size 1" Diameter Potentiometers for better "throw," longer life and reliable service and proprietary Non-Rotating Output Jacks that feature an improved contact shape and heavy-duty spring steel... just to name a few.
Over the years, the first generation of Kalamazoo-made
humbuckers (often called "Patent Applied For" for tell-tale sticker
found on the back of the pickups) have acquired a mythical status among guitar
players. There's hardly a player in the world that doesn't regard the prospect
of owning (or just seeing) a late 50's Les Paul with these rare, impossible to
find humbuckers as the ultimate electric guitar experience. Prices for a late
50's Les Paul Standard with early humbuckers are close to $200,000 and then
there are a few out there (rare left-handed models, artist owned, and even a
few unplayed Les Pauls that still have hang tags) that easily approach the cost
of a house in a city of your choice.
So to achieve those near-mythical tones out of a modern guitar,
many players think they have to either switch out their factory installed
pickups for "boutique" pickups (an expensive and time consuming
process) or instead save up for the more serious investment of buying a vintage
guitar that's far out of the typical Epiphone price range.
With the new ProBucker pickups, Epiphone now
gives its players the confidence that they will have that sound, the
elusive classic rock and roll patent applied for ("P.A.F.") tone.
ProBuckers feature:
18% Nickel Silver unit bases and covers: This is the same alloy used by Gibson. The use of Nickel
Silver reduces the occurrence of eddy currents due to low conductivity and
provides a more transparent and crisp output.
Bobbins manufactured to Gibson specifications and dimensions: The size and shape of bobbins has great impact on tonal
response. The bobbins used on these pickups duplicate the size and shape of the
gold standard in the industry, Gibson humbuckers.
Elektrisola magnet wire: The
same wire used by Gibson. Single build (thickness of coating on wire) high
quality magnet wire manufactured to NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers
Association) standards.
Pole screws and slugs: Manufactured
to Gibson specifications, using the same metal alloys.
Also: ProBucker pickups feature Sand cast Alnico II magnets,
high quality 4 conductor lead wire and are Vacuum Wax potted to eliminate
microphonics.
Bridge: Both Coils: 8.6 KOhm
Split: 4.26 KOhm
Neck: Both Coils: 7.98 KOhm
Split: 3.97 KOhm
Set Contains
1 x PB2NHCN-4 ProBucker Neck Pickup
1 x PB3NHCB-4 ProBucker Bridge Pickup
Cream Pickup Surrounds
Complete wiring loom, (2 x volume pots with push / pull for coil split, 2 x tone pots, jack socket and 3-way switch) with Quick Connector Solderless Installation system.
The plugs are approx 1cm wide, so please ensure that they will pass through existing cavities in your guitar body, otherwise you need to be competent enough to ream them out yourself, or employ someone with the skills to do so for you.
*NOTE - Earthing the guitar is still highly recommended.*