Gibson '57 Classic Humbucker Pickup Set, (Used)
The Gibson '57 Classic Pickup Set is one of the most respected vintage-style humbucker sets available, designed to recreate the legendary Patent Applied For (PAF) pickups that helped define the sound of electric guitar throughout the late 1950s. Found in countless Gibson Custom Shop instruments and premium USA-made models, the '57 Classic remains a benchmark for players seeking authentic vintage Gibson tone.
Manufactured in the USA using period-inspired construction techniques, Alnico II magnets and unpotted coils, the '57 Classic delivers the warm, articulate and dynamic response that has made vintage Gibson guitars so desirable. From rich jazz cleans and expressive blues leads to classic rock crunch and singing sustain, these pickups excel across a huge range of musical styles.
This pre-owned Gibson '57 Classic Pickup Set is presented in very good condition and offers an excellent opportunity to upgrade your guitar with genuine Gibson USA pickups while achieving excellent value compared to buying new.
Condition Overview
Very Good Condition
This pickup set is in very good condition with cosmetic wear consistent with previous installation and careful ownership.
Fully functional and professionally tested prior to sale.
What's Included?
✔ Gibson '57 Classic Pickup Set
✔ Fully Tested by Fair Deal Music
✘ Non-Original Box
Condition Notes
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Very good overall condition
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Signs of previous installation
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Fully functional
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Wiring in good condition
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Professionally tested prior to sale
Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment
Our team has thoroughly inspected and tested this Gibson pickup set to ensure it is fully functional and ready for sale.
Checks completed include:
✔ Output tested
✔ Coil continuity verified
✔ Wiring inspected
✔ Mounting hardware checked (where applicable)
✔ Cosmetic condition assessed
✔ Overall functionality verified
Service / Setup Work
Prior to sale, this pickup set has been inspected and tested by our team.
Work completed includes:
✔ Output testing
✔ Wiring inspection
✔ General condition assessment
✔ Functional verification
Why Choose The Gibson '57 Classic Pickup Set?
Authentic Vintage PAF Character
The '57 Classic was developed to capture the sound and feel of Gibson's original late-1950s humbuckers, delivering warmth, clarity and exceptional dynamic response.
Genuine Gibson USA Manufacturing
Manufactured in Gibson's USA facility using premium materials and traditional construction techniques, these pickups remain a favourite amongst professional players worldwide.
Rich Alnico II Warmth
The Alnico II magnet design provides sweet highs, balanced mids and a smooth low-end response that works beautifully for vintage-inspired tones.
Exceptional Dynamic Response
The '57 Classic responds incredibly well to picking dynamics and volume control adjustments, making it ideal for expressive players.
Versatile Across Multiple Genres
From blues and jazz to classic rock, country and roots music, the '57 Classic remains one of the most versatile humbucker designs Gibson has ever produced.
Popular Upgrade Choice
Many players install '57 Classics to upgrade modern guitars with more vintage-inspired character and improved responsiveness.
Why Buy Pre-Owned?
Buying pre-owned parts and accessories can provide excellent value while still delivering professional performance.
Benefits include:
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Better value for money
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Genuine Gibson USA components
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Reduced depreciation
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Professionally tested before sale
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Sustainable alternative to buying new
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Premium tone at a lower cost
Comparison Against Popular Alternatives
Gibson '57 Classic vs Gibson Burstbucker 1 & 2
Burstbuckers offer slightly more high-end bite and asymmetrical coil characteristics, while the '57 Classic provides a smoother and more balanced vintage response.
Gibson '57 Classic vs Seymour Duncan Seth Lover
Both aim to recreate vintage PAF tones, though the Gibson offers authentic Gibson heritage and voicing.
Gibson '57 Classic vs Gibson Custombucker
The Custombucker is generally considered Gibson's most historically accurate PAF recreation, while the '57 Classic offers similar vintage character at a more accessible price point.
Gibson '57 Classic vs Seymour Duncan '59
The Seymour Duncan '59 provides a slightly brighter and more modern interpretation of the PAF formula, while the '57 Classic remains warmer and more traditionally Gibson voiced.
Who Is It For?
Beginners
Suitable for players looking to upgrade an existing guitar with premium USA-made pickups.
Intermediate Players
An excellent upgrade for musicians seeking authentic vintage Gibson tone.
Professional Players
Ideal for gigging musicians, recording artists, guitar builders and restoration projects.
Particularly Recommended For
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Blues guitarists
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Classic rock players
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Jazz musicians
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Country players
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Session guitarists
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Guitar builders
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Gibson enthusiasts
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Vintage tone seekers
Why Choose Vintage-Style PAF Pickups?
Many guitarists continue to favour vintage PAF-style pickups because of their exceptional balance and versatility.
Benefits include:
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Excellent note clarity
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Warm, musical midrange
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Dynamic playing response
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Smooth overdrive characteristics
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Rich harmonic content
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Superb clean tones
For players seeking classic electric guitar tones, PAF-style humbuckers remain one of the most popular choices available.
Product Story / Context
Introduced in the early 1990s, the Gibson '57 Classic was one of the company's first serious attempts to recreate the sound and construction of the original late-1950s PAF humbuckers. Since then, it has become a staple of the Gibson lineup, appearing in numerous USA and Custom Shop instruments.
Today, the '57 Classic remains one of Gibson's most successful replacement pickups and is highly regarded for its authentic vintage character and musical versatility.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Gibson '57 Classic Pickup Set |
| Type | Humbucker Pickup Set |
| Magnet Type | Alnico II |
| Manufacturer | Gibson USA |
| Configuration | Neck & Bridge Set |
| Wiring | Traditional Braided Shield |
| Voicing | Vintage PAF Style |
| Application | Electric Guitar |
| Condition | Very Good |
Pairs Perfectly With
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Gibson Les Paul
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Gibson SG
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Gibson ES-335
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Epiphone Les Paul Upgrades
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CTS Pots
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Switchcraft Components
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Premium Wiring Harnesses
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Guitar Setup Service
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Capacitor Upgrade Kits
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Professional Installation Service
Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?
Fair Deal Music is a family-run independent music retailer founded in 1987 and Birmingham's largest independent music store.
With over 6,000 Excellent Trustpilot reviews, knowledgeable musicians available by phone, online and in-store, fast UK delivery and secure online ordering, customers across the UK trust Fair Deal Music for guitars, pickups, upgrades and professional music equipment.
Our Birmingham showroom carries a huge range of guitars, electronics, amplifiers and accessories, while our specialist pre-owned department helps musicians buy and sell quality gear with confidence.
Looking for advice on guitar pickups, electronics upgrades or achieving the perfect vintage tone? Our experienced team of musicians can help by phone, online or in-store.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these genuine Gibson pickups?
Yes, this is a genuine Gibson '57 Classic Pickup Set.
What style of music do they suit?
They excel in blues, classic rock, jazz, country, roots music and vintage-inspired guitar tones.
Are these based on original PAF pickups?
Yes. The '57 Classic was specifically designed to recreate the sound and feel of Gibson's original late-1950s humbuckers.
Do they use Alnico magnets?
Yes. Gibson '57 Classics use Alnico II magnets.
Are they suitable for a Les Paul upgrade?
Absolutely. They are one of the most popular pickup upgrades for Les Paul-style guitars.
How do they compare to Burstbuckers?
The '57 Classic tends to offer a smoother, warmer and slightly more balanced response compared to many Burstbucker models.
Are they suitable for recording?
Yes. Their dynamic response and balanced frequency range make them excellent studio pickups.
Can I discuss pickup upgrades before buying?
Yes. Our experienced team can help you choose the right pickups and electronics upgrades for your guitar.