Collection: Throbak Pickups

What Are Throbak Guitar Pickups?

Throbak guitar pickups are regarded as some of the best electric guitar pickups available today, especially for players chasing vintage PAF tone. Designed and hand-built in the USA, Throbak pickups are known for their faithful recreations of 1950s and 60s Gibson-style humbuckers, including legendary models like the Throbak MXV, Throbak SLE-101, and Throbak ER-Custom. Whether you're upgrading your Les Paul, SG, or semi-hollow guitar, Throbak offers boutique-quality craftsmanship, period-correct specs, and a tone that rivals original vintage units.

If you're searching for “best humbucker pickups,” “PAF-style pickups,” “boutique guitar pickups,” “Throbak pickups for sale,” or “handwound guitar pickups,” you're in the right place. Throbak pickups are engineered for tone purists, vintage enthusiasts, and modern professionals who demand historic sound with today’s reliability.

Why Guitarists Choose Throbak Pickups

Throbak was founded with a single mission: to recreate the sound of vintage PAF pickups down to the smallest detail. While many companies have tried to emulate 1950s Gibson pickups, Throbak went a step further by investing in original winding machines, NOS (new old stock) magnets, and custom alloy parts to deliver true vintage tone. Here’s why players keep switching to Throbak:

• Authentic PAF Sound: Wound on 1950s-style winding machines for period-correct scatter winding.
• Premium Materials: Use of butyrate bobbins, maple spacers, vintage-correct long A2 and A5 magnets.
• Non-Potted for Maximum Dynamics: Just like the originals, these pickups are not wax potted, allowing for exceptional clarity and openness.
• Made in the USA: Every pickup is hand-assembled in Michigan using vintage-correct tooling and components.

Guitarists report that swapping in Throbaks makes their instrument sound like it’s decades older—and far more valuable. Whether you're looking to upgrade a modern Gibson, restore a vintage piece, or build a dream partscaster, Throbaks are trusted by touring pros and boutique builders alike.

Popular Throbak Pickup Models

Search trends show users are often looking for “Throbak MXV pickups,” “SLE-101 pickups,” “Peter Green mod pickups,” and “Throbak Custom Shop PAFs.” Below are the most in-demand models available at Chicago Music Exchange:

• Throbak SLE-101 Plus MXV – Classic 1959-style humbuckers with A4 magnets; perfect for classic rock and blues.
• Throbak ER-Custom MXV – A recreation of rare early patent sticker pickups with Alnico II magnets; warmer and smoother tone.
• Throbak KZ-115 – Based on ultra-rare pickups from 1965 Kalamazoo-built guitars; tighter bass and vintage sparkle.
• Throbak PG-102 Set – Inspired by Peter Green’s “out-of-phase” tone; ideal for British blues and fusion tones.
• Throbak ’52 GT-102 P90 – A period-accurate take on vintage soapbar P90s with fat midrange and clean chime.

Each of these pickups is available in nickel covers, aged finishes, and raw bobbin options—making them a perfect fit for a wide range of guitars.

Who Uses Throbak Pickups?

Throbak pickups are used by some of the world’s most respected guitarists, including:

• Joe Bonamassa – Known for his dedication to vintage tone, Bonamassa often installs Throbaks in stage and studio guitars.
• Ed O’Brien (Radiohead) – His quest for expressive, responsive tone has made Throbak pickups part of his sonic arsenal.
• Luther Dickinson (North Mississippi Allstars) – Values the vintage soul and grit captured by Throbak’s PAF replicas.

In addition, boutique builders such as Collings, Novo, and Kauer Guitars have selected Throbak pickups for custom builds, proving their worth on high-end instruments.

Price Points and Value

Throbak pickups typically range from $450 to $650 per set, depending on the model, cover finish, and custom wiring. While more expensive than mass-produced pickups, they represent a long-term tonal investment. For players seeking “upgrades for Gibson Les Paul” or searching “best PAF pickup for Strat or Tele mod”, Throbaks offer unmatched fidelity and resale value.

Why Buy Throbak Pickups from CME?

Chicago Music Exchange is proud to offer one of the widest selections of Throbak guitar pickups for sale online and in-store. Our inventory is updated frequently and includes exclusive models, artist-favorite specs, and expert recommendations from our staff.

CME is the #1 destination for vintage, used, and boutique electric guitar pickups. Trusted by touring artists, collectors, and tone chasers worldwide.

Each pickup set is carefully photographed, described in detail, and shipped with care. Whether you're searching “buy Throbak pickups online” or “best boutique guitar pickups in the US,” CME is your go-to source for authentic tone and unbeatable service.