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Best Les Paul Pickups For Classic Rock (2024 Updated)

If you're looking for the perfect sound to fuel your classic rock tunes, then investing in Les Paul pickups can be a great way to go. These pickups can be the key to achieving that classic, powerful sound that classic rock is known for. Whether you're looking to upgrade your guitar or just getting started, there are some factors to consider before making a purchase.

One of the most important factors to consider when looking at Les Paul pickups is the sound quality. Different pickups can produce different sounds, and it’s crucial to find the one that perfectly fits your style of play. Another important thing to consider is the price range. Quality pickups can be expensive, and it’s important to consider your budget before making any decisions.

Are you ready to add a touch of classic to your rock tunes? Do you want to hear the perfect sound that Les Paul pickups can provide? Or maybe you're looking for a more budget-friendly option. Whatever your preferences, Les Paul pickups have something for everyone. Now that you know the importance of sound quality and budget when looking at pickups, you’re one step closer to finding the perfect one for you. Keep reading to explore some of the best options on the market, and elevate your classic rock sound to new heights.

10 Best Les Paul Pickups For Classic Rock

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
The product is ideal for enhancing the sound output of electric guitars.
2
Ideal for guitar players of all levels, features solid mahogany body, 3-way pickup and volume/tone controls, and comes with picks.
3
This product is ideal for electric guitar players looking to upgrade their pickups for better tone and Les Paul style sound.
4
Electric guitar with vintage looks and modern playability, suitable for players seeking a classic Les Paul sound.
5
Ideal for improving the sound quality of electric guitars with humbucker pickups, particularly Les Paul-style models.
6
The product is ideal for enhancing the sound quality of a guitar with high gain and distortion.
7
The product is ideal for creating heavy, high-gain tones in electric guitars.
8
Ideal for upgrading the sound quality of an electric guitar with Alnico pickups, wiring harness and chrome finish.
9
The product is ideal for enhancing the sound and tone of electric guitars.
10
Ideal for guitarists seeking to replicate the classic rock sound of Slash, with warm and balanced tone.
The product is ideal for enhancing the sound output of electric guitars.
Ideal for guitar players of all levels, features solid mahogany body, 3-way pickup and volume/tone controls, and comes with picks.
This product is ideal for electric guitar players looking to upgrade their pickups for better tone and Les Paul style sound.
Electric guitar with vintage looks and modern playability, suitable for players seeking a classic Les Paul sound.
Ideal for improving the sound quality of electric guitars with humbucker pickups, particularly Les Paul-style models.
The product is ideal for enhancing the sound quality of a guitar with high gain and distortion.
The product is ideal for creating heavy, high-gain tones in electric guitars.
Ideal for upgrading the sound quality of an electric guitar with Alnico pickups, wiring harness and chrome finish.
The product is ideal for enhancing the sound and tone of electric guitars.
Ideal for guitarists seeking to replicate the classic rock sound of Slash, with warm and balanced tone.

1. Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates Set Zebra Electric Guitar Electronics

The Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates humbuckers are a calibrated set of pickups that offer tons of focused midrange attitude and a raw Texas sizzle that is perfect for classic rock music. These pickups are designed to transform any Les Paul style guitar into a country fried outlaw sound that is sure to impress.

Seymour discovered that Billy's bridge pickup had slightly more output than most PAFs, which helped to give it the extra drive that makes this pickup so special. The Pearly Gates Set is modeled after this unique pickup, and features a similar output that is perfect for players who need a little extra kick in their sound.

With its rich midrange and aggressive edge, the Pearly Gates Set is perfect for players who want a pickup that can cut through any mix. Whether you're playing classic rock, blues, or country, these pickups are sure to give you the sound you need to stand out from the crowd.

Pros

  • Calibrated set of pickups for a balanced sound
  • Focused midrange attitude with raw Texas sizzle
  • Designed to transform any Les Paul style guitar into a classic rock outlaw
  • Rich midrange and aggressive edge for cutting through any mix

2. Lyxpro Sunburst Les Paul-Style Electric Guitar Kit

Get ready to rock and roll with this beginner's guitar set that includes a 39-inch SB series Les Paul-inspired electric guitar, two picks, and a detailed learning guide suitable for novice, intermediate, and expert players of all ages. It's a professional-quality instrument that looks, sounds, feels, and performs like the real deal, and comes with all the accessories you need to get started. Please note that amplifier and amp cable are not included.

Expertly designed for maximum playing comfort, peak sound performance, lightweight durability, and a cool vintage appearance, this hardwood guitar is a solid-body construction that features a smooth mahogany wood body and neck, a durable mounted 3-ply pickguard, and is available in a variety of vibrant colors and sunburst patterns in both left-handed and right-handed orientations.

With its nostalgic curved design, single white binding, arched body top, and quality chrome hardware, this old-school Les Paul-style instrument delivers a rich, dynamic, true-to-life sound that strums like a dream. It offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and playability, and the 3-way rhythm/treble pickup switch selector delivers dynamic response with gorgeous tones ranging from warm and mellow to thick and cutting.

Once you've mastered your strumming, melodies, and chord progressions, you can experiment with different volume settings and tone intensities via the built-in rotary control knobs. This fully-loaded guitar also features a signature headstock with sealed tuners to prevent dust buildup, set-in neck for added strength, integrated strap posts, and two heavy-duty humbuckers that produce an unbeatable sound.

You can go from practice to stage in no time with a convenient aux connection output jack compatible with your favorite amplifier. This legendary 6-string LP is primed for solo play, jamming with the band, and performing live indoors or outside. It makes for a great gift for boys, girls, men, and women for birthdays, Christmas, graduation, holidays, anniversaries, and more.

Pros

  • Professional-quality instrument that looks, sounds, feels, and performs like the real deal
  • Includes all the accessories you need to get started
  • Expertly designed for maximum playing comfort, peak sound performance, and lightweight durability
  • Solid-body construction with smooth mahogany wood body and neck, and a durable mounted 3-ply pickguard
  • Available in a variety of vibrant colors and sunburst patterns in both left-handed and right-handed orientations
  • Delivers a rich, dynamic, true-to-life sound with gorgeous tones ranging from warm and mellow to thick and cutting
  • Built-in rotary control knobs for experimenting with different volume settings and tone intensities
  • Features a signature headstock with sealed tuners to prevent dust buildup, set-in neck for added strength, integrated strap posts, and two heavy-duty humbuckers
  • Convenient aux connection output jack compatible with your favorite amplifier
  • Legendary 6-string LP is primed for solo play, jamming with the band, and performing live indoors or outside
  • Makes for a great gift for boys, girls, men, and women for birthdays, Christmas, graduation, holidays, anniversaries, and more

3. Classic Ceramic Humbuckers For Les Paul – Chrome

If you're looking for an authentic vintage sound for your guitar, the Classic PAF Style Humbucking Pickup is a great option. It's designed to fit most Epiphone/USA Les Paul, SG, ES style guitars, Ibanez, and many similar models. This pickup is made with genuine Wilkinson parts and features a neck/bridge position design with 50mm/52mm pole spacing for the neck and bridge. It's also wax potted to eliminate noise and ensure a clean sound.

The pickup has a ceramic magnet and a D.C. resistance of 7.6K for the neck and 14.1K for the bridge. It comes with four conductor wires, including a black wire for ground, a yellow wire for hot, and red and white wires for splitting the coil. You'll receive two pickups in the package, one for the neck and one for the bridge.

Please be aware that the screws included may not fit your specific guitar, so you may need to use your own screws for installation. With its classic tone and quality construction, the Classic PAF Style Humbucking Pickup is a great choice for any guitar player looking to upgrade their sound.

Pros

  • Fits most Epiphone/USA Les Paul, SG, ES style guitars, Ibanez, and similar models
  • Genuine Wilkinson parts for quality construction
  • Wax potted to eliminate noise and ensure a clean sound
  • Ceramic magnet for authentic vintage tone

Cons

  • – Included screws may not fit all guitars

4. Seymour Duncan Sh-Pg1 Pearly Gates Humbucker Pickup Set Black Les Paul New

The Seymour Duncan Pearly Gate Pickup Set in Black is a high-performance pickup set, designed for those who love to play blues, classic rock, southern rock, jam, and hard rock music. These pickups are warm and slightly hotter than vintage humbuckers, delivering a raw, rebellious sound that defined the Texas blues-rock era. Originally designed to recreate the pickups of the '59 Les Paul Standard, the Pearly Gates is sweet but slightly rude, with great sustain and a bright top end that makes harmonics jump out of the guitar. The set comes with a four-conductor hookup cable for easy installation.

The Pearly Gates Pickup Set is a perfect choice for guitarists who want to add a bit of edge and attitude to their sound. Whether you're playing lead or rhythm, these pickups deliver a powerful and articulate tone that cuts through the mix. The set is also incredibly versatile, allowing you to switch between different genres and styles without compromising on sound quality. Additionally, the set ships via USPS Priority Mail, ensuring that you receive your order in a timely and efficient manner.

Pros

  • Delivers a warm, slightly hotter than vintage humbucker sound
  • Great sustain and a bright top end that make harmonics jump out of the guitar
  • Versatile and suitable for various genres and styles
  • Comes with a four-conductor hookup cable for easy installation
  • Ships via USPS Priority Mail for fast and efficient delivery

5. Slash-Approved Pickup Set Bundle With Extras!

The Alinco Pro II Slash Set is a bundle that includes a Dunlop Care Kit, True Tune Tuner, Keychain bottle opener, Pocket tool, and Picks. This set features a warm, moderate output humbucker that is recommended for jazz, blues, and classic rock music. The Alnico II magnet with boosted output provides a customized and matched Slash Alnico Pro II Pickup Set that delivers incredible tone. The Alnico II Pro Slash is designed to give Slash's other Les Paul guitars the exact tone of his legendary instrument, which he calls his live guitars.

The humbucker in the Alinco Pro II Slash Set produces a warm and moderate output that is perfect for jazz, blues, and classic rock genres. The Alnico II magnet with boosted output provides a customized and matched Slash Alnico Pro II Pickup Set that delivers incredible tone. The Alnico II Pro Slash is designed to give Slash's other Les Paul guitars the exact tone of his legendary instrument, which he calls his live guitars.

The Alinco Pro II Slash Set comes with a Dunlop Care Kit, True Tune Tuner, Keychain bottle opener, Pocket tool, and Picks. This set features a warm, moderate output humbucker that is recommended for jazz, blues, and classic rock music. The Alnico II magnet with boosted output provides a customized and matched Slash Alnico Pro II Pickup Set that delivers incredible tone. The Alnico II Pro Slash is designed to give Slash's other Les Paul guitars the exact tone of his legendary instrument, which he calls his live guitars.

Pros

  • Comes with a bundle of accessories including a Dunlop Care Kit, True Tune Tuner, Keychain bottle opener, Pocket tool, and Picks
  • Warm and moderate output humbucker is recommended for jazz, blues, and classic rock music
  • Alnico II magnet with boosted output provides a customized and matched Slash Alnico Pro II Pickup Set that delivers incredible tone
  • Designed to give Slash's other Les Paul guitars the exact tone of his legendary instrument

6. Seymour Duncan Distortion Mayhem Set Electric Guitar Electronics

The Duncan Distortion neck and bridge humbuckers are the perfect choice for rock and metal players looking for an aggressive sound. Featuring high-output ceramic magnets, these pickups deliver a powerful and punchy tone that cuts through any mix. The matched pair of humbuckers provide a balanced sound with plenty of sustain, making them ideal for heavy riffing and soloing. Whether you're playing drop-tuned chugs or screaming leads, the Duncan Distortion pickups will give you the clarity and definition you need to stand out in the mix.

Crafted with high-quality materials and precision-wound coils, these pickups offer a full-bodied sound with a tight and focused low end, punchy midrange, and articulate high end. They are also highly responsive to your playing dynamics, allowing you to easily control the amount of distortion and sustain. The Duncan Distortion neck pickup provides a rich and warm tone with plenty of clarity, while the bridge pickup delivers a bold and aggressive sound with a tight low end and crisp highs.

Overall, the Duncan Distortion humbuckers are a great choice for players who want a high-output pickup that can handle anything from classic rock to extreme metal. With their aggressive tone and excellent clarity, they are sure to inspire you to push your playing to the next level.

Pros

  • High-output ceramic magnets for a powerful and punchy tone
  • Balanced sound with plenty of sustain
  • Crafted with high-quality materials and precision-wound coils
  • Responsive to playing dynamics
  • Versatile pickup suitable for a wide range of genres

Cons

  • – May not be suitable for players looking for a more vintage or mellow tone
  • – May require some EQ adjustments to fit certain guitar and amp combinations

7. Probucker Pickup Set With Wiring Kit.

The EPI ProBucker pickups set with controls wiring harness is an exceptional offering from EPI. These pickups are available in a range of 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 others. These pickups are modeled after the iconic GIB BurstBucker and are designed to replicate the airy tone of the 'Patent Applied for' sound. The ProBucker pickups feature unevenly wound coils and Alnico-II magnets, which give them a unique sound that is sure to impress any musician.

One of the most notable features of the EPI ProBucker pickups is the bobbins. The size and shape of the bobbins have a significant impact on the tonal response of the pickups. The bobbins used on these pickups are manufactured to GIB specifications and dimensions, ensuring that they duplicate the size and shape of the gold standard in the industry, GIB humbuckers. These bobbins help to create a warm and rich sound that is perfect for a range of musical styles.

The EPI ProBucker pickups also feature Elektrisola magnet wire, which is the same wire used by GIB. This high-quality magnet wire is single-build and manufactured to NEMA standards, ensuring that it meets the highest industry standards for quality and performance. The pole screws and slugs used on these pickups are also manufactured to GIB specifications, using the same metal alloys. This attention to detail ensures that the EPI ProBucker pickups deliver the same high-quality sound and performance as GIB pickups.

In addition to these features, the EPI ProBucker pickups also come with sand-cast Alnico II magnets, high-quality 4-conductor lead wire, and are vacuum wax-potted to eliminate microphonics. All of these features work together to deliver a truly exceptional sound that is sure to impress even the most discerning musicians. Whether you're a professional musician or just starting out, the EPI ProBucker pickups set with controls wiring harness is an excellent choice that is sure to meet your needs and exceed your expectations.

Pros

  • Available in a range of models
  • Modeled after the iconic GIB BurstBucker pickups
  • Unevenly wound coils and Alnico-II magnets replicate 'Patent Applied for' airy tone
  • Bobbins manufactured to GIB specifications and dimensions
  • Elektrisola magnet wire used to ensure highest quality and performance
  • Pole screws and slugs manufactured to GIB specifications
  • Sand cast Alnico II magnets used
  • High-quality 4-conductor lead wire used
  • Vacuum wax-potted to eliminate microphonics
  • Delivers exceptional sound that is sure to impress musicians of all levels

8. Seymour Duncan Jb And Jazz Set Electric Guitar Electronics

The Hot Rodded humbucker set is an exceptional combination of a JB and Jazz Neck models, offering versatility that caters to classic rock to extreme metal enthusiasts. The set is a perfect match that delivers a balanced and harmonious sound that is second to none. The JB model is designed for the bridge position, while the Jazz Neck model is optimized for the neck position. Both models feature alnico V magnets and are wax potted, which ensures noise-free performance.

The 4-conductor cable enables split-coil wiring, allowing you to explore more tonal possibilities. The set is a perfect choice for guitarists who desire a high output and aggressive sound with excellent clarity, articulation, and dynamics. The Hot Rodded humbucker set is a perfect choice for those who want to elevate their sound to the next level.

The Hot Rodded humbucker set is a perfect match that delivers a powerful and articulate sound that is perfect for heavy music genres. The versatility of the set is exceptional, making it a perfect choice for guitarists who play various styles of music. The set is designed to provide a high output, dynamic sound that can cut through any mix. The Hot Rodded humbucker set is a must-have for guitarists who want to take their sound to the next level.

Pros

  • Perfect combination of JB and Jazz Neck models
  • Versatile enough for classic rock to extreme metal
  • Wax potted for noise-free performance
  • 4-conductor cable enables split-coil wiring
  • Alnico V magnets deliver balanced and harmonious sound
  • Excellent clarity, articulation, and dynamics

9. Seymour Duncan Aph-2s Alnico Ii Pro Slash Set Humbucker Pickups – Zebra/reverse Zebra

The humbucker pickup set for the neck and bridge positions is an excellent addition to any guitar enthusiast's collection. These pickups offer a warm, full-bodied sound that is perfect for rock, blues, and jazz styles. The Alnico II magnets provide a balanced tone, with a smooth and responsive sound. The zebra/reverse zebra color adds a unique touch to your guitar's appearance.

Crafted with high-quality materials, these pickups are durable and long-lasting. They are easy to install and come with all necessary hardware, making the installation process a breeze. These pickups offer exceptional value for money and are a must-have for any guitar player who wants to elevate their sound to the next level.

In summary, if you're looking for a high-quality humbucker pickup set that delivers exceptional sound and a unique appearance, look no further than this set. You won't be disappointed!

Pros

  • High-quality materials
  • Durable and long-lasting
  • Easy to install
  • Provides warm, full-bodied sound
  • Balanced tone with smooth and responsive sound
  • Zebra/reverse zebra color adds a unique touch to your guitar's appearance
  • Exceptional value for money

Best Les Paul Pickups For Classic Rock FAQs

Can I replace the pickups in my Les Paul guitar myself, or should I have a professional do it?

Yes, you can replace the pickups in your Les Paul guitar yourself, but it's important to have some knowledge of guitar electronics before attempting to do so. If you're not comfortable working with electronics or don't have experience with soldering, it's best to have a professional do the job for you.

However, if you're confident in your abilities, replacing the pickups on your own can be a rewarding experience. You'll need some basic tools such as a soldering iron, wire cutters, and a screwdriver. It's also important to choose the right pickups for your guitar and to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.

Replacing the pickups can have a significant impact on the sound of your guitar, so it's worth taking the time to do it right. Whether you decide to do it yourself or hire a professional, make sure to choose high-quality pickups that will enhance the tone of your Les Paul guitar.

How do the Gibson Burstbucker pickups compare to other Les Paul pickups for classic rock?

The Gibson Burstbucker pickups are renowned for their authentic vintage tone, and they are particularly well-suited to classic rock music. These pickups are designed to replicate the sound of the original PAF (Patent Applied For) pickups that were used in many Gibson guitars in the late 1950s and early 1960s. The Burstbuckers are known for their warm, full-bodied sound with a rich midrange and a smooth top end. They have a slightly lower output than some other Les Paul pickups, which gives them a more dynamic and responsive feel.

Compared to other Les Paul pickups for classic rock, the Burstbuckers are generally considered to be among the best. They offer a classic, vintage tone that is hard to beat, and they are versatile enough to be used in a variety of different musical styles. Some players may prefer other pickups for heavier rock or metal music, but for classic rock and blues, the Burstbuckers are a great choice. Overall, if you're looking for a classic Les Paul tone that will stand the test of time, the Gibson Burstbucker pickups are definitely worth considering.

What are the differences between humbucker and P90 pickups for Les Paul guitars?

Humbucker and P90 pickups are two types of pickups commonly used in Les Paul guitars. Both pickups have their unique features that set them apart from each other.

Humbucker pickups are known for their ability to cancel out hums and noise caused by electrical interference. They have two coils wound in opposite directions, which produce a warm and thick sound that is perfect for rock and heavy metal music. Humbuckers are also versatile and can produce clean sounds when used with the right settings.

On the other hand, P90 pickups are single-coil pickups that produce a bright and raw sound. They are ideal for blues, jazz, and rock music and are known for their ability to cut through the mix. P90 pickups have a higher output compared to traditional single-coil pickups, which gives them a distinct sound.

In terms of appearance, humbucker pickups are larger and have a thicker sound compared to P90 pickups. P90 pickups, on the other hand, are smaller and have a brighter sound.

In summary, the main difference between humbucker and P90 pickups for Les Paul guitars is in their sound and size. While humbuckers are known for their warm and thick sound, P90 pickups have a raw and bright sound. The choice between the two ultimately depends on the player's preference and the style of music they play.

What kind of tone can I expect from Les Paul pickups when playing classic rock songs?

When it comes to classic rock music, Les Paul pickups are known for delivering a warm, rich, and full-bodied tone that perfectly complements the genre. These pickups are beloved by musicians worldwide for their ability to produce a distinctive sound that is both powerful and nuanced. The tone of Les Paul pickups is characterized by a smooth and creamy mid-range, with a strong emphasis on the lower frequencies. This results in a thick and heavy sound that is perfect for classic rock riffs and solos. Whether you are playing fast-paced rock anthems or slower ballads, Les Paul pickups are sure to deliver the dynamic and expressive sound that is essential to the genre. So, if you are a fan of classic rock music, you can expect Les Paul pickups to provide the perfect tone for your playing style.

Which Les Paul pickups are best for classic rock?

When it comes to Les Paul pickups, there are a variety of options to choose from. However, if you are looking for the best pickups for classic rock, there are a few models that stand out.

One of the most popular pickups for classic rock is the Gibson BurstBucker. These pickups are designed to replicate the sound of the original PAF pickups found in vintage Les Pauls. They offer a warm, full-bodied tone with plenty of midrange punch.

Another great option for classic rock is the Seymour Duncan SH-4 JB. This pickup is known for its high output and aggressive tone, making it perfect for driving hard rock and heavy metal riffs. However, it also has a versatile enough sound to handle classic rock tones as well.

Finally, the DiMarzio Super Distortion is a classic pickup that has been used by many iconic guitarists over the years. It offers a thick, powerful sound with plenty of sustain and a slightly scooped midrange. This pickup is perfect for classic rock tones that require plenty of drive and distortion.

Ultimately, the best Les Paul pickups for classic rock will depend on your personal preferences and playing style. However, the models mentioned above are all excellent options that are sure to deliver the tone you are looking for.

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