Frequently Asked Questions
About 59DNA
What is a PAF pickup?
PAF stands for Patent Applied For, the small decal found on early Gibson humbuckers. These pickups were produced during the late 1950s and early 1960s and became one of the most influential pickup designs in electric guitar history.
The interesting part is that there was never just one exact PAF recipe. Variations in winding, magnets, wire, materials and manufacturing tolerances gave individual pickups their own character.
What makes a 59DNA pickup different?
59DNA pickups are built around the idea that a great vintage PAF is not defined by a single resistance reading or a magic number of turns.
We pay attention to the complete picture: wire, winding, bobbins, magnets, metal parts, construction and output.
The goal is not to make a generic "vintage sounding" humbucker, but to capture the character, response and imperfections that made early PAFs so special.
Are 59DNA pickups exact copies of original PAFs?
No.
Original PAFs themselves were not identical. Two pickups made during the same period can have noticeably different readings and tonal characteristics.
59DNA uses vintage PAFs as a reference and develops its own specifications around the characteristics we consider essential to that sound.
Think vintage-inspired rather than museum reproduction.
Tone & Specifications
Why don't all vintage PAFs sound the same?
Because they weren't made with today's level of production uniformity.
Differences in coil winding, number of turns, wire tension, magnet strength, magnet type, materials and tolerances can all influence the final result.
That's one of the reasons vintage PAFs remain so fascinating: there is no single "PAF sound."
Does DC resistance tell me how a pickup will sound?
Not by itself.
DC resistance is useful, but it is only one measurement. Two pickups with similar resistance can sound quite different.
Inductance, resonant frequency, magnet characteristics, winding distribution and the overall construction also matter.
For that reason, we don't use resistance as a substitute for listening.
Why do you use different Alnico magnets?
Different Alnico grades and magnetic strengths can change the response of a humbucker.
Depending on the specification, an Alnico magnet can influence attack, compression, mids, bass response, treble and overall feel.
59DNA uses different magnet specifications to recreate different sides of the vintage PAF character rather than treating every PAF as having the same magnet.
What is the difference between Alnico II, III, IV and V?
In very broad terms:
Alnico II — softer attack, sweet highs and a more relaxed response.
Alnico III — low magnetic strength, open and airy character.
Alnico IV — balanced response, clear mids and controlled attack.
Alnico V — stronger attack, more focus and a more pronounced response.
The exact result also depends on the pickup's winding and the individual magnet.
Why does the number of turns matter?
The amount and distribution of wire on the coils influence the pickup's electrical characteristics and therefore its response.
More turns generally increase output and inductance, while fewer turns tend to produce a more open, articulate response.
But again, there is no magic number. How the coil is wound matters as much as how much wire is used.
Why use Plain Enamel wire?
Plain Enamel was widely associated with the construction of many classic vintage Gibson humbuckers.
For 59DNA, the choice of wire is part of the overall construction rather than a marketing shortcut. The coating, gauge and winding process all contribute to the final result.
Do you match the neck and bridge pickups?
Yes, but we don't simply try to make them identical.
A good set needs to work as a pair. The neck and bridge positions naturally require different specifications because of their different string amplitudes and positions.
The objective is balance without losing individuality.
Choosing Your Pickups
Which 59DNA set should I choose?
It depends on the sound you're looking for.
If you want maximum clarity and openness, a lower-output specification may be the right direction.
If you want more push, thickness and sustain, a slightly stronger wind may suit your guitar better.
The guitar, scale length, pots, strings, amplifier and playing style all matter too.
If you're unsure, contact us. We'd rather help you choose the right set than sell you the wrong one.
Are 59DNA pickups suitable for Les Pauls?
Yes.
They are designed around the classic PAF humbucker format and are particularly well suited to Les Paul-style guitars.
They can also work extremely well in SGs, ES-style guitars and other instruments designed for standard humbuckers.
Will they work with my existing electronics?
In most cases, yes.
59DNA pickups are designed to work with standard humbucker wiring and traditional guitar electronics.
For the most authentic vintage response, the value and quality of the pots and the rest of the wiring harness should also be considered.
Two-conductor or four-conductor wiring?
Our vintage-style configuration uses traditional two-conductor wiring.
Four-conductor wiring can be supplied when additional switching options such as coil splitting are required.
Keep in mind that extra wiring can be useful, but it is not part of the original vintage PAF construction.
Installation
Can I install 59DNA pickups myself?
Yes, if you are comfortable soldering and working on guitar electronics.
If you are not experienced with pickup installation, we recommend using a qualified guitar technician.
What pickup height should I use?
There is no universal setting.
Pickup height has a surprisingly large effect on the sound and feel of a humbucker.
Start with the pickup relatively low and adjust gradually by ear. Listen for balance between the strings, output between neck and bridge, clarity and sustain.
Small adjustments can make a surprisingly big difference.
Should I use covers?
That's entirely up to you.
Nickel-silver covers can provide the traditional PAF appearance and are part of the visual identity of the classic humbucker.
Uncovered pickups can provide a different aesthetic and allow the coils to remain visible.
If you are aiming for a historically inspired build, we recommend choosing the cover and finish according to the period you are trying to recreate.
Vintage PAF Questions
Why are vintage PAFs so difficult to reproduce?
Because the original production process involved a lot of variables.
The machines, materials, winding practices and component tolerances of the period are not easily reduced to a modern production formula.
Even two original PAFs can differ from one another.
That's precisely why 59DNA focuses on understanding the variables rather than chasing a single specification.
Can a modern pickup really sound like a 1959 PAF?
It can capture many of the characteristics associated with vintage PAFs, but we don't believe anyone can honestly promise that a modern pickup will be an exact sonic duplicate of one particular 1959 pickup.
Every original instrument, pickup and piece of hardware has its own history.
Our goal is to get you into that territory: open, dynamic, articulate and unmistakably vintage.
Is a higher-output PAF automatically better for rock?
Not necessarily.
A lower-output pickup can have enormous presence through the right amplifier and can provide more clarity and dynamic response.
Output is only one part of the equation.
The right pickup is the one that works with your guitar, amplifier and playing style.
Why do vintage PAFs often have relatively low output?
Early PAFs were not designed around modern high-output concepts.
Many were relatively moderate in output, allowing the guitar, amplifier and player to contribute much more to the final sound.
This is part of what gives vintage-style humbuckers their dynamics and responsiveness.
59DNA Construction
Are 59DNA pickups handwound?
59DNA pickups are individually wound and assembled with close attention to the details that influence their final response.
The objective is consistency where consistency matters, while preserving the character associated with traditional pickup making.
Are your pickups wax potted?
Our pickup specifications are chosen according to the vintage character we are trying to achieve.
Wax potting can reduce microphonic behaviour, but excessive potting can also change the mechanical behaviour of a pickup.
Our pickups are not wax potted.
Do you use vintage-style bobbins?
Yes.
The construction and material of the bobbins are considered part of the recipe, not simply cosmetic details.
Do you use vintage-style magnets?
Yes.
Magnet type, strength and preparation are selected according to each pickup specification.
Most of our magnets are raw.
Are the pickups aged?
Aging is primarily an aesthetic choice.
If an aged option is offered, the objective is to reproduce the appearance of a naturally aged vintage pickup without compromising the pickup itself.
Buying From 59DNA
Are 59DNA pickups made individually?
Yes. Each pickup is built and checked individually.
Because they are made in small quantities, specifications can be carefully controlled rather than treating every pickup as an anonymous production unit.
Do I receive the specifications of my pickups?
Yes.
Each pickup is identified with its relevant specifications so you know what is actually inside your guitar.
Do you offer matched sets?
Yes.
When ordering a set, the neck and bridge pickups are selected to work together rather than simply being two identical pickups.
Can I request a specific specification?
Depending on the model, certain options may be available.
If you have a particular vintage PAF reference, guitar or tonal target in mind, contact us before ordering.
What is covered by the 59DNA warranty?
59DNA provides a lifetime commercial warranty against manufacturing defects for the original purchaser, subject to the conditions stated in our warranty terms.
The warranty does not cover damage caused by incorrect installation, misuse, modification or normal wear.
Can I return my pickups?
Returns are handled according to the conditions stated in our current Terms & Conditions.
Custom-made or modified specifications may be subject to specific return conditions.
Please contact us before ordering if you are unsure about compatibility or configuration.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes.
59DNA pickups can be shipped internationally. Shipping costs and delivery times depend on the destination and are displayed during the ordering process. ( depending on destination and weight )
How long does it take to receive my pickups?
Because our pickups are made in small batches and individually checked, lead times can vary.
The current estimated production and shipping time is indicated when ordering.
Still not sure?
Which pickup should I choose for my guitar?
Send us your guitar model, amplifier, current pickups and the sound you're looking for.
If you have a particular vintage PAF, guitarist or recording in mind, tell us.
We'll help you find the closest 59DNA specification rather than simply recommending the most expensive option.
Have another question?
We're happy to talk pickups.