NEW KZ57 SBPAF Humbucker

As seen in Guitarist Magazine issue 536 May 2026. The KZ57 SBPAF is the latest addition to my highly detailed PAF replication offerings! Based around the wind style of the earliest Geo Stevens winder used during PAF production in Kalamazoo. Wind specs from turns per layer, coil build, tension etc all taken from unwinding original pickups produced during the golden era, then mixed with a few tweaks that aid in compensating for today’s more consistently produced coil wire (no need for costly NOS vintage wire as a result!). These earliest PAF coils have a uniquely “fluffy” low tension coil with a fuller bobbin produced with equivalent number of turns than those production the machines that superseded this style.

The covers are reshaped in house here with direct reference to vintage examples on hand. Aged sets receive the most detailed of hand finishing steps I can offer. Everything inside and out is addressed with the greatest of care and individual attention.

Output and Character

Bridge: Unoriented Alnico V, +/- 8.0k: The mix of low offset coil combination, the airy KZ wind style and unoriented Alnico V magnets give a uniquely characterful Bridge PAF. Open in the low end with some of the midrange growl of Alnico II and faster response of Alnico V present thanks to the unoriented magnet spec. Complex upper harmonic content and a vocal lead presence make this a truly classic early PAF tone monster that rewards varied attack from the player.

Neck: Alnico II - +/- 7.3k: This may be my personal favourite Neck PAF in my range, particularly for guitars with a naturally rich low end! The typically deep low end PAF character remains clear yet fulsome, while the upper mids and highs have a beautiful airy chime. If you crave the early “make a P90 quiet” PAF brief then this is as close a spec as it gets! Complex, responsive and so expressive.

Options

This set is offered as standard with two-conductor vintage braid wiring and thin nickel plated covers that are missing the copper plating layer so often found in modern pickups. If you would prefer four-conductor wiring or virtually any other tweak please do get in touch; various contact options are available here.