Imagine holding a piece of rock history in your hands – not just any guitar, but the very essence of the iconic 'Greeny,' the 1959 Les Paul that passed through the hands of legends like Peter Green, Gary Moore, and Kirk Hammett. Now, Gibson is giving you the chance to own a slice of that magic with the Aged Greenybucker Pickup Set, a meticulously crafted, limited-edition recreation that’s as close as you can get to the real thing. But here’s where it gets controversial: with only 100 sets available worldwide, is this an opportunity for true enthusiasts or an exclusive club for the privileged few? Let’s dive in.
These pickups aren’t your average vintage-inspired set. Gibson didn’t just aim to replicate the sound of a classic PAF humbucker; they went straight to the source, meticulously studying the actual pickups in Kirk Hammett’s 'Greeny' Les Paul. The result? A sonic fingerprint that captures the guitar’s legendary tone, right down to the reverse magnetic polarity in the neck pickup. And this is the part most people miss: when both pickups are engaged, that reverse polarity creates a slightly hollow, 'out-of-phase' sound that’s become the hallmark of 'Greeny’s' voice. It’s not just a pickup set – it’s a time machine to the golden age of rock.
But how did Gibson pull this off? Jared Brandon, Pickup Product Manager at Gibson, explains, 'The magic of 'Greeny' is in the details – the way the pickups respond to your playing, the unique character of the middle position, and the alive, dynamic feel of every note.' To achieve this, Gibson worked closely with Hammett, ensuring every nuance was captured. From asymmetrical coil windings to unpotted construction, these pickups deliver the touch-sensitive, dynamic response that players associate with original 1950s PAFs. Here’s a bold claim: these might just be the most authentic vintage recreations ever made. What do you think – is this level of detail worth the hype?
Aesthetically, the Murphy Lab has outdone themselves, aging each set to perfection. The pickups look like they’ve spent decades on the road, with double black bobbins beneath aged nickel covers, two-conductor wiring, and Alnico 2 magnets. The DC resistance readings? Spot-on, with the rhythm pickup at 8.3k and the treble at 8.7k – the sweet spot where clarity meets warmth. But beyond the specs, it’s the middle-position tone that steals the show. That reverse polarity gives it a vocal-like quality, a quirk that’s been immortalized in countless recordings and remains one of electric guitar’s most celebrated traits.
As Gibson celebrates nearly 90 years of pickup design and manufacturing in Nashville, the Aged Greenybucker set stands as a testament to their legacy. It’s not just a product; it’s a convergence of history, artistry, and craftsmanship. But here’s the question: with such limited availability, is this a tribute to rock history or a high-end collectible? Weigh in below – is this a must-have for serious guitarists, or is Gibson catering to an elite audience? Either way, one thing’s for sure: owning a set of these pickups means holding a piece of rock’s storied past in your hands. Head to Gibson’s website to learn more, but act fast – these won’t last long.
