Metropoulos Forum

What is the best set of P.A.F replica's you have heard/played??

My vote is for Sheptone. Especially since u can order them with some custom outputs.

The Sheptones sounded real nice, but contrary to his "no squealing" claim my set squeals like a stuck piggy. I promptly voided my warranty removing the covers, which didn't help, they still squealed. They don't sound any better than the Smits handwounds I have at any rate, except the Smits have never given me a squealing problem. Smits can be ordered in any output level or magnet type as well, and he's not far from you, in Tennessee or Kentucky (can't remember which.)

Either way, my three Gibsons currently have Manlius Fat Dianes in them, which have a huge rich sound based on a set of '60 PAF's that the guy at Manlius had access to.

I'm partial to T-Tops myself, and my Fralin T-Top clones are the bomb.

As for PAFs, I heard a set of Wagners once that just blew me away. Plus, Jim Wagner is about as nice a guy as you'll ever deal with.

Also, the Fralin Psychebilly pickups from RS Guitarworks are excellent.

Anything from HighOrder.

I've got PAF's in my 61 SG/LP Std. and I like the Crossroad or BetSet pickups from WCR just as well or better.

The TOM HOLMES PAF 450 (neck) or 455 (bridge). Sounds incredible!

DiMarzio Super Distortion!!!!
(just kidding... checking if anyones paying attention)

For my money, WCR's are as good as anything out there.

/

wdelaney72 wrote:Anything from HighOrder.

+1!
If one wants PAF replicas, he'll wound them with PE wire and not pot them, all on has to do is ask. And his prices are great. The ones I have in my R8 are staying, that's for sure!

Rick Norman should soon have his pickups available, he did the work on my '52 Goldtop, here are some shots of the Doctor 'in the office' as it were and doing what he does best.
I will make a prediction here and say that Rick's pickups are the best PAF clones I have heard
http://www.doctorvintage.com/drv1_news.html
Rick has taken apart this particular Les Paul and measured the pickups, ect. One of my favorite LP's as well as Stripe, Greeny...

Chief in particular, he has a set that will kill in your JB Oxblood.
yngwie308

yngwie308 wrote:Chief in particular, he has a set that will kill in your JB Oxblood.
yngwie308

Well, quit holding out!!! How about the facts, Jack!?!

I can't say anything about Ricks pickups, but I can say that his wiring kit is great! Best pots I've ever used.

When I was picking up my Goldtop, Rick had his custom built Korina bodied, wraptail Burst there and although the wood is different, pickups were awesome.
Mike, like I said before, get a Pigtail aluminum tailpiece from BCR Music and Sound, also from him the Pigtail steel studs. I already spoke to Rick about your guitar Mike and contact him directly about suitable pickups.
I would go with his Vintage spec controls kit as well, the taper on the pots is awesome and you really can use your volume and tone controls!
Remember the pickups on the market now, called Dr.Vintage, are not built by Rick, it is a long story, but Rick is building his own pickups now. I would contact him about the pickups and have him do the guitar blueprinting service on your guitar. I must say it was the most awesome setup I have ever experienced on a guitar and Rick does fantastic work!
Contact info:
http://www.doctorvintage.com/drv1_contact.html
PM me about it!!
yngwie308

I second Flame's recommendation for Smits Pickups! Kevin builds a great PAF and can custom wind/ tweak to you liking from A-2 to A-8 magnets.

Nice guy to do business with as well.

(behind he front lines)
Lindy makes an L.A.F
Truest P.A.F. to the real mccoy.
There are others of top caliber, yes, but P.A.F. clone, none closer !
There you will find your replica...

.

I am just previewing Rick Norman's pickups here, he has been winding them for a while, soon they will blow up, trust me..I'm a nurse..
yngwie308