What is the main difference between the '57 Classic and the '57 Classic Plus?

The '57 Classic Plus is overwound for higher output and increased punch compared to the standard model. While both share the same vintage DNA, the Plus version provides more 'bite' and presence, making it better suited for the bridge position.

What type of magnet does this pickup use?

The Gibson '57 Classic Plus uses an Alnico 2 magnet. This magnet type is known for its warm, smooth response and musical compression, contributing to the pickup's vintage-voiced character.

Is this pickup wax potted?

Yes, this humbucker is wax potted during the manufacturing process. This helps to reduce unwanted microphonic feedback and squealing, especially when playing at high volume or high gain levels.

What is the recommended position for the '57 Classic Plus?

It is specifically recommended for the bridge position. Because it is overwound and hotter than a standard vintage pickup, it balances well against a lower-output pickup in the neck position.

Does the '57 Classic Plus come with a cover?

This specific version features Double Classic White bobbins and is designed to be used without a metal cover. This provides a stripped-back, stylish look for the instrument.

What kind of wiring does it feature?

The pickup uses enamel-like wiring, staying true to the authentic specifications used by Gibson during the late 1950s golden era of humbucker production.

What tone can I expect from the '57 Classic Plus?

Expect a smooth and velvety tone with rich mids and clear highs. The overwound nature of the coils provides a satisfying low-end growl and extra presence compared to standard PAF-style pickups.

Are maple spacers used in this model?

Yes, the '57 Classic Plus incorporates maple spacers as part of its construction. This is a historically accurate detail found in original vintage Gibson humbuckers.

What is the typical price for this pickup in the UK?

The typical price for a Gibson '57 Classic Plus Humbucker in the UK is approximately £109. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and specific aesthetic options.

Is this pickup suitable for high-gain music?

While it is a vintage-voiced pickup, its wax potting and slightly higher output make it very capable of handling high-gain settings without excessive noise or feedback.

Can I use this pickup in the neck position?

While designed for the bridge, it can be used in the neck if a player desires a very high-output neck tone. However, it is most commonly paired with a standard '57 Classic in the neck for better balance.

What aesthetic does the Classic White bobbin provide?

The Double Classic White bobbins offer a distinct, vintage-mod look. It is an alternative to the traditional black bobbins or nickel/gold covers often seen on Gibson guitars.

Gear article

Gibson '57 Classic Plus Humbucker

The Gibson '57 Classic Plus Humbucker is a high-output variation of the traditional late-1950s Patent Applied For (PAF) design. It features an overwound coil configuration to provide increased punch and presence while maintaining the smooth, velvety tonal character associated with vintage Gibson pickups.

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Overview and Design

The '57 Classic Plus is designed as a 'hotter' version of the standard '57 Classic, specifically engineered to provide more output for the bridge position. It follows the authentic recipe of golden-era humbuckers, utilising Alnico 2 magnets, maple spacers, and enamel-like wiring. This specific model features a 'Double Classic White' bobbin aesthetic, offering a stripped-back, uncovered look for electric guitars.

Tonal Characteristics

While it retains the smooth, velvety character of the original '57 Classic, the Plus version introduces additional bite and saturation. The overwound coils deliver a richer midrange and a satisfying low-end growl. Its frequency response is balanced with clear highs, ensuring that the extra output does not compromise the pickup's inherent clarity or vintage-inspired voice.

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Technical Features

To accommodate modern high-gain playing styles, the '57 Classic Plus is wax potted. This manufacturing process involves dipping the pickup in a wax mixture to saturate the coils, which effectively eliminates microphonic feedback when used with high-gain amplifiers. The use of Alnico 2 magnets provides a softer magnetic pull compared to Alnico 5, allowing for greater sustain and a more compressed, musical response.

Applications and Pairings

This pickup is primarily intended for the bridge position of a guitar. It is frequently paired with a standard '57 Classic in the neck position to create a balanced set where the bridge pickup has sufficient output to match the naturally louder neck position. It suits players seeking a vintage tone but with enough 'edge' to handle classic rock, blues, and harder contemporary styles.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the main difference between the '57 Classic and the '57 Classic Plus?: The '57 Classic Plus is overwound for higher output and increased punch compared to the standard model. While both share the same vintage DNA, the Plus version provides more 'bite' and presence, making it better suited for the bridge position.
What type of magnet does this pickup use?: The Gibson '57 Classic Plus uses an Alnico 2 magnet. This magnet type is known for its warm, smooth response and musical compression, contributing to the pickup's vintage-voiced character.
Is this pickup wax potted?: Yes, this humbucker is wax potted during the manufacturing process. This helps to reduce unwanted microphonic feedback and squealing, especially when playing at high volume or high gain levels.
What is the recommended position for the '57 Classic Plus?: It is specifically recommended for the bridge position. Because it is overwound and hotter than a standard vintage pickup, it balances well against a lower-output pickup in the neck position.
Does the '57 Classic Plus come with a cover?: This specific version features Double Classic White bobbins and is designed to be used without a metal cover. This provides a stripped-back, stylish look for the instrument.
What kind of wiring does it feature?: The pickup uses enamel-like wiring, staying true to the authentic specifications used by Gibson during the late 1950s golden era of humbucker production.
What tone can I expect from the '57 Classic Plus?: Expect a smooth and velvety tone with rich mids and clear highs. The overwound nature of the coils provides a satisfying low-end growl and extra presence compared to standard PAF-style pickups.
Are maple spacers used in this model?: Yes, the '57 Classic Plus incorporates maple spacers as part of its construction. This is a historically accurate detail found in original vintage Gibson humbuckers.
What is the typical price for this pickup in the UK?: The typical price for a Gibson '57 Classic Plus Humbucker in the UK is approximately £109. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and specific aesthetic options.
Is this pickup suitable for high-gain music?: While it is a vintage-voiced pickup, its wax potting and slightly higher output make it very capable of handling high-gain settings without excessive noise or feedback.
Can I use this pickup in the neck position?: While designed for the bridge, it can be used in the neck if a player desires a very high-output neck tone. However, it is most commonly paired with a standard '57 Classic in the neck for better balance.
What aesthetic does the Classic White bobbin provide?: The Double Classic White bobbins offer a distinct, vintage-mod look. It is an alternative to the traditional black bobbins or nickel/gold covers often seen on Gibson guitars.