subversion
Moderator
Dimarzio PAF (DP103F)
List: $169
There is this simple magic which came with the original PAF humbucker that got every pickup manufacturer absorbed. It is to no surprise that many of the major pickup brand names have their version of the PAF in their catalogue to lure players to the aforementioned magnificence.
Dimarzio’s PAF humbucker is one from its vintage range (203mv), nothing too excessive in output but still loud & proud. As the name suggests, this humbucker emulates the open tone, clean sparkle of the original, quite remarkably. As such, the PAF is equally adept in the bridge as it is in the neck. In the latter location, the PAF is simply fabulous, what you’ll hear is an impressive tranparency all jazz cats would fall in love with.
Driven, the PAF is perhaps one of the most neutral/ balanced pickup to manifest your guitar’s inherent character. In the bridge, it’ll pull off some of the most respected muted tones this side of metal, no problems at all despite its portrayal as a proponent of restrained gain. For those of us who are too in love with our Tubescreamers (& its counterparts/ other manifestations), the PAF is simply a warm pickup to be had.
The only thing this PAF would not give you is a harsh, midrange projection. It was conceived to be such, so extreme metal mongers would be wise to consider others in the Dimarzio selection.
All in all, albeit its classic image, the PAF is waxed dipped & has a 4-conductor cable feature that would exude equal warmth in split mode. The manufacturer’s intention is rather clear here- all the vintage vibes without the archaic microphonics.
Worthy competitor:
• Seymour Duncan ‘59
