Alnico 4 Classic

Having used many PAF clones over the past 30 years of performing, they never deliver exactly what you want or feel that a PAF should provide.

Those of us that been down that rabbit hole have often justified the huge price tags because the pickups are "PAF Spec" or "[Insert your guitar hero here]" uses them.

So I recently purchased a Les Paul because I needed a Les Paul with a Floyd Rose, but it came with Hot Ceramic humbuckers and I am definitely a late 50's kind of guy.

So once again I went on the hunt for the fabled PAF Spec pickups as I want that light, airy tone that we associate with PAFs along with the clean up.

After a few days of Googling and YouTubing I discovered Tonerider pickups and the first thing I noticed was the price! Compared to your Seymour Duncan's, Monty's and your Creamery's these were cheap!

Being cheap immediately makes you think of lower quality goods and certainly a less impressive product, however, at less than 100 for a set of 2 Humbuckers, I took a punt on the Alnico 4s as the description from the website read well and all the YouTube videos that I watched actually sounded great.

To achieve that authentic late 50s thing, I was also guided toward a 50s wiring loom to complete the experience. So I was put on to James at Home of Tone for a 50s loom.

So for the total price of 200, WAY less that a set of the usual suspects without a loom, I gave it a shot.

I can honestly say that the Tonerider Alnico 4s, while not perfect any any means, definitely have that PAF flavour, kind of like a great Telecaster bridge pickup, while the neck pickup is sweet, incredibly clear and articulate unlike many of it's more expensive rivals.

I have never played a better balanced set of humbuckers and I would highly recommend these to anyone looking to upgrade to a PAF spec set.

I cannot vouch for any other product lines that Tonerider make, but I will certainly be back for more.

Pairs incredibly well with Panama bridge pickup. Great choice and amazing for the price

Play in a national touring tribute act, these are great for my needs

Very good pickup for the price, and shoutout to customer service (Glenn) who could advise the right pickup based on the description of what I wanted via email.

Im building guitars for over 40years, and the least 10 years I use only Tonrider pickups in different variation. All my custumers and myself are very pleased with your pickups.
Please go on and rock & roll,
Peter