Guitar tone is everything. For guitarist Ryan Kuehner, it’s not just about fingers on frets—it’s about the magic that happens when the right pickup meets the right amp and the right hands. Among his gear preferences, PAF pickups (Patent Applied For) hold a special place. These vintage-style pickups, originally made by Gibson in the late 1950s, are celebrated for their clarity, warmth, and versatility.
In this post, we dive into Ryan Kuehner’s top 5 PAF pickups, exploring why he prefers them and how they can elevate your guitar tone.
What Makes PAF Pickups Special?
Before we get into Kuehner’s favorites, let’s understand what a PAF pickup is.
PAF pickups were first created by Gibson in 1956 and designed to capture a rich, warm, and dynamic sound. They are typically humbuckers, known for:
- Smooth, balanced tone – Warm lows, clear mids, and sparkling highs.
- Dynamic response – Reacts to picking strength for expressive playing.
- Vintage vibe – Iconic tone associated with classic rock, blues, and jazz.
- Reduced hum – Humbucking design eliminates unwanted noise.
PAFs are cherished by guitarists like Ryan Kuehner because they let the guitar sing naturally, without losing definition when overdriven. They’re versatile, fitting clean jazz tones and gritty rock solos alike.
How Ryan Kuehner Chooses a Pickup
Ryan’s approach to pickups is meticulous. In interviews and gear reviews, he emphasizes three key criteria:
- Tone Fidelity: The pickup should faithfully reproduce the guitar’s natural sound.
- Dynamic Response: From fingerpicking to hard strumming, the pickup must be expressive.
- Musical Versatility: Must sound great across genres without frequent switching.
This philosophy informs his top 5 PAF pickups, each selected for its unique contribution to tone and performance.
1. Gibson Burstbucker 1
Ryan Kuehner often cites the Gibson Burstbucker 1 as a go-to pickup. Inspired by the original 1959 PAF, it provides a rich vintage tone with modern reliability.
Key Features:
- Output: Moderate – perfect for vintage overdrive.
- Construction: Alnico II magnets for warmth and clarity.
- Tone: Sweet highs, creamy mids, tight lows.
Why Ryan Loves It:
The Burstbucker 1 captures the essence of vintage Les Pauls, giving Ryan that classic, singing sustain. It’s his choice for blues-infused solos and clean rhythm work.
Pro Tip:
Ideal for players seeking that vintage late-’50s tone without breaking the bank on original PAFs.
2. Seymour Duncan Seth Lover Model
Next on Kuehner’s list is the Seymour Duncan Seth Lover Model, named after the engineer behind the original PAF.
Key Features:
- Magnet: Alnico II for smooth highs and warm mids.
- Output: Low to moderate, mimicking classic vintage humbuckers.
- Tone: Balanced with slightly scooped mids for versatility.
Why Ryan Loves It:
Kuehner uses this pickup for clean and overdriven textures, especially when playing funk, soul, or jazz-inspired lines. Its dynamic response makes it expressive even in softer passages.
Pro Tip:
Works brilliantly in both Gibson-style guitars and modern PRS models due to its adaptable voicing.
3. Bare Knuckle ‘Irish Tour’
The Bare Knuckle ‘Irish Tour’ pickup is a boutique favorite for tone purists like Ryan Kuehner.
Key Features:
- Handwound for authentic vintage voicing.
- Alnico II magnets with scatter-wound coils.
- Output: Slightly hotter than standard PAFs for punchier leads.
Why Ryan Loves It:
Its clarity under high gain makes it perfect for rock and fusion solos. Kuehner notes that the Irish Tour provides “a singing sustain without muddying chords.”
Pro Tip:
Pair with a vintage-style amp to get the true boutique PAF experience.
4. Lollar PAF
Ryan Kuehner is a fan of boutique pickups, and the Lollar PAF often finds its way into his guitars.
Key Features:
- Vintage-correct construction with modern consistency.
- Slightly stronger midrange for clarity in dense mixes.
- Smooth, glassy highs with balanced lows.
Why Ryan Loves It:
He prefers this pickup for recording sessions, where clarity and articulation are essential. It excels at capturing complex chord voicings without losing definition.
Pro Tip:
Lollar PAFs are versatile enough for both Les Pauls and semi-hollow guitars, making them a studio favorite.
5. Gibson Classic ‘57
Rounding out Kuehner’s top 5 is the Gibson Classic ‘57.
Key Features:
- Alnico II magnets for authentic vintage voicing.
- Moderate output with smooth tonal balance.
- Slightly darker voicing than Burstbuckers for warmth.
Why Ryan Loves It:
He uses Classic ‘57 pickups for clean jazz passages and vintage-inspired rock tracks. They’re also perfect for recording warm rhythm tracks without harshness.
Pro Tip:
The Classic ‘57 is a great entry-level PAF-style pickup for guitarists seeking a vintage vibe on a modern budget.
Tips from Ryan Kuehner for Choosing PAF Pickups
Ryan often shares advice for guitarists looking to upgrade pickups:
- Match the Pickup to Your Style: Don’t just pick the “best” PAF; pick one that complements your playing style.
- Consider Your Guitar’s Wood: Pickups react differently to mahogany, maple, or alder bodies.
- Try Before You Buy: Testing pickups in your guitar with your amp is essential for tone evaluation.
- Balance Output with Genre: Vintage PAFs are moderate in output, perfect for blues or jazz. If you play heavy rock, consider boutique PAFs with slightly hotter outputs.
- Maintenance Matters: Handwound pickups can drift over time. Regular setup ensures consistent tone.
Why Guitarists Trust Ryan Kuehner’s Advice
Ryan Kuehner’s tone is both recognizable and versatile. His deep understanding of gear and pickups comes from years of studio and live experience. By choosing his top 5 PAF pickups, guitarists can replicate his expressive, dynamic sound and explore classic tones with a modern twist.
Conclusion
PAF pickups are more than just humbuckers—they’re a tonal philosophy. Ryan Kuehner’s top 5 selections reflect his approach: balance, clarity, and musicality. From the vintage warmth of the Gibson Burstbucker 1 to the boutique precision of the Bare Knuckle Irish Tour, these pickups offer a spectrum of tones suitable for all styles.
Guitarists looking to refine their tone can learn from Kuehner’s choices and apply them to their own rigs, achieving the perfect blend of vintage warmth and modern expressiveness.