[Matt_B]

I'm thinking about switching out a pair of 36th Ann PAFs (bridge and neck models) for a pair of Bluesbuckers because I've got too many guitars with PAFs. I want something different but in the same vintage category and not a PAF.

I've already got one guitar with EJ Customs and I've owned a guitar with a Humbucker from Hell so I'm not going there on this guitar.

On paper, the Bluesbucker seems brighter so I'm just looking for validation of this. Assuming all things are equal (same guitars, some pots) is the Bluesbucker perceptibly brighter than the 36 Ann PAFs?

[buddroyce]

The Bluesbucker is tonally brighter than the PAF 36ths for me. It's still one of my favourite pickups.

[marcwormjim]

I tried the Bluesbucker in the neck of one guitar, and now it’s in all of them, as well as in the bridge of a semi hollow-body. The only downside I can think of is that their ceramic magnets don’t sound like alnico (if that’s your preference).

[DarthPhineas]

Assuming all things are equal (same guitars, some pots) is the Bluesbucker perceptibly brighter than the 36 Ann PAFs?

Yes. But not ice-picky or harsh.

It’s a good pickup for neck and bridge.

[Matt_B]

The Bluesbucker is tonally brighter than the PAF 36ths for me. It's still one of my favourite pickups.

Thank you for the confirmation.

I'm looking to get something a bit brighter and clearer than the 36th so it seems like this might be the ticket. I'm also looking at Fralin Big Single Coils and Sunbuckers though the later seem very similar to the Bluesbucker.

[Matt_B]

I tried the Bluesbucker in the neck of one guitar, and now it’s in all of them, as well as in the bridge of a semi hollow-body. The only downside I can think of is that their ceramic magnets don’t sound like alnico (if that’s your preference).

Eh, I'm not stuck on magnet types. There's more to a pickup than the type of magnets used.

[Matt_B]

Assuming all things are equal (same guitars, some pots) is the Bluesbucker perceptibly brighter than the 36 Ann PAFs?

Yes. But not ice-picky or harsh.

It’s a good pickup for neck and bridge.

I read your review Darth and it helped steer me in the direction of BBs. Thanks for writing it up.

[DarthPhineas]

Assuming all things are equal (same guitars, some pots) is the Bluesbucker perceptibly brighter than the 36 Ann PAFs?

Yes. But not ice-picky or harsh.

It’s a good pickup for neck and bridge.

I read your review Darth and it helped steer me in the direction of BBs. Thanks for writing it up.

Groovy. Thanks for the feedback.

[Matt_B]

These two videos really helped me to get an idea of what the pickup sounds like so I ordered a pair from Mike at Mike's Music Shop.

TE 212 Dimarzio Bluesbucker

Dimarzio Bluesbuckers: The Demo