For guitar tone purists and collectors, the “Holy Grail” has arrived. Gibson has officially announced the release of the Aged Greenybucker Pickup Set, an ultra-limited run of humbuckers that recreates the soul-stirring, out-of-phase magic of the world’s most famous 1959 Les Paul Standard: “Greeny.”
Limited to just 100 sets worldwide and priced at $449/£449, these pickups offer players the rare opportunity to install the exact sonic DNA of a legend into their own instruments.
The Legend of Greeny
The original 1959 Les Paul, formerly owned by Peter Green (Fleetwood Mac) and Gary Moore, and currently played by Metallica’s Kirk Hammett, is renowned for a specific “honking” tone. This distinctive sound occurs in the middle switch position, a happy accident: the neck pickup’s magnet was installed with reverse polarity.
Custom Shop PAFs
These are the models used in the $20k Gibson Custom Shop Kirk Hammett “Greeny” 1959 Les Paul Standard Murphy Lab Aged model.
Now, Gibson Custom has bottled that lightning. Developed with direct input from Kirk Hammett, the Aged Greenybucker set uses specifications based on the original Patent Applied For (PAF) humbuckers on the guitar.
Vintage Specs, Modern Craftsmanship
The Greenybuckers aren’t just “inspired by” the originals; they are a forensic recreation. Key features include:
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Asymmetrical Coil Windings: Capturing the slight inconsistencies that gave vintage PAFs their unique harmonic complexity.
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Unpolished Alnico 2 Magnets: Providing the warm, buttery sustain and responsive feel that defines 1950s blues-rock.
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Reverse Magnetic Polarity: The rhythm (neck) pickup is magnetically reversed, delivering that signature out-of-phase “nasal” tone when both pickups are engaged.
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Unpotted Design: For maximum resonance and sensitivity to player touch, just like the originals.
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Expert Aging: Each set features Aged Nickel covers with the exact aging pattern found on the Gibson Custom Kirk Hammett “Greeny” Les Paul, giving them the authentic patina of a 65-year-old instrument.
With only 100 sets available globally, these are expected to become immediate collector’s items.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About the Aged Greenybucker Set
What makes the “Greeny” sound unique?
The signature “Greeny” sound is characterized by a thin, piercing, yet musical tone in the middle position. This is caused by the neck pickup having reverse magnetic polarity, which puts the two pickups out of phase when used together.
Are these the same pickups found in the Kirk Hammett Signature Les Paul?
Yes. These are the same pickups featured in the Gibson Custom Kirk Hammett “Greeny” 1959 Les Paul Standard. This is the first time they have been offered as a standalone, aged, limited-edition set.
What are the technical specifications?
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DC Resistance: Rhythm (8.3k), Treble (8.7k).
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Wiring: 2-Conductor.
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Magnets: Alnico 2.
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Bobbins: Double Black.
Will these fit any guitar?
These are standard-sized humbuckers designed for guitars with humbucker routs. They are ideal for Les Paul-style guitars but can be installed in any guitar that utilizes a two-conductor wiring system.
How limited is this release?
Gibson has confirmed that only 100 sets will be produced with this specific “Aged Nickel” finish and aging pattern worldwide.
Our Thoughts: A Rare Piece of Guitar History
The Gibson Aged Greenybucker Set is more than just a hardware upgrade; it is a tribute to three generations of guitar mastery. Whether you are a fan of Peter Green’s haunting blues, Gary Moore’s soaring sustain, or Kirk Hammett’s heavy riffs, these pickups provide the foundation for legendary tone.
At $449/£449, they represent a premium investment in tone and collectibility. However, with only 100 sets available, the window to own a piece of the Greeny legacy is closing fast.
For those looking to capture the “Holy Grail” of humbuckers, the Aged Greenybucker could be the ultimate acquisition, or it could just give you bragging rights. Ultimately, these are really only going to appeal to Gibson fans, collectors, and maybe scalpers on auction sites.
More Information
#Gibson #Greenybucker #Humbucking Pickups #PAFs #Kirk Hammett
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