Winter NAMM Preview - 50th Anniversary of the P.A.F. Humbucker


The Late Seth E. Lover
 Join us in wishing a happy 50th anniversary to the humbucking pickup. It’s hard to believe, but it was 50 years ago that a design engineer at Gibson® by the name of Seth Lover figured out a way to wire two single coils together to cancel or “buck” the 60-cycle hum. Seth’s invention was patented. And now, 50 years later, the world enjoys the fruits of his labor.

We'll be displaying the original Gibson humbucker - the one Seth used on the patent, as well as the very first humbucker-equipped 1955 Les Paul® "test" guitar - the first Les Paul to use humbuckers. These two items would normally be in a museum, but we're putting them on display in honor of Seymour's humbucker mentor. We'll also display the world's largest humbucker, featured on Discovery Channel's BIG! (see related story below).




The First Gibson® Humbucker
 In addition to the historical instruments, we’ll have humbuckers set up in guitars for you to listen to. You’ll also get a chance to demo the new Rails pickups (see related story below). Plus, we’ll have a Pedal Corner, where you can demo the SFX-01 Pickup Booster and get a sneak peek at the SFX-02. We could tell you what it is, but you’ll have to stop by and see for yourself. (Hint: you’ll love it!) You’ll also be able to check out the new Basslines Phase II passive soapbars.

We'll be co-sponsoring two NAMM-jams this year. Make sure to dress in all-black and show up at the Anaheim House of Blues on Saturday night to hear Papa Roach "Get Away With Murder." In a more mellow-tone, our sister company, D-TAR, will be co-sponsoring the Acoustic Café on Friday night at the Hilton. Scheduled to appear are our own Billy White Acre, Kaki King, the California Guitar Trio, and the Eagles' Bernie Leadon. Make sure to stop by the booth early to pick up tickets, because these two events will fill up fast. While you're walking the NAMM-show floor, make sure to check the high-end guitar and bass manufacturers that feature our pickups. Look out for Seymour Duncan pickups in guitar offerings from PRS, Fender, Jackson, Godin, Charvel, Hamer, Guild, ESP, Washburn, Brian Moore, Parker, Schecter, Heritage, Yamaha, Dean, Cort, Fernandes, Framus, Music Man, Klein, Peavey, B.C. Rich and many others.

Not to be outdone, some of the classy bass manufacturers who have gotten hip to the Basslines phenomenon include Fodera, Warwick, Zon, Sadowsky, Modulus, Fender, Kenneth Lawrence, ESP, Jackson and Warrior.

Also, check out mid-priced guitars by Fender/Squire, Jackson, Schecter Diamond Series, ESP Ltd, Samick, Daisy Rock and Hamer that come set up with Duncan Designed pickups. Finally, make sure to check out the brand new Ibanez SZ series electric guitars and RD series basses that feature our pickups.

Remember: Booth #4458 in Hall C. We'll see you there.