For many guitarists chasing their perfect tone, upgrading the pickups in their Gibson or Epiphone Les Paul, or any other humbucker-equipped electric guitar, can unlock a whole new dimension of sound. But with so many options—vintage P.A.F. recreations, high-output modern humbuckers or even P-90s—knowing where to begin can feel overwhelming. Do you need warm, bluesy character, searing rock aggression or something that effortlessly bridges the gap? Active or passive? The choices are vast, but that’s where we come in.

Pictured: Gibson M2M Murphy Lab 1957 Les Paul Custom Heavy Aged Ebony

In this guide, we’ll break down some of the best pickups available for your Les Paul, highlighting a range of tones and styles to fit players of all kinds. Whether you’re a veteran guitarist looking to fine-tune your sound or a newcomer eager to mod your first Les Paul, this article will give you the insights you need to find the perfect match for your musical voice.

Table of Contents

How to Change Pickups in Your Les Paul
   When to Call a Professional Guitar Tech to Change Your Pickups
Comparing the Best Pickups for Les Pauls
The Best Pickups for Les Paul Guitars
   Gibson ’57 Classic Humbucker Pickup Set
   Gibson Custom Custombucker Pickup Set
   Gibson Kirk Hammett Greenybucker Pickup Set
   Gibson 490R “Modern Classic” Rhythm Pickup
   Gibson 498T “Hot Alnico” Treble Pickup
   Gibson Burstbucker Pro Rhythm Pickup
   Gibson P-90 Soapbar Pickup
   Seymour Duncan Retrospec’d Antiquity Humbucker Pickup Set
   Seymour Duncan Hot Rodded SH-4/SH-2 Humbucker Pickup Set
   Seymour Duncan Blackened Black Winter Humbucker Pickup Set
   Seymour Duncan SH-55 Seth Lover Humbucker Pickup Set
   Sheptone Tribute P.A.F. Style Humbucker Pickup Set
   EMG ZW Zakk Wylde 81/85 Humbucker Pickup Set
   Fishman Fluence Modern 3-Voice Humbucker Pickup Set
Sealing It All Up

How to Change Pickups in Your Les Paul

Customizing your Les Paul through pickup swaps can unlock a plethora of creative tonal possibilities, letting you customize your sound to fit your playing style and musical genre. Whether you’re chasing the searing leads of classic rock or looking for smoother, jazzier tones, swapping pickups is one of the most effective ways to experiment with fine-tuning your tone and upgrading your guitar. Before you grab your soldering iron, here are the top 10 things you need to know to make the process hassle-free:

Pictured: Gibson Custom Custombucker Humbucker Pickup Set

1. Define Your Goals: Pickups are the heart of your guitar’s tone. Are you craving vintage P.A.F. warmth, or do you need the aggressive punch of modern high-output humbuckers? Knowing your target sound helps narrow your options and ensures you pick the right set for your style.
2. Understand P.A.F., Modern Humbuckers and P-90 Pickups: Les Pauls typically come loaded with humbuckers, but some models feature P-90s or custom pickups. If you’re switching between humbuckers and P-90s, be aware that different mounting hardware and routing might be required. Double-check fitment, as humbuckers are larger than P-90s and vice versa. Also remember output levels can vary quite a bit between pickup designs and models. So, if you're going to mix and match, pay attention to the pickup's resistance, which is a good indication of output level.
3. Match the Pickup Size and Spacing: Not all humbuckers are created equal. Measure your existing pickups to ensure your replacements will fit without modification. Pay attention to pole piece spacing—Les Paul bridges often require wider spacing (F-spacing or Trembuckers).
4. Brush Up on Your Soldering Skills: Soldering is essential for most pickup installations. If it’s your first time, practice on spare wire to build confidence. Solid, clean solder joints are crucial for hum-free operation and long-lasting performance. Be careful, though, as soldering irons get very hot (over 600°F for guitar wiring) and solder fumes can be hazardous without proper ventilation or a fume extractor.
5. Take Photos Before Disassembly: Before disconnecting anything, take photos of your current wiring. Les Paul wiring can get complex—especially if push-pull pots, coil splitting or phase switching are involved. Photos provide a safety net if you need to retrace your steps.
6. Grounding Is Critical: Les Pauls rely heavily on proper grounding. Ensure all ground wires are securely attached to the back of the volume pots. Missing or weak ground connections are a common source of hum and unwanted noise. It helps to have a good multimeter to measure continuity and check for shorts.
7. Potentiometers and Caps Can Shape Tone: Upgrading pickups? Consider swapping your pots (potentiometers) and capacitors too. Humbuckers generally pair best with 500k pots for a brighter, more open tone, while P-90s often use 300k or 250k pots for warmer output. Capacitor values can also affect treble roll-off.
8. Details Matter: Pickup swaps aren’t rocket science, but they require patience and attention to detail. Rushing can lead to cold solder joints or incorrect wiring. It's especially important to check that you've got the polarity right, so the pickups don't end up out of phase (unless, like Fleetwood Mac's Peter Green, that's what you want). Take your time, follow diagrams carefully and test frequently.
9. Control Cavity Shielding Reduces Noise: Les Pauls benefit from shielding, especially if you’re installing higher-output pickups. Adding shielding paint or copper tape to the control cavity can reduce background noise and interference, resulting in a cleaner signal. Also, using a shielded cable from the post to the output jack is a good idea.
10. Test Before You Button It Up: Before you screw the pickup rings back down or reattach the cavity cover, plug in your Les Paul and test the pickups. Check each position, listen for dead spots and ensure the controls work properly. Testing now saves you from having to open the guitar back up later.

When to Call a Professional Guitar Tech to Change Your Pickups

If soldering and wiring diagrams still feel overwhelming, Guitar Center Repairs has your back. Our techs handle enough pickup swaps every year to wire up half of Nashville’s studios. Probably—we haven’t counted, but it’s a lot. A quick visit to your local Guitar Center can help you feel confident in your pickup choice and ensure your Les Paul sounds incredible right from the first strum. While your guitar is getting new pickups, it's also a great time to get a setup. Just sayin’.

Pictured: Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s Plain Top in Classic White

Comparing the Best Pickups for Les Pauls

Before we dive into detailed information for each of these pickups, here’s a quick look of some basic specs for each one to help you wrap your mind around the whole thing and get a better high-altitude view of how they compare.

We'll also mention that you'll see the term "P.A.F." used a lot in this article as a comparison basis for many of the other pickups. While it's a very common term in the world of pickups, if you're new to all this, here's a quick summary: "P.A.F." is shorthand for the "Patent Applied For" sticker that was on the back of the original, Seth Lover (another name you'll see a lot) Gibson humbucker design. Debuting in 1957 to replace the older single-coil P90, the P.A.F. is literally the definition of the vintage humbucker sound. Now you know.

Brand/Model	Tonal Profile	Magnet Type	Output Level	Pickup Resistance (Ohms)
Gibson ’57 Classic Humbucker	Warm, smooth and vintage-voiced with balanced highs and mids	Alnico II	Medium	7.5k–8k
Gibson Custom Custombucker	Vintage-inspired with clear highs and rich midrange	Alnico III	Medium	7.3k–8.1k
Gibson Kirk Hammett Greenybucker	Aggressive, biting tone with a touch of vintage character	Alnico II	High	8.6k–9.1k
Gibson 490R “Modern Classic”	Modern, bright and articulate with warm lows	Alnico II	Medium	7.5k
Gibson 498T “Hot Alnico”	Hot and powerful with enhanced treble and upper mids	Alnico V	High	13.7k
Gibson Burstbucker Pro Rhythm	Balanced with crisp articulation and vintage warmth	Alnico V	Medium	7.9k
Gibson P-90 Soapbar	Raw, dynamic and bright with signature mid growl	Alnico V	Medium	8k
Seymour Duncan Retrospec’d Antiquity	Aged P.A.F. tone with smooth, rounded highs and dynamic response	Alnico II	Medium	8.3k–8.5k
Seymour Duncan Hot Rodded SH-4/SH-2	Hot and versatile with scooped mids and tight low end	Alnico V	High	16.4k (Bridge)/7.2k (Neck)
Seymour Duncan Blackened Black Winter	Dark and aggressive, designed for heavy styles	Ceramic	High	17.6k
Seymour Duncan SH-55 Seth Lover	Warm, round, and vintage, with airy highs and smooth lows	Alnico II	Medium	7.4k–8.2k
Sheptone Tribute P.A.F. Style	Classic P.A.F.-inspired tone with balanced clarity and warmth	Alnico V	Medium	7.8k–8.3k
EMG ZW Zakk Wylde 81/85 Set	Aggressive and high-output with searing lead tones	Ceramic	High	10.0k (81)/10.5k (85)
Fishman Fluence Modern Humbucker Set	Versatile with multiple voices—active clarity, vintage warmth, hot	Ceramic & Alnico V (dual)	Adjustable (Active)	N/A (Active Circuitry)

The Best Pickups for Les Paul Guitars

Pictured: Seymour Duncan Hot Rodded SH-4/SH-2 Humbucker Pickup Set

Gibson '57 Classic Humbucker Pickup Set

Why It’s Cool: The Gibson ’57 Classic Humbucker delivers a warm, vintage tone reminiscent of the original P.A.F. pickups, making it a favorite among players seeking that classic Gibson sound.

Things to Consider:

• Vintage Construction: Features Alnico II magnets and nickel-plated pole pieces, adhering to original P.A.F. specifications for authentic tone
• Balanced Coils: Provides excellent hum cancellation and a smooth, creamy sound suitable for both rhythm and lead playing
• Wax Potting: Reduces microphonics and feedback, ensuring clarity even at higher volumes

Shop Now: Gibson '57 Classic Humbucker Pickup Set

The Gibson ’57 Classic—available in gold, double black and a "zebra" version—is crafted to the same specs as the vintage Gibson P.A.F. pickup, including Alnico II magnets, nickel-plated pole pieces, maple spacers and braided wiring. This meticulous construction results in a warm and rich tone with a balanced frequency response, capturing the essence of late ’50s Gibson humbuckers. And if you're looking for a little mellower take, check out the under-wound variation.

Players praise the ’57 Classic for its authentic vintage tone and versatility. One reviewer notes, “These pickups have a warm, rich sound that can handle anything from jazz to hard rock.” Another mentions, “They brought my Les Paul back to life with that classic Gibson tone.” Overall, users appreciate the balance and clarity these pickups provide. Average customer rating: 4.6/5 stars.

Gibson Custom Custombucker Pickup Set

Why It’s Cool: With vintage-inspired tone that combines clear highs and rich midrange, the Gibson Custombucker appeals to players seeking the nuanced sound of late ’50s Les Pauls.

Things to Consider:

• Alnico III Magnets: Contribute to a sweet, articulate tone with a slightly lower output, ideal for classic rock and blues
• Unpotted Design: Lack of wax potting provides an open, airy sound but may be more susceptible to feedback at high gain
• Handwound Coils: Ensure a unique, dynamic response with subtle variations that enhance tonal complexity

Shop Now: Gibson Custom Custombucker Humbucker Pickup Set

The Custombucker is Gibson’s modern take on the iconic P.A.F. humbucker, featuring Alnico III magnets and a meticulous construction that mirrors the original late ’50s humbuckers. Its unpotted design offers an open, dynamic tone, making it a preferred choice for purists seeking authenticity in both sound and feel.

Players familiar with Gibson’s Custom Shop pickups often highlight their exceptional craftsmanship and vintage-accurate tones. The Custombucker is known among enthusiasts for delivering the nuanced sound of late-50s Les Pauls, making it a sought-after choice for those seeking authenticity. As one user puts it, “Great pickups! Sound just like the old Gibson P.A.F.s. Very happy with them!” Average customer rating: 4.8/5 stars

Gibson Kirk Hammett Greenybucker Pickup Set

Why It’s Cool: The Gibson Kirk Hammett Greenybucker delivers an aggressive, biting tone with a touch of vintage character, inspired by the legendary “Greeny” Les Paul.

Things to Consider:

• Alnico II Magnets: Provide a warm, smooth tone with enhanced midrange, suitable for rock and metal genres
• Reverse-Mounted Neck Pickup: Emulates the out-of-phase middle position tones characteristic of the original Greeny guitar
• Limited Availability: As a signature model, it may have limited production runs, affecting availability

Shop Now: Gibson Kirk Hammett Greenybucker Humbucker Pickup Set

The Gibson Greenybucker pickup set is designed to replicate the unique tones of Peter Green's famed “Greeny” Les Paul, which had passed to the late Gary Moore and is now owned by Kirk Hammett. With Alnico II magnets and a reverse-mounted neck pickup, the Greenybucker garners attention for replicating the iconic tones of the “Greeny” Les Paul. Players appreciate its unique tone and vintage authenticity. One user states, “These pickups sound incredible and really capture that classic blues rock tone.” Average customer rating: 4.7/5 stars.

Gibson 490R "Modern Classic" Rhythm Pickup

Why It’s Cool: The Gibson 490R “Modern Classic" offers a modern, bright and articulate tone with warm lows, bridging the gap between vintage and contemporary sounds.

Things to Consider:

• Alnico II Magnets: Deliver a smooth, warm tone with enhanced clarity, suitable for various music styles
• Four-Conductor Wiring: Allows for coil-splitting and phase switching, providing versatile tonal options
• Wax Potting: Minimizes feedback and unwanted noise, ensuring performance stability at higher gain levels

Shop Now: Gibson 490R "Modern Classic" Rhythm Humbucker

The 490R, available in gold and double black, is designed to deliver the tonal characteristics of an original P.A.F., with the addition of a slight upper midrange boost for added clarity and definition. Its versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of musical genres, from blues to hard rock. It matches particularly well with the 490T treble pickup version.

Users commend the 490R for its modern clarity and warmth. A reviewer mentions, “The 490R provides a smooth, articulate tone that’s perfect for blues and rock.” Another notes, “It offers a nice balance between vintage and modern sounds, making it very versatile.” Overall, players find the 490R to be a reliable choice for various genres. Average customer rating: 4.8/5 stars.

Gibson 498T "Hot Alnico" Treble Pickup

Why It’s Cool: The Gibson 498T “Hot Alnico” is known for its hot and powerful output with enhanced treble and upper mids, making it ideal for lead guitarists seeking a cutting tone.

Things to Consider:

• Alnico V Magnets: Provide a higher output with increased treble response, suitable for heavier music styles
• Enhanced Winding: Offers greater sustain and harmonics, beneficial for soloing and high-gain applications
• Four-Conductor Wiring: Enables various wiring configurations, including coil-splitting for added versatility

Shop Now: Gibson 498T "Hot Alnico" Treble Humbucker Pickup

The Gibson 498T, also available in both gold and double black, pairs well with the 490R in the neck position, creating a versatile setup that covers a broad tonal spectrum. Its high output and enhanced midrange make it a favorite among rock and metal players who require both power and clarity.

The 498T receives high marks for its powerful output and cutting tone. One guitarist shares, “This pickup has the punch and clarity I need for my solos.” Another reviewer comments, “It pushes my amp into overdrive beautifully, perfect for hard rock and metal.” Users appreciate its ability to deliver both power and definition. Average customer rating: 4.7/5 stars.

Gibson Burstbucker Pro Rhythm Pickup

Why It’s Cool: The Gibson Burstbucker Pro Rhythm offers a balanced tone with crisp articulation and vintage warmth, catering to players seeking the classic P.A.F. sound with a modern edge.

Things to Consider:

• Alnico V Magnets: Deliver a slightly hotter output than traditional P.A.F.s, providing increased clarity and sustain
• Wax Potting: Reduces microphonic feedback, making it suitable for higher gain settings
• Calibrated Windings: Ensures a balanced tonal response between the neck and bridge positions

Shop Now: Gibson Burstbucker Pro Rhythm Humbucker Pickup

The Burstbucker Pro Rhythm (also available as a Lead/Treble version) is designed to capture the subtle variations of vintage humbuckers while offering the reliability and performance demanded by modern players. Its combination of vintage tone and contemporary features makes it a versatile choice for various musical styles.

Players value the Burstbucker Pro for its vintage warmth and modern clarity. A user notes, “These pickups have a sweet, articulate tone that brings out the best in my Les Paul.” Another mentions, “Great pickups! They give my Les Paul a nice, warm tone with plenty of clarity.” Overall, they are well received for their versatility. Average customer rating: 4.6/5 stars.

Gibson P-90 Soapbar Pickup

Why It’s Cool: The Gibson P-90 Soapbar delivers a raw, bright tone with punchy mids and dynamic responsiveness, making it a favorite for blues, rock and punk players seeking vintage grit.

Things to Consider:

• Alnico V Magnets: Provide a balance of warmth and bite, giving the P-90 its signature growl
• Single-Coil Design: Offers more clarity and attack than humbuckers but may introduce more hum at higher gain
• Versatile Tone: Suitable for everything from jazz to aggressive rock, providing exceptional touch sensitivity

Shop Now: Gibson P-90 Soapbar Single-Coil Pickup

Thanks to its presence in early Les Paul models, as well as the LP Jr. and Special, the P-90 Soapbar earned its place as a studio and stage staple for players who crave character-rich, dynamic tones. Known for its articulate midrange punch and clear high end, this pickup delivers vintage mojo that stands out in any mix. The P-90 Soapbar is celebrated for its distinctive midrange growl and dynamic response.

One reviewer states, “The P-90s have a raw, gritty tone that’s perfect for blues and rock.” Another adds, “They offer incredible touch sensitivity and can go from clean to dirty with ease.” Users appreciate the unique character these pickups bring to their instrument. Average customer rating: 4.8/5 stars.

Seymour Duncan Retrospec'd Antiquity Humbucker Pickup Set

Why They’re Cool: Recreating the magic of aged P.A.F. pickups, the Seymour Duncan Retrospec’d Antiquity set offers smooth, airy highs and dynamic response that appeals to blues and classic rock players.

Things to Consider:

• Aged Alnico II Magnets: Replicate the tonal character of vintage pickups with soft attack and warm mids
• Hand-Aged Covers and Coils: Deliver authentic relic aesthetics and tonal complexity
• Moderate Output: Great for vintage tones but may lack the power for high-gain applications

Shop Now: Seymour Duncan Retrospec'd Antiquity Humbucker Pickup Set

Designed to mirror the warmth and detail of aged P.A.F.s, the Seymour Duncan Retrospec'd Antiquity set offers an unmistakable vintage character that breathes life into every note. From bell-like cleans to creamy overdrive, these pickups ooze old-school Les Paul charm. Players praise the Antiquity set for its authentic vintage tone and craftsmanship. A guitarist mentions, “These pickups capture the essence of a vintage P.A.F. with amazing clarity and warmth.” Another reviewer notes, “The attention to detail in both sound and appearance is outstanding.” Users find them ideal for achieving classic rock and blues tones. Average customer rating: 4.7/5 stars.

Seymour Duncan Hot Rodded SH-4/SH-2 Humbucker Pickup Set

Why It’s Cool: The Hot Rodded SH-4/SH-2 set offers powerful, versatile tones, perfect for players who need high-output pickups that can handle everything from classic rock to searing solos.

Things to Consider:

• Alnico V Magnets: Deliver tight lows, scooped mids and bright highs for maximum clarity
• High Output: Great for driving amplifiers harder while retaining note definition
• Versatility: Perfect pairing of SH-4 (bridge) and SH-2 (neck) for tonal balance across positions

Shop Now: Seymour Duncan Hot Rodded SH-4/SH-2 Humbucker Pickup Set

The Hot Rodded SH-4/SH-2 pickup set is one of Seymour Duncan’s most popular offerings, delivering aggressive yet articulate tones that shine in high-gain scenarios without sacrificing clarity in the neck position. Ideal for players who demand power and flexibility. This set is lauded for its versatility and high output. One user shares, “The SH-4 and SH-2 combination covers everything from clean rhythms to searing leads.” Another reviewer comments, “Big improvement over stock pickups. Great tone and clarity.” Players appreciate the dynamic range and articulation these pickups offer. Average customer rating: 4.6/5 stars.

Seymour Duncan Blackened Black Winter Humbucker Pickup Set

Why They’re Cool: The Black Winter set is designed for metal players who crave crushing output, dark tones and aggressive attack.

Things to Consider:

• Ceramic Magnets: Deliver blistering highs and tight, aggressive lows, perfect for high-gain genres
• Extreme Output: Designed to handle the heaviest distortion without losing definition
• Dark Voicing: Tailored for downtuned guitars and heavier playing styles

Shop Now: Seymour Duncan Blackened Black Winter Pickup Set

The Seymour Duncan Blackened Black Winter set thrives in the heaviest of genres, delivering punishing riffs and searing leads while retaining excellent clarity. Designed for metal enthusiasts, the Black Winter set receives acclaim for its aggressive tone. A guitarist notes, “These pickups deliver crushing distortion with excellent clarity.” Another adds, “They handle downtuning exceptionally well, perfect for heavy styles.” Users find them ideal for achieving brutal, high-gain sounds. Average customer rating: 4.8/5 stars.

Seymour Duncan SH-55 Seth Lover Humbucker Pickup Set

Why They’re Cool: The Seymour Duncan SH-55 Seth Lover set pays homage to the inventor of the P.A.F., delivering warm, open tones with vintage accuracy.

Things to Consider:

• Alnico II Magnets: Soft attack and smooth, warm mids for authentic vintage feel
• Unpotted Design: Produces an open, airy sound but may introduce feedback at high gain
• Handbuilt Construction: Crafted to vintage specs for unmatched tonal authenticity

Shop Now: Seymour Duncan SH-55 Seth Lover Humbucker Pickup Set

If you’re chasing the golden-era tone of late-50s Les Paul guitars, the Seymour Duncan SH-55 Seth Lover pickup set offers unrivaled warmth and dynamic sensitivity. From clean jazz to vintage overdrive, these pickups are dripping with character. The SH-55 set is appreciated for its warm, vintage tone. One player states, “These pickups have a smooth, rich sound that’s perfect for jazz and blues.” Another reviewer mentions, “The unpotted design gives them an airy, open quality.” Users value the authentic vintage character these pickups bring to their instrument. Average customer rating: 4.7/5 stars.

Sheptone Tribute P.A.F. Style Humbucker Pickup Set

Why They’re Cool: The Sheptone Tribute P.A.F. humbuckers capture the essence of classic P.A.F. tone, delivering rich harmonics and vintage dynamics.

Things to Consider:

• Alnico V Magnets: Offer enhanced clarity with tighter low end and detailed highs
• Handwound Coils: Provide a unique response with increased sensitivity to playing dynamics
• Moderate Output: Perfect for blues, classic rock and jazz but may not suit heavier styles

Shop Now: Sheptone Tribute P.A.F. Style Humbucker Set

Built for P.A.F. purists, the Sheptone Tribute set sings with vintage complexity and nuance, offering the warmth and resonance of original late-50s pickups.

The Sheptone Tribute set garners praise for its classic P.A.F.-inspired tone. A guitarist shares, “These pickups offer a balanced, clear sound with just the right amount of warmth.” Users frequently call out the craftsmanship and attention to detail, and find them suitable for a variety of genres, from blues to classic rock. Average customer rating: 4.8/5 stars.

EMG ZW Zakk Wylde 81/85 Humbucker Pickup Set

Why They’re Cool: These active pickups deliver Zakk Wylde’s signature high-output tone with searing leads and tight, crushing rhythms.

Things to Consider:

• Active Design: Requires a 9V battery, offering noiseless performance and extended sustain
• Ceramic Magnets: Deliver razor-sharp attack and articulate highs, even under extreme gain
• Built for Metal: Designed for high-gain players who need consistency at high volumes

Shop Now: EMG ZW Zakk Wylde 81/85 Humbucker Pickup Set

The EMG ZW Zakk Wylde 81/85 set is synonymous with metal, providing the unmatched power and clarity required for the most demanding performances. Ideal for players looking to emulate Zakk Wylde’s blistering tone. The EMG ZW set is renowned for its high output and clarity. One user comments, “These pickups provide the aggressive tone I need for metal, with zero noise.” Another reviewer adds, “The sustain and response are incredible, perfect for solos.” Users appreciate the consistency and power these active pickups deliver. Average customer rating: 4.7/5 stars.

Fishman Fluence Modern 3-Voice Humbucker Pickup Set

Why They’re Cool: With three distinct voices, the Fluence Modern Humbucker set provides everything from active clarity to vintage warmth at the flick of a switch.

Things to Consider:

• Active Technology: Requires power but delivers noiseless, hum-free operation with incredible tonal flexibility
• Multiple Voicings: Switch between vintage P.A.F. warmth, hot-rodded humbucker and active metal tones
• Consistency: Eliminates the inconsistencies of traditional pickups with precise digital engineering

Shop Now: Fishman Fluence Modern Humbucker 3-Voice Pickup Set

Fishman’s Fluence technology pushes humbuckers into the future, by including multiple voicings which offer unparalleled versatility in tonal options. Whether you play clean jazz or crushing metal, the Fluence Modern humbuckers adapt seamlessly to your style. Players commend the Fluence Modern set for its versatility and innovative design. A guitarist notes, “I love these pickups! The different voicings allow me to cover so many tones.” Another shares, “These pickups sound amazing and have tons of clarity, even at high gain.” Users value the modern features and performance these pickups offer. Average customer rating: 4.8/5 stars.

Sealing It All Up

Whichever pickups you choose, expect to unlock new and exciting tonal possibilities for your Les Paul. Many players keep multiple Les Pauls outfitted with different pickups—one for vintage bluesy warmth, another for aggressive rock tones—so a fresh voice is always within arm’s reach. If you’re considering expanding your collection, be sure to check out our Les Paul Buying Guide for helpful insights on finding the right Les Paul to complement your tonal arsenal.

Pictured: Gibson Kirk Hammett "Greeny" Les Paul Standard in Greeny Burst

Curious to dive deeper into pickups? Our guides, Comparing Pickups: Active vs. Passive, Comparing Guitar Pickups: Humbucker vs. Single Coil vs. P90 and A Guide to Seymour Duncan Pickups, are valuable resources for expanding your knowledge. And if the thought of installing pickups yourself feels a little daunting, the techs at your local Guitar Center Repairs desk are always ready to help—whether you need advice or prefer to have the work done by a pro. Still not sure which pickups are the right fit for your Les Paul? Reach out to your personal Gear Adviser at the Guitar Center Call Center for expert guidance and recommendations.

Either way, you’ll be ready to tap into the full tonal range your Les Paul has to offer. So go ahead, experiment with pickups and discover the sound that’s been waiting for you. We can’t wait to hear what you create!