Stephens Design NOS PAF Pickup Clone Set (Hi-Res)

[@Superchixxx]

Matt, did you use his wiring harness and switch wire as well? Are these Belden wire pickups? Thanks

[@mattthrun-nowicki8641]

Yes to the NOS wire, no to his harness. But I did follow his recommendation and used the Jupiter bumblebee caps and they’re, in fact, excellent

[@Superchixxx]

@@mattthrun-nowicki8641 Thanks Matt! I'm considering either a set of his plain enamel or Belden wire pickups. Any thoughts on either? Thanks!

[@mattthrun-nowicki8641]

@@Superchixxx Both are superb. The NOS are quite a bit more expensive, and maybe sound 5-7% closer to the PAF tone, but whether that’s worth it is up to you.

[@Superchixxx]

@@mattthrun-nowicki8641 ok thanks Matt, will decide shortly! Keep you posted and thanks again

[@Superchixxx]

Hey Matt, are the covers he did for you “NOS” or “aged”? Thanks

[@markwright9352]

How do these compare to the mojo vintage nos wire pafs in your opinion??

[@mattthrun-nowicki8641]

Tied. Both have a nearly identical feel, have all the right levels of compression, clarity, and “granularity” (the only way I can describe the dirtiness that originals seem to have that most modern ones don’t). The Mojo’s have a little more top end (in the bridge, and a little more bass in the neck) being long A5’s in both positions. The Stephens’s feel a touch hotter. But in terms of quality, they are (IMHO) the absolute cream of the crop. Naturally, there are other factors that go into the equation (wait time, cost, etc), but as products in-and-of themselves, they’re the best money can buy. Close behind are the non-NOS Mojos and Stephenses, Crazyparts (which are wound by Marc at Mojo), Rewind Electric’s, Sigil NOS Holy Grail (and non-NOS), Timbuckers (which I realize I haven’t done a vid for yet…ooops), and a bunch more.

[@markwright9352]

@@mattthrun-nowicki8641 WoW thanks for a really honest answer really appreciate that 👍🏼

[@cmcald0]

Sounds great. Did you buy these new or used? Why I ask is, I did not see them on the Stephens Design website. I was not sure if this was a set no longer offered.

[@mattthrun-nowicki8641]

New. You have to e-mail Dave, the website isn’t up to date