Best TV Jones Humbucker Pickups 2026
Alright, let's talk TV Jones humbuckers. You're chasing that vintage PAF vibe, but don't want to drop a fortune on a museum piece or deal with flaky pots and brittle wire. TV Jones gets it - they're not just recreating pickups, they're distilling the essence of that sweet, thick, articulate sound, and they do it exceptionally well. If you're tired of pickups that sound sterile or overly aggressive, keep reading.
Last updated: April 29, 2026 • Next update: May 6, 2026
#1
⭐
4.6/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
TV Jones TV Classic BR UM N
by
TV Jones
Rock
Heavy Genres
Blues
Key Feature:
The TV Jones TV Classic BR UM N is a seriously clever pickup. It nails that sweet spot between a single-coil's chime and a humbucker's power, offering a vintage vibe with modern flexibility. Perfect for players wanting a refined, articulate bridge tone for blues, rock, or even country – it’s a real workhorse.
PROS
- • Hand-wound construction delivers exceptional clarity and dynamic response.
- • 4-wire connections allow for true coil-splitting versatility.
- • Nickel finish provides a classic aesthetic and reduces microphonic noise.
- • Tight bass response adds definition without muddiness, excellent for tighter genres.
CONS
- • Limited output might be a drawback for players seeking high-gain tones.
- • Foam rubber included feels a bit like an afterthought for pickup mounting.
- • The 'in-between' tonal character may not appeal to purists.
⭐
4.6/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 567703
$175
#2
⭐
4.6/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
TV Jones PowerTron BR UM C
by
TV Jones
Rock
Hard Rock
Metal
Key Feature:
This PowerTron BR UM C is a real character pickup—it’s got that vintage vibe, but with a definite edge. If you're chasing a sound somewhere between a warm PAF and a twangy Filter'Tron for rockabilly, blues, or classic rock, this is a fantastic, affordable choice. It's a serious upgrade for guitars needing more growl and definition.
PROS
- • Handwound construction ensures tonal nuance and consistency not found in mass-produced pickups.
- • The 7.8k DC resistance delivers a hotter output than TV Classics, retaining clarity.
- • The hybrid PAF/Filter'Tron voicing provides a unique blend of warmth and bite.
- • 4-conductor wiring allows for coil-splitting, expanding tonal possibilities significantly.
CONS
- • The larger coils might require minor routing adjustments in some guitar cavities.
- • While versatile, it excels in rockabilly and blues; modern high-gain genres may feel constrained.
- • Chrome finish, while classic, can be prone to fingerprints and requires careful cleaning.
⭐
4.6/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 573189
$186
#3
⭐
4.8/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
7/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
TV Jones TV Classic NE UM C
by
TV Jones
Metal
Jazz
Heavy Genres
Key Feature:
The TV Jones Classic NE UM C is a fantastic neck pickup for players seeking a vintage-voiced, articulate humbucker. It’s a real sweet spot – not overly bright, but with plenty of character for blues, classic rock, and even jazz. Perfect for those wanting a warmer, more balanced tone without sacrificing clarity or definition.
PROS
- • Hand-wound construction delivers exceptional clarity and note definition
- • 4-wire design allows for coil-splitting, expanding tonal possibilities
- • Chrome cover adds vintage aesthetics and some shielding
- • Excellent value for a USA-made, hand-wound humbucker
CONS
- • Output level leans towards vintage, lacking modern high-gain aggression
- • May require modification for certain guitar routing depths
- • Foam rubber dampening may not suit all player preferences
⭐
4.8/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
7/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 261884
$175
#4
⭐
5.0/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
TV Jones TV Classic Plus BR UM N
by
TV Jones
Blues
Jazz
Rock
Key Feature:
The TV Jones TV Classic Plus BR UM N is a seriously clever pickup. It nails that sweet spot between a bright single-coil chime and a thick humbucker growl – think early Supro or a more articulate Gibson. It’s perfect for players wanting vintage tones with a little extra versatility, especially those leaning towards rock, blues, or country.
PROS
- • Hand-wound construction yields exceptional clarity and nuanced harmonic response.
- • 4-wire connections offer true coil-splitting and series/parallel wiring options.
- • Nickel-plated construction provides a vintage aesthetic and warm, smooth tone.
- • Foam rubber included reduces vibration and resonance for a tighter low-end.
CONS
- • 7.8kΩ DC resistance might be too high for some vintage-voiced guitars.
- • While versatile, excels most in rock/blues; not ideal for extreme metal.
- • The 'in-between' sound might not satisfy players seeking a pure single-coil or humbucker.
⭐
5.0/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 567720
$175
#5
⭐
4.7/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
TV Jones Brian Setzer Bridge N UV
by
TV Jones
Rock
Metal
Hard Rock
Key Feature:
This Brian Setzer Bridge N UV pickup is a seriously cool choice if you’re chasing that rockabilly, early rock ‘n’ roll vibe. It’s got a real vintage bite and a strong midrange punch, and the universal mount makes it easy to drop into almost any guitar. A fantastic option for players wanting authentic tone without a premium price tag.
PROS
- • Special alloy pole screws enhance magnet response, boosting clarity and dynamics.
- • Classic TV Jones design delivers a distinctive, crunchy mid-range presence.
- • Universal mounting simplifies installation on a wide range of guitar platforms.
- • Nickel cap provides excellent signal transfer and a vintage aesthetic.
CONS
- • Medium output might be limiting for players seeking extreme high-gain tones.
- • 51.6mm spacing may require adjustments on guitars with narrower string spacing.
- • While versatile, excels in rockabilly/country, less ideal for modern metal.
⭐
4.7/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 435715
$197
#6
⭐
4.8/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
TV Jones PowerTron NE UM C
by
TV Jones
Rock
Heavy Genres
Hard Rock
Key Feature:
This PowerTron NE UM C is a seriously cool pickup—it's got that vintage vibe but with a bit more growl than your average PAF. It's a fantastic choice for rockabilly, blues, and classic rock players who want a unique, powerful neck tone without sacrificing clarity. The coil-splitting option is a huge bonus, too.
PROS
- • Handwound construction delivers exceptional clarity and nuanced dynamic response.
- • The unique voicing blends PAF warmth with Filter'Tron bite, offering tonal flexibility.
- • 4-conductor wiring allows for coil-splitting, expanding its versatility significantly.
- • Larger coils provide increased output and a thicker, more powerful low-end presence.
CONS
- • The increased windings may result in slightly higher capacitance, potentially muddying vintage amps.
- • The 'meaner' character might be too aggressive for players seeking a purely vintage, refined tone.
- • The larger size may require modifications to fit in some vintage guitar cavities.
⭐
4.8/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 573193
$175
#7
⭐
4.8/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
TV Jones TV Classic Plus BR UM C
by
TV Jones
Metal
Jazz
Rock
Key Feature:
This TV Classic Plus BR UM C is a seriously smart choice for players chasing that late '50s to early '60s Gibson bridge tone. It’s got a lovely, balanced character—not overly hot, but with plenty of punch for rock and blues. If you’re looking for a workhorse humbucker that’ll breathe new life into a vintage-inspired guitar, this is a fantastic option.
PROS
- • Hand-wound construction yields a nuanced, vintage-inspired tone.
- • Thinner wire winding provides a smoother high-end response.
- • 4-wire design enables coil-splitting for added versatility.
- • Chrome cover offers classic aesthetics and shielding.
CONS
- • 7.8kΩ resistance might be too high for some vintage-style circuits.
- • Output, while medium, may lack the aggressive bite of hotter pickups.
- • Foam rubber and mounting hardware are adequate but not premium.
⭐
4.8/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 567722
$175
#8
⭐
4.5/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
TV Jones TV Classic NE UM N
by
TV Jones
Jazz
Heavy Genres
Hard Rock
Key Feature:
The TV Jones TV Classic NE UM N is a fantastic choice for players seeking a vintage-inspired neck tone with a touch of modern flexibility. It captures that classic warmth and clarity, sitting beautifully in a mix – perfect for blues, rockabilly, or anyone chasing a refined, articulate sound without the harshness of some hotter pickups. A real gem for those wanting a nuanced, balanced neck tone.
PROS
- • Hand-wound construction delivers nuanced dynamics and a responsive feel.
- • 4-conductor wiring allows for coil-splitting, expanding tonal possibilities.
- • Nickel finish provides a classic aesthetic and complements vintage-style guitars.
- • Foam rubber dampening reduces unwanted resonance and feedback effectively.
CONS
- • Lower output might require adjustments for high-gain amplifier setups.
- • The 'between a single coil and humbucker' description can be misleading to some.
- • Limited versatility compared to more modern, higher-output pickups.
⭐
4.5/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 567671
$175
#9
⭐
5.0/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
TV Jones TV Classic NE UM G
by
TV Jones
Hard Rock
Rock
Jazz
Key Feature:
The TV Jones TV Classic NE UM G is a seriously cool pickup. It sits beautifully between a single coil and a full-on humbucker, giving you that vintage chime with a touch more beef. This is a fantastic upgrade for players seeking a refined, classic tone, especially those into blues, jazz, and lighter rock styles.
PROS
- • Hand-wound construction delivers exceptional clarity and nuance.
- • 4-wire design enables true coil-splitting for versatile tonal options.
- • Gold finish enhances aesthetics and provides excellent corrosion resistance.
- • Vintage output retains classic warmth without excessive gain or muddiness.
CONS
- • Limited versatility compared to higher-output pickups for modern genres.
- • Gold finish might not suit all guitar aesthetics.
- • 4kΩ DC resistance may require tweaking for some amplifier pairings.
⭐
5.0/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 311116
$186
#10
⭐
4.6/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
TV Jones Brian Setzer Neck N UV
by
TV Jones
Jazz
Hard Rock
Rock
Key Feature:
This Brian Setzer Neck pickup nails that rockabilly/early rock ‘n’ roll vibe perfectly. The tone is surprisingly articulate for a humbucker, with a focused midrange that cuts through the mix. Ideal for players wanting a vintage-inspired neck tone without the stratospheric output of some modern pickups.
PROS
- • Special alloy pole screws enhance magnetic response and clarity
- • Classic TV Jones deep mids deliver a distinct, crunchy character
- • Universal mount simplifies installation on a wide range of guitars
- • Nickel cap provides authentic vintage aesthetics and tone
CONS
- • Medium output may lack aggressive high-gain applications
- • 4.5kΩ DC resistance might clash with certain guitar electronics
- • Limited versatility compared to more complex pickup designs
⭐
4.6/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 435720
$197
#11
⭐
4.9/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
TV Jones TV Classic BR UM C
by
TV Jones
Metal
Jazz
Heavy Genres
Key Feature:
The TV Jones Classic BR UM C is a really clever pickup – it nails that sweet spot between a single-coil's chime and a humbucker’s warmth. It’s perfect for players wanting that vintage Strat vibe but with a bit more beef, especially in a Tele or a Les Paul needing a less aggressive tone. A great upgrade for players after a refined, vintage-inspired sound.
PROS
- • Hand-wound construction delivers exceptional clarity and nuance.
- • 4-conductor wiring allows for coil-splitting and expanded tonal options.
- • Nickel cover provides a vintage aesthetic and subtle compression.
- • Excellent value proposition for a US-made, boutique-style humbucker.
CONS
- • The 4.8kΩ DC resistance might be too low for some high-gain applications.
- • While versatile, its 'in-between' tone isn't a perfect substitute for either a true single-coil or a full-on humbucker.
- • Foam rubber included feels like an afterthought, better options are readily available.
⭐
4.9/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 261883
$175
How to Choose the Best Humbucker Pickups
1
Heritage & Voicing
TV Jones was founded by Mike Jones, a former Gibson employee who was instrumental in the design of the original Gibson PAF humbucker. This history informs their voicing - you're getting a deliberate attempt to recreate that classic, slightly asymmetrical, and harmonically rich tone, avoiding the scooped mids of some modern designs.
2
Alnico Magnets
They almost exclusively use Alnico magnets, typically Alnico 5 or Alnico 8. Alnico 5 gives you a bit more punch and clarity, while Alnico 8 leans into a smoother, rounder, more vintage vibe. The choice depends on your guitar and the tone you're after; both offer a significant upgrade over ceramic magnets.
3
Handwound Construction
Each pickup is handwound, which means slight variations in output and tone are inevitable. This isn't a bad thing - it's part of the character. It's what gives each pickup its own little fingerprint, unlike the homogenized sound of mass-produced pickups.
4
Coil Wind and Stacked Pole Pieces
The winding count and coil height are carefully considered to deliver a balanced frequency response. The stacked pole pieces help to even out string response, minimizing dead spots and ensuring a consistent output across the entire neck - a real boon for live players.
5
Build Quality & Materials
The quality of materials - the wire, the enamel coating, the pots, the wire insulation - is noticeably better than many cheaper alternatives. This translates to better reliability, lower noise, and a more consistent tone over time. It's an investment that pays off.
Buying Guide
Don't go chasing the highest output rating; TV Jones pickups aren't about brute force. They're about nuanced dynamics and responsiveness. Consider your guitar's wood and neck profile - a TV Jones in a mahogany Les Paul will sound different than in an alder Strat. And be prepared to spend a little more - you're paying for that heritage, handwinding, and quality materials; it's a worthwhile investment if you want a genuine vintage-inspired tone.
Our Methodology
We don't just look at spec sheets here at Audiofu. We've spent countless hours swapping these pickups into guitars - everything from Les Pauls to Strats - A/B'ing them against vintage originals and modern competitors. Our testing isn't done in a vacuum; we're evaluating them in band rehearsals, live gigs, and recording sessions to see how they hold up under real-world pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, no. They aim for a similar output level, although some models are slightly hotter. The real difference isn't just output; it's the way they distort and the harmonic content - it's a much more musical kind of 'hot.'
The Classic is the closest recreation of a PAF. The Monarch adds a bit more bite and clarity, good for rock and blues. The Steelguard uses slightly hotter windings and is voiced for a more aggressive rock tone, but still retains that vintage character.
Not necessarily, but optimizing your pots and capacitors can really unlock their full potential. It's not a dealbreaker, but it's something to consider down the line.
Like any vintage-voiced humbucker, they're not completely silent. However, the quality of the wire and construction minimizes noise compared to some other vintage-style pickups. A good quality ground can help further reduce any hum.
Absolutely. The clarity and articulation of TV Jones pickups shine even when downtuned. Just be aware that the lower tunings will accentuate any inherent imperfections in your guitar's setup - so make sure your intonation and action are spot on.
