AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best TV Jones Humbucker Pickups 2026
The top pick is TV Jones TV Classic BR UM N ($177). Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 5 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 28, 2026
Top 5
Full detail for the 5 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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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.
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.
36AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$177 now$177€159 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
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.
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.
35AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$188 now$188€169 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This pickup gives a clean, vintage sound with a bit more punch than standard humbuckers. The thinner wire makes the highs rounder without losing detail, perfect for classic rock players. It fits most guitars thanks to the universal clips, though it doesn't have extra controls for modern setups.
Pros
- Thinner wire creates a rounder top end for clarity.
- Vintage output level suits classic rock tones.
- Universal mount clips fit most guitar bodies easily.
Cons
- Lacks active electronics or preamp for modern rigs.
- No specific control knobs for tone shaping included.
34AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Oct 24Oct 24$200 now$200€179 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This pickup sounds like Brian Setzer himself, cutting through the mix with that famous low-mid punch. The special alloy screws help the magnet speak clearly, making it a solid choice for players who want that crisp, modern tone. It fits in the neck position and works with most guitars thanks to its universal mount.
Pros
- Special alloy pole screws boost magnet response for clarity.
- Designed for Brian Setzer's signature crisp low-midrange tone.
- Universal mount fits most guitar bodies easily.
Cons
- No information on battery life or power source.
- Does not specify wire gauge or cable length.
32AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$200 now$200€179 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This Brian Setzer signature pickup sounds very clear with a sharp low-mid range. The special alloy screws help the magnet work better than standard ones. It is perfect for putting in the bridge spot if you want a crisp tone without too much volume.
Pros
- Special alloy pole screws boost magnet response for clearer sound.
- Produces the crispest low-midrange tones in the TV Jones Classic series.
- Designed specifically for the bridge position on electric guitars.
Cons
- Medium output may not suit players seeking high gain distortion.
- Only the bridge position is mentioned, not neck or mid options.
32AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$200 now$200€179 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
Humbucker Pickups by the numbers
Measured across all 791 models we track, not a sample.
Median $188 — half of all humbucker pickups here cost less.
median of 7 models · 6-string–6-string
How to choose the best humbucker pickups
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 16 humbucker pickups from the Thomann catalogue (of 791 in the category). Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
Are TV Jones pickups hotter than vintage PAFs?
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.'
What's the difference between the Classic, Monarch, and Steelguard models?
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.
Do I need to have my guitar's electronics modified to use TV Jones pickups?
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.
Are these pickups noisy?
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.
Can I use these in a drop-tuned situation?
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.
