New from Epiphone, the ProBucker pickup is a fresh take on the Gibson BurstBucker, featuring unevenly wound coils and Alnico-II magnets that replicate Gibson's airy tone. ProBucker pickups are currently offered in the LP Traditional PRO and will be available for other models at a later time.

ProBuckers have 18 percent nickel silver unit bases and covers -- the same alloy used by Gibson. The use of nickel silver reduces the occurrence of eddy currents due to low conductivity and provides a more transparent and crisp output, according to the manufacturer.

Further blurring the line between Epiphone and Gibson, the new pickups also feature bobbins manufactured to Gibson specifications and dimensions. The size and shape of bobbins has great impact on tonal response, says Epiphone, and bobbins used on these pickups duplicate exactly the size and shape of the Gibson humbuckers. ProBucker pickups also have Gibson-esque Elektrisola magnet wire, which is a single build, high quality magnet wire manufactured to NEMA (National Electrical Manufactures Association) standards. In addition, the ProBucker pole screws and slugs use the metal alloys manufactured to Gibson specs.

Other notable features include Sand cast Alnico II magnets and high-quality 4 conductor lead wire. ProBucker pickups are Vacuum Wax potted to eliminate microphonics.

Epiphone ProBuckers features:

• 18 percent nickel silver unit bases and covers; this alloy reduces the occurrence of eddy currents due to low conductivity and provides a more transparent and crisp output
• Bobbins manufactured to Gibson specifications and dimensions for a similar tonal response
• Elektrisola magnet wire -- single build (thickness of coating on wire) high quality magnet wire manufactured to NEMA (National Electrical Manufactures Association) standards
• Pole screws and slugs manufactured to Gibson specifications using the same metal alloys
• Sand cast Alnico II magnets, and high quality 4 conductor lead wire
• Vacuum Wax potted to eliminate microphonics

To learn more about Epiphone's new ProBucker pickups, please visit the Epiphone Web site at epiphone.com.