Contributed by Les Paul Forum Members
Ed Amantia & Karaoke Karl
& Nelson F Ferrer
 

TEST #1
If you look at the large holes on the top of the bobbins near the end of the pick up. The hole on the slug side is square with a circle around it. The hole on the pole piece side is also a square but with a "Smaller" circle around it. The slug side ALWAYS has a larger circle. New pick ups (Duncan, Gibson) copy this somewhat but don't get it right.

 



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TEST #2
Looking through a magnifying glass the circles and squares on NEW pick ups look machined "TOO" well. The vintage PAFs look funky.

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TEST #3
Look inside the holes, you'll see copper wire with a purplish hue to it. If it looks too clean in there or the color of the wire is different then it might be forged or a rewind.

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TEST #4
The tape around the bobbins is like paper type tape and shouldn't look like it's been taken off.


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TEST #5
If you look at the side view of the pickups, you will usually see the bobbins 'warped' a bit and 'curving up' on the outsides.

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TEST #6
The magnet has smooth machined edges,
but rougher tops & bottoms.

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TEST #7
The PAF decal through a strong magnifying glass has raised gold lettering.

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TEST #8
Around the outside edge of the decal outside of the black area is a clear area that is usually greenish tinted (although sometimes its worn away). In fact through a strong magnifier you can see little green flecks in the clear area.

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TEST #9
The slug side is usually the cream side.
Although I have not seen it the other way around authenticated.
TEST 10
Last but not least, nothing sounds like a PAF