Humbucker and PAF are not synonymous. SDs or JBs are not considered PAF style pickups. You could also argue that a 57 classic is not either, really.
/I think you are right about the JB.
The SD Pearly Gate supposedly is modeled after the humbuckers from a 59 Standard. Isn't 59 the era of the PAF?
Same with the 57s. Why do you say they aren't PAF. Perhaps you are correct but I am curious why you say that. Perhaps I misunderstand PAF terminology. I thought the PAFs were mid to late 50s humbuckers with relatively low DCRs compared to the air raid sirens that are sold today.
Sorry, I meant Super Distortion, referring to another's response, when I said SD. In terms of the 57 classic, it really just depends on how anal you want to get with the specs. Some would argue if the pickup is wax potted and the coils are both the same wind amount then they are not true PAF style pickups. If you are just looking for a pickup that comes close to the sound, then maybe you can disregard strict spec stuff like that. But the JB and super distortion are definitely not in the PAF camp.
Cheers and good luck on your search :salude
Ok I see where youre coming from. Even a little thing like wax potting is actually outside the era of the PAF.
Things could be made different before the big powerful amps came out in the 60s.
Could a guy like Hendrix have made his sounds in the era of PAFs? The equipment he used was not invented then. He made PAFs obsolete. That's life I guess.