Rockenbauer Pickups
The Soul of the Sound

Rockenbauer Pickups specializes in handcrafted guitar pickups, with a strong focus on recreating the authentic tone of classic instruments.

Our primary direction is the precise reproduction of the legendary 1950s P.A.F. (Patent Applied For) pickups. Our goal is not only to replicate their sound, but to fully understand and faithfully recreate the original construction methods and manufacturing characteristics.

Our work began in 2020 and is built on continuous research and development. Vintage pickup repair and analysis, reverse engineering, sourcing period-correct components, and extensive data collection all form the foundation of our process.

In our workshop, we use two original 1960s Geo. Stevens winding machines. One features a traverse mechanism, allowing precise control over turn count, coil layering, and wire tension—key elements in achieving true vintage tone. The second machine is used for hand winding, enabling additional nuance and unique character.

Alongside our P.A.F. models, we produce faithful reproductions of 1950s P90 pickups, as well as Telecaster and Stratocaster-style pickups. We also offer our own designs, built on classic foundations but tailored for a more modern tonal character, available in humbucker, P90, and Telecaster formats.

We believe that exceptional tone lives in the details. Every pickup we make reflects this philosophy.