Description
If you’re searching for Tom Holmes Pickup Company or looking for Tom Holmes Pickups for sale, you’re likely aware of their legendary status among boutique PAF-style humbuckers. Tom Holmes, based in Joelton, TN, handcrafted some of the most respected vintage-inspired pickups, but since his retirement, his pickups have become nearly impossible to find—driving prices through the roof.
For players seeking that Holy Grail PAF tone, the best modern alternative is the Virgil Arlo Black Label THC Alnico 4 Pickups by Tone Specific. These pickups capture everything that made Tom Holmes pickups great—and take it to the next level. With their perfect blend of warmth, articulation, and harmonic richness, they outperform the originals while being more consistent and accessible.
Why Were Tom Holmes Pickups So Revered?
Tom Holmes’ PAF-style humbuckers were handwound with extreme attention to detail, using high-quality materials. Guitarists loved them for their:
✔ Authentic PAF clarity and responsiveness
✔ Custom-milled parts for vintage accuracy
✔ Meticulously wound bobbins for tonal balance
✔ Limited production, ensuring exclusivity
These qualities made them favorites of top players like Billy Gibbons, but now that Holmes has retired, finding Tom Holmes Pickups for sale is next to impossible—and if you do, they often sell for thousands of dollars.
That’s where Virgil Arlo Black Label THC Alnico 4 Pickups come in.
Virgil Arlo Black Label THC Alnico 4 vs. Tom Holmes Pickups
The Virgil Arlo Black Label THC Alnico 4 Pickups improve upon Tom Holmes' original design with advanced winding techniques, better harmonic complexity, and greater dynamic range.
| Feature | Virgil Arlo Black Label THC Alnico 4 | Tom Holmes Pickups |
|---|---|---|
| True PAF Vintage Clarity | ✅ Yes – Exceptional note separation & warmth | ✅ Yes – Classic PAF tone |
| Handwound for Authenticity | ✅ Yes | ❌ Machine wound |
| Alnico 4 Magnets for Versatility | ✅ Yes – Perfect balance of warmth & bite | ✅ Yes |
| Dynamic Response & Harmonics | ✅ Outstanding – Enhanced overtones & sustain | ✅ Great – But varies from set to set |
| Balanced String-to-String Output | ✅ Yes – No overpowering frequencies | ❌ No – Some inconsistency in early models |
| Aged Components for True Vintage Feel | ✅ Yes – Sounds like a well-played 1959 PAF | ❌ No – Newer sets lack full vintage character |
| Price & Availability | ✅ Reasonable – 2 month wait | ❌ Rare & Expensive – Hard to find |
Why Virgil Arlo Black Label THC Alnico 4 Pickups Are the Best Tom Holmes Alternative
1. Perfect PAF Balance with Alnico 4 Magnets
One of the biggest improvements Virgil Arlo Black Label THC Alnico 4 Pickups bring is the use of Alnico 4 magnets. These offer a perfect blend of Alnico 2’s warmth and Alnico 5’s bite, resulting in:
✔ Sweeter highs without being too bright
✔ Full midrange with excellent clarity
✔ Tight, controlled bass that never gets muddy
While Tom Holmes pickups were great, the Virgil Arlo Black Label THC model provides a more refined and balanced tone that excels in blues, rock, jazz, and beyond.
2. More Complex Harmonics & Sustain
Many guitarists love Tom Holmes pickups for their rich overtones, but the Virgil Arlo Black Label THC Alnico 4 Pickups take it further with:
✔ Enhanced note bloom and sustain
✔ More three-dimensional harmonic depth
✔ Superior articulation for both clean and overdriven tones
3. Greater Consistency & Availability
While Tom Holmes pickups were amazing, each set could have slight inconsistencies due to their fully handwound nature. Virgil Arlo pickups improve on this with more precision in the winding process, ensuring:
✔ More reliable string-to-string balance
✔ No dull or overly bright spots in the frequency range
✔ Every pickup set delivers the best possible tone
4. No More Hunting for “Tom Holmes Pickups for Sale”
Let’s face it—Tom Holmes pickups are nearly impossible to find. Since they are no longer made, the used market is unpredictable, with prices often reaching thousands of dollars. Instead of waiting for rare listings of Tom Holmes pickups, you can get a superior PAF experience today with Virgil Arlo Black Label THC Alnico 4 Pickups.
The Ultimate Choice for Vintage PAF Tone Seekers
If you’re searching for Tom Holmes Pickup Company or Tom Holmes pickups for sale, but don’t want to deal with sky-high prices, long wait times, or uncertainty, the Virgil Arlo Black Label THC Alnico 4 Pickups by Tone Specific are your best option.
🎸 Rich, authentic PAF tone with better balance & sustain
🎸 More harmonic depth and dynamic response than Tom Holmes pickups
🎸 Readily available – No need to scour the used market
For those who want the best boutique PAF pickups available today, Virgil Arlo Black Label THC Alnico 4 Pickups are the superior choice.
👉 Upgrade your tone today and experience true vintage magic!
Limited Edition - Get Them While You Can
The 1958 Virgil Arlo Black Label Humbucker Pickups were originally sold for $1200 per set. This set is no longer available. Please check ebay or Reverb for used sets.
You can achieve similar results with our Deluxe P.A.F. Humbucker Set, which is considered by many to be the Best Humbucker Pickups ever made.