ToneSpec Legend Series
The Legend Series exists because guitar tone did not start in the 1950s. It began long before that. Randall Van Dyke’s experience studying old growth acoustic instruments from the 1800s through the early electrics of the 1930s revealed what real wood resonance feels like. From there he moved into the 1940s with the birth of the P90. Then into the 1950s when the Telecaster, Stratocaster and PAF humbuckers set the standard for everything that came after.
But no true student of the game would stop there. To understand guitar tone at the highest level, you have to study the great winders who shaped the modern era of guitar tone. The knowledge gained by Randall in his study of these guitar giants helped him shape the ToneSpec tone which has become the industry standard for pro level tone. Randall pays homage to these legends with the ToneSpec Legend Series.
Abigail Ybarra
Abigail Ybarra spent decades at Fender hand winding Strat and Tele pickups. Her work defined what players now think of as the classic Fender voice. Many of the greatest recordings ever made carry her touch.
Explore Abby Inspired PickupsAlan Hamel
Alan Hamel is known for building Tele and Strat pickups with stunning realism and dynamic feel. His rare small batch sets from the early years became benchmarks among collectors and pro players.
Explore Alan Hamel Inspired PickupsDavid White (Old Glories)
David White created the Old Glories, one of the most expressive Strat sets ever made. He also made incredible Tele and PAF pickups. His variable tension winding technique opened the door to a new level of touch sensitivity that heavily influenced Randall and his designs.
Explore Old Glories Inspired PickupsOTPG
OTPG built PAF style humbuckers that became famous for their airy mids, bold clarity and dynamic warmth. Many consider early OTPG sets to be among the closest recreations of the original golden era PAF voice.
Explore OTPG Inspired PickupsPeter Florance (Voodoo Pickups)
Peter Florance created the Voodoo line, celebrated for their unmistakable personality. His Tele, Strat, PAF and P90 sets defined the boutique era for many players.
Explore Voodoo Inspired PickupsTim White (Timbuckers)
Tim White built the legendary Timbuckers. Known for harmonic richness and near perfect balance, these pickups became cult favorites among PAF scholars and tone chasers around the world.
Explore Timbuckers Inspired PickupsTom Holmes
Tom Holmes engineered humbuckers with unmatched precision. His H450 and H455 models are revered for their articulate attack, wide dynamic range and musical sweetness.
Explore Tom Holmes Inspired PickupsVirgil Arlo
Virgil Arlo created some of the most expressive Strat, Tele and PAF style pickups of all time. His variable tension winding and proprietary techniques made these sets favorites among studio and touring pros who value feel over hype.
Explore Virgil Arlo Inspired Pickups