Description
If you're searching for the best humbuckers for Woman Tone or the best humbuckers for Eric Clapton tone, you're likely trying to achieve the legendary warm, singing sustain heard on Cream-era Clapton recordings like Disraeli Gears and Wheels of Fire. While many assume Clapton’s tone was all about his Gibson SG and Marshall amps, the pickups played a crucial role in shaping his signature sound.
For those who want the most authentic Clapton-style humbuckers, Virgil Arlo Black Label 1964 Humbuckers by Tone Specific offer superior warmth, dynamic response, and sustain compared to stock Gibson Humbuckers.
What Makes Eric Clapton’s “Woman Tone” So Unique?
The famous “Woman Tone” was Clapton’s signature sound during his time with Cream, achieved by:
✔ Rolling down the tone knob on the neck pickup for a thick, smooth, violin-like sustain
✔ Using vintage-voiced humbuckers that accentuate mids and harmonics
✔ Letting the amp do the work, emphasizing sustain and overtones
While modern Gibson humbuckers offer decent output, they often lack the warmth, clarity, and bloom that define this legendary tone. That’s where Virgil Arlo Black Label 1964 Humbuckers shine.
Virgil Arlo Black Label 1964 Humbuckers vs. Stock Gibson Humbuckers
| Feature | Virgil Arlo Black Label 1964 Humbuckers | Stock Gibson Humbuckers |
|---|---|---|
| True Vintage "Woman Tone" | ✅ Yes – Warm, smooth, and articulate | ❌ No – Often too bright or muddy |
| Handwound for Authenticity | ✅ Yes – Vintage-correct winding techniques | ❌ No – Mass-produced with inconsistencies |
| Vintage Style Alnico Magnets for Balanced Response | ✅ Yes – Mids-focused with smooth highs | ❌ No – dull sounding mass produced magnets |
| Superior Harmonic Overtones | ✅ Rich & Complex – Notes "bloom" naturally | ❌ No – Less harmonic depth |
| Touch Sensitivity & Sustain | ✅ Exceptional – More responsive to playing dynamics | ❌ No – Less nuance in response |
| Vintage PAF Clarity | ✅ Yes – Open, detailed tone | ❌ No – Can sound compressed |
| VST Technology | ✅ Yes - Huge Sweet Spot | ❌ No - limited responsiveness |
Why Virgil Arlo Black Label 1964 Humbuckers Are the Best for Clapton’s Woman Tone
1. The Perfect Alnico 4 Blend for Cream-Era Warmth
The Virgil Arlo Black Label 1964 Humbuckers use vintage correct Alnico magnets, which offer:
✔ Thick mids with smooth highs
✔ Perfect note articulation for Clapton’s Woman Tone
✔ Balanced response – never muddy, never shrill
2. Vintage Winding for Maximum Sustain & Overtones
One of the key characteristics of Clapton’s tone is the way notes sustain and bloom. Virgil Arlo Black Label 1964 Humbuckers feature:
✔ Handwound coils with vintage-correct patterns
✔ Superior harmonic overtones that make notes sing
✔ Touch-sensitive response for dynamic playing
3. More Clarity & Depth Than Stock Gibson Pickups
Modern Gibson humbuckers, while decent, are often mass-produced and lack the vintage clarity that defines Clapton’s Woman Tone. Virgil Arlo Black Label 1964 Humbuckers offer:
✔ More open, detailed highs without harshness
✔ Greater depth and nuance when rolling back the tone knob
✔ No muddiness – just pure, singing sustain
The Best Humbuckers for Achieving Eric Clapton’s Woman Tone
If you’re chasing the iconic Cream-era Eric Clapton sound, the Virgil Arlo Black Label 1964 Humbuckers are the best humbuckers for Woman Tone. Compared to stock Gibson humbuckers, they provide:
🎸 A smoother, more refined top-end
🎸 Thicker mids for that legendary Clapton sustain
🎸 Superior articulation and note bloom
For those looking for the best humbuckers for Eric Clapton tone, this is the closest you can get to true vintage magic without tracking down an original 1960s set.
👉 Upgrade your pickups and experience true Clapton Woman Tone today!
Limited Edition - Get Them While You Can
The 1964 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.