2. Odyssey Vanguard Classic HB

The Odyssey Vanguard Classic HB is a tribute to the legendary Gibson humbuckers that defined rock and blues for generations. Featuring 6,200 turns of 42?AWG enamel wire around an Alnico?V magnet, this pickup measures approximately 8.0?K? and offers a perfect blend of warmth, clarity, and vintage mojo. Whether you’re crafting a period?correct reissue or looking to infuse your modern build with classic character, the Vanguard Classic HB delivers that unmistakable humbucker voice.

Hand?Wound Artistry

Each Vanguard Classic HB is hand?wound in the USA using tight coil windings for consistent tonal output. The Alnico?V magnet provides a strong, musical pull that translates pick attack into rich harmonic complexity. Nickel?plated brass baseplates and covers ensure physical durability and subtle top?end smoothing, resulting in a pickup that feels at home on a Les?Paul or SG style guitar.

Vintage?Accurate Tone

Modeled after the Gibson Classic Humbucker and its variants (Custom 500T/500R), the Vanguard Classic HB’s midrange is warm and focused, with enough high?end bite to articulate chords with nuance. Clean tones are chimey and articulate, while lightly driven tones provide a gentle breakup reminiscent of late?’60s blues recordings. Crank the gain and you’ll find the pickup’s natural compression generates singing sustain and creamy overdrive.

Dynamic Nuance

Thanks to its Alnico?V magnet, the Vanguard Classic HB tracks dynamics exceptionally well. Players can roll back the guitar’s volume pot for cleaner, jazzy tones or dig in for full?bodied overdriven leads. The pickup keeps noise under control, even in single?coil–adjacent positions, thanks to its humbucking design.

Applications & Pairings

Ideal for rock, blues, jazz, and everything in between, the Vanguard Classic HB excels in both bridge and neck positions. In the bridge, it offers thick, punchy rhythms; in the neck, it delivers warm, singing tones with smooth sustain. It pairs beautifully with tube amps for natural breakup but also retains clarity through high?gain modern amplifiers.

Ease of Installation

With the standard humbucker footprint, installation requires no routing modifications on most guitars. The pickup’s lead wires are long enough for deep cavities, and the baseplate mounting system ensures solid grounding and minimal microphonic feedback.

Made in USA

Exudes traditional Gibson warmth and clarity, offering articulate clean tones with a rich, vintage humbucker character suited for rhythm and lead.

Compare To:
Gibson - Classic Humbucker
Gibson - Humbucker Classic
Gibson - Custom 500T
Gibson - Custom 500R

Returns: Non-custom items can be returned within 14 days, unused and in original packaging. Custom-made guitars are non-returnable but can be repaired if defective due to a manufacturer error.

Restocking Fee: A 35% restocking fee applies to returns, unless we shipped the wrong item.

Return Shipping: Customers are responsible for return shipping costs unless the wrong item was sent. We recommend using a trackable service for items over $100.

Damaged Items: If your item arrives damaged, please file a claim with the shipping carrier using the insurance provided. We are not liable for uninsured damages during transit.

Refunds: Once returned items are received and inspected, approved store credit will be issued within 5-7 business days, minus the restocking fee. Shipping costs are non-refundable. Items cannot be canceled or refunded because "it's taking too long" to receive your order. We are busy.

Exchanges: We do not offer exchanges. Please place a new order if a different item is needed.

We ship nationwide, with orders processed within 1-8 business weeks.

ALL pickups and guitar bodies are made to order, at the time of ordering.

Nothing sold on this website is in stock. We will not issue refunds because "it is taking too long".

Shipping costs vary based on location and service selected. All shipments include tracking, and orders over $100 can be insured upon request at the customer's expense. Customers are responsible for providing accurate shipping information; we are not liable for delays or additional charges caused by incorrect details.

For custom guitars or repairs, shipping times may vary, and we will provide an estimated delivery date at the time of order.