Sunbear Sunbird Humbucker Sized Set

The classic Sunbird pickup, now in a full humbucker-sized housing—a straight drop-in replacement for a standard covered humbucker, but with a true Firebird-style pickup hidden inside.

Firebird-type pickups are both special and criminally underrated. Unlike standard humbuckers, mini humbuckers, or P90s—which use horizontally loaded bar magnets to charge screws or slugs under the strings—the Firebird pickup takes a completely different approach. Each of its two coils contains its own vertically oriented bar magnet running across the full width of the pickup.

Bridge (Alnico V, ±7.4k): Traditional 42-gauge plain enamel wire is carefully wound to achieve this output level. The result eliminates concerns of shrill top-end, instead offering sweetness, throaty midrange, and tight low-end control—especially rewarding when paired with drive.

Neck (Alnico V, ±6.2k): Single-coil–like clarity, minimal hum, and rich harmonic content define this pickup. Responsive across all strings, it’s warm and smoky with a light touch and full and punchy under heavier playing. A hidden gem for players who want nuance and musicality.