What makes Route 30 Pickups unique?

• Hand wound vs machine wound:

  At Route 30 Pickups, every pickup is meticulously hand-wound. This means a skilled craftsperson guides the coil wire onto the bobbin by hand, controlling the tension and pattern throughout the process. Unlike machine winding, which follows a precise, automated path, hand winding introduces subtle, organic variations that many players describe as more open, dynamic, and alive.

  Machine-wound pickups are generally easier and cheaper to mass-produce, offering uniformity and repeatability. In contrast, hand-wound pickups are nearly impossible to replicate exactly—either by machine or by another hand winder. But when done with care and consistency, the tonal differences between hand-wound pickups are minimal—just enough to give each one a distinct personality without sacrificing quality or balance.

  Every Route 30 pickup carries its own unique fingerprint—shaped not only by its design but by the human hands that brought it to life.

• Quality Components:

  Every Route 30 pickup begins with carefully selected, high-quality materials chosen for their tonal integrity, durability, and performance. We don’t build replicas—we build originals—so while our components aren’t intended to mimic vintage PAFs or any specific historical pickup, we never compromise on sound.

  Like a great chef insists on fresh, premium ingredients, we believe exceptional tone starts with what goes in. From the wire and magnets to the bobbins and covers, every part is chosen with purpose—to deliver a pickup that sounds as good as it looks and feels.

• Hand Assembly:

  Once each Route 30 bobbin is hand-wound, it’s assembled and wired entirely by hand with the same level of care and precision. Every step of the process is done with attention to detail—not haste—ensuring each pickup carries a distinct fingerprint of craftsmanship and character.

  At Route 30, assembly is as intentional as the winding itself, resulting in pickups that sound—and feel—authentically human.

• Consistency and Authenticity:

  Every Route 30 pickup is wound and assembled by a single individual—ensuring a consistent process and uncompromising quality from start to finish. Each pickup is carefully tested at multiple stages to verify that technical specifications meet our exacting standards.

  We have gone even further by analyzing the chemical composition of our magnets to maintain tonal consistency across builds. And for authenticity, every pickup is marked on the baseplate with a unique identifier—your assurance that it’s a genuine Route 30 original.

• Value:

  Every Route 30 Pickup is designed and built by me, JD Mauro. I craft each pickup based on what I know best—and what I actually play. That’s why my lineup focuses primarily on humbuckers. Rather than offering a long list of average options, I aim to make a few exceptional pickups that truly deliver. I stay in my lane, focusing on the styles I know intimately.

  I also believe great design starts with intention. I never wind aimlessly—each pickup begins with a clear destination and a specific sonic goal. If it’s not something I’d proudly play in my own guitars, it doesn’t make the cut.

  At Route 30, value comes from experience, purpose, and passion—all wound into every pickup I build.