What is the primary purpose of the Seymour Duncan SH-1 '59 Model?

It is designed to provide a vintage-correct humbucker sound inspired by the late 1950s P.A.F. designs. It is specifically voiced for clarity and warmth in the neck position.

What colour is this specific model?

This specific version of the SH-1 '59 Model neck pickup comes in a white finish. This allows it to match or contrast with various guitar body colours and pickguards.

Does this pickup work in the bridge position?

While this specific unit is marketed as a neck pickup, Seymour Duncan does manufacture a calibrated bridge version. Using the neck model in the bridge will result in a lower output and thinner tone than the dedicated bridge version.

What type of magnet is used in the SH-1 '59?

It utilizes an Alnico 5 bar magnet. This choice contributes to the pickup's characteristic punchy low end and bright, clear highs.

Is the SH-1 '59 Model wax potted?

Yes, unlike original 1950s pickups, this model is vacuum wax potted. This process helps eliminate microphonic squeal and unwanted feedback when playing at high volumes.

What is the typical price for this pickup in the UK?

The typical retail price for the Seymour Duncan SH-1 '59 Model Neck Pickup in White is approximately £115.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer.

Can I use this pickup for high-gain metal music?

While it is a vintage-output pickup, its clarity makes it excellent for lead playing in high-gain settings. However, players seeking maximum saturation may prefer higher-output models like the SH-6.

Is the wiring four-conductor or single-conductor?

Most standard SH-1 '59 models come with a single-conductor braided shield wire to maintain vintage accuracy. However, versions with four-conductor wiring are sometimes available for coil-splitting applications.

Does this pickup include mounting hardware?

Generally, Seymour Duncan humbuckers include the necessary mounting screws and springs. The specific white finish applies to the bobbins themselves.

How does it compare to the Seymour Duncan SH-2 Jazz?

The '59 Model has a slightly more scooped midrange and a more traditional 'vintage' feel compared to the SH-2 Jazz. The Jazz model is often described as having a slightly more linear and clinical response.

Will this fit a standard humbucker routing?

Yes, the SH-1 '59 is built to standard humbucker dimensions. It will fit into most guitars routed for full-sized dual-coil pickups without modification.

Is this pickup suitable for jazz music?

Yes, it is highly regarded for jazz because of its warm, airy character and excellent note definition. It provides a smooth response that works well with clean amplifier settings.

Gear article

Seymour Duncan SH-1 ‘59 Model Neck Pickup (White)

The Seymour Duncan SH-1 ‘59 Model is a vintage-correct humbucking pickup designed to replicate the tone of late 1950s PAF (Patent Applied For) units. This specific version is finished in white and is engineered primarily for the neck position of electric guitars to provide a warm, airy, and versatile sound.

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Overview

The Seymour Duncan SH-1 '59 Model is a cornerstone of the Seymour Duncan catalogue, serving as a meticulous recreation of the dual-coil pickups found on high-end American guitars of the late 1950s. While available in various configurations, this model features a white bobbin finish, offering a distinct aesthetic alternative to the traditional black or zebra varieties. It is categorized under parts and spares for guitarists looking to upgrade their instrument's stock electronics for a more refined, professional response.

Design and Construction

The '59 Model is built using vintage-correct specifications to ensure it remains faithful to the original P.A.F. design. Key manufacturing details include:

Alnico 5 Bar Magnet: Provides a focused and bright response compared to Alnico 2 magnets.
Plain Enamel Wire: Stays true to the material standards of the 1950s.
Long-Legged Bottom Plate: A physical design trait found in original vintage humbuckers.
Vacuum Wax Potting: While original 50s pickups were not potted, Seymour Duncan includes this step to reduce microphonic feedback, making it more suitable for modern high-gain environments.

Fender Jazzmaster Pickup Covers Aged White

Sound Character

In the neck position, the SH-1 '59 is defined by its clarity and sustain. It avoids the 'muddiness' often associated with modern high-output neck pickups by maintaining a slightly scooped midrange and a crisp top end. This frequency profile allows individual notes to ring out clearly during complex chords. Its output is considered 'vintage', meaning it pushes an amplifier gently rather than saturating it immediately, providing a highly touch-sensitive playing experience.

Application and Suitability

This pickup is ideal for players seeking traditional blues, rock, and jazz tones. Because of its articulate nature, it suits mahogany-bodied guitars that naturally possess a heavy low-mid emphasis, such as Les Paul-style instruments. It is also a popular choice for 'super-strat' configurations where a player wants a classic humbucker voice to complement single-coil middle and bridge pickups. Its white finish makes it a visual match for instruments with white or cream plastics.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to other Seymour Duncan offerings, the '59 Model is brighter and clearer than the SH-2 Jazz, though both are popular neck choices. Unlike the higher-output SH-4 JB or SH-6 Distortion models, the '59 focuses on dynamics and vintage accuracy rather than raw power. For those seeking a 1950s aesthetic with a different physical look, one might consider the Fender Jazzmaster Pickup Covers in Aged White for a separate build, though the SH-1 remains the primary choice for standard humbucker routing.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary purpose of the Seymour Duncan SH-1 '59 Model?: It is designed to provide a vintage-correct humbucker sound inspired by the late 1950s P.A.F. designs. It is specifically voiced for clarity and warmth in the neck position.
What colour is this specific model?: This specific version of the SH-1 '59 Model neck pickup comes in a white finish. This allows it to match or contrast with various guitar body colours and pickguards.
Does this pickup work in the bridge position?: While this specific unit is marketed as a neck pickup, Seymour Duncan does manufacture a calibrated bridge version. Using the neck model in the bridge will result in a lower output and thinner tone than the dedicated bridge version.
What type of magnet is used in the SH-1 '59?: It utilizes an Alnico 5 bar magnet. This choice contributes to the pickup's characteristic punchy low end and bright, clear highs.
Is the SH-1 '59 Model wax potted?: Yes, unlike original 1950s pickups, this model is vacuum wax potted. This process helps eliminate microphonic squeal and unwanted feedback when playing at high volumes.
What is the typical price for this pickup in the UK?: The typical retail price for the Seymour Duncan SH-1 '59 Model Neck Pickup in White is approximately £115.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer.
Can I use this pickup for high-gain metal music?: While it is a vintage-output pickup, its clarity makes it excellent for lead playing in high-gain settings. However, players seeking maximum saturation may prefer higher-output models like the SH-6.
Is the wiring four-conductor or single-conductor?: Most standard SH-1 '59 models come with a single-conductor braided shield wire to maintain vintage accuracy. However, versions with four-conductor wiring are sometimes available for coil-splitting applications.
Does this pickup include mounting hardware?: Generally, Seymour Duncan humbuckers include the necessary mounting screws and springs. The specific white finish applies to the bobbins themselves.
How does it compare to the Seymour Duncan SH-2 Jazz?: The '59 Model has a slightly more scooped midrange and a more traditional 'vintage' feel compared to the SH-2 Jazz. The Jazz model is often described as having a slightly more linear and clinical response.
Will this fit a standard humbucker routing?: Yes, the SH-1 '59 is built to standard humbucker dimensions. It will fit into most guitars routed for full-sized dual-coil pickups without modification.
Is this pickup suitable for jazz music?: Yes, it is highly regarded for jazz because of its warm, airy character and excellent note definition. It provides a smooth response that works well with clean amplifier settings.