Who designed the SH-55 pickup?

The SH-55 was jointly designed by Seymour Duncan and Seth Lover, the original inventor of the humbucking pickup. Their collaboration ensured the design remained as close to the original 1950s specifications as possible.

What type of magnet is used in the SH-55?

The pickup features an Alnico 2 bar magnet. This choice contributes to a smoother, warmer frequency response and a more musical sustain compared to Alnico 5 magnets.

Is the Seth Lover model wax-potted?

No, the SH-55 is not wax-potted. This was a deliberate design choice to maintain the original 1955 specifications, allowing for a more open and harmonically complex sound.

What genres of music is this pickup best suited for?

The SH-55 is ideal for country, jazz, blues, and classic rock. Its low-to-medium output and clear articulation make it perfect for styles that rely on nuance and clean-to-overdriven tones.

What is the typical price for the SH-55 Neck Pickup in the UK?

The typical price range for this specific model is approximately £144. Pricing may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current availability.

What cover finish does this specific model come with?

This specific model is supplied with a nickel cover. The nickel provides a classic aesthetic that matches vintage hardware found on many high-end electric guitars.

In which position should the SH-55 Neck Pickup be installed?

As specified in its name, this model is designed for the neck position. It is voiced to provide the warmth and depth required for that area of the guitar's scale.

Does the unpotted design lead to feedback?

Unpotted pickups can be more susceptible to microphonic feedback at very high volume or high gain levels. However, for the intended genres like jazz and blues, this is rarely an issue and is considered part of the vintage character.

How does the SH-55 differ from the Seymour Duncan '59 (SH-1)?

The '59 model uses Alnico 5 magnets and is wax-potted, making it slightly brighter and more stable at high gain. The SH-55 uses Alnico 2 magnets and is unpotted for a more authentic, vintage response.

What is a P.A.F. pickup?

P.A.F. stands for 'Patent Applied For.' It refers to the early humbuckers designed by Seth Lover in the mid-1950s, which are now highly sought after for their specific tonal qualities.

Can this pickup be used in a solid-body guitar?

Yes, it is highly effective in solid-body guitars like the Les Paul, where it provides a classic, warm woodiness. It is also a popular choice for semi-hollow guitars.

Is the SH-55 available for bridge installation?

Yes, Seymour Duncan produces a matching SH-55 Bridge model. It is calibrated specifically for the bridge position to balance with the neck unit.

Gear article

Seymour Duncan SH-55 Seth Lover Neck Pickup

The Seymour Duncan SH-55 Seth Lover Neck Pickup is a faithful recreation of the original 1955 P.A.F. (Patent Applied For) humbucker. Jointly designed by Seymour Duncan and the inventor of the humbucking pickup, Seth Lover, it utilizes an Alnico 2 magnet and unpotted coils to achieve a vintage-correct tone suitable for country, jazz, blues, and classic rock.

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Background and Development

The SH-55 model represents a significant collaboration in the history of guitar components, having been co-designed by Seymour W. Duncan and the late Seth Lover. Lover was the engineer responsible for inventing the humbucking pickup for Gibson in the mid-1950s. The goal of this specific project was to produce an ultra-authentic replica of the original P.A.F. units, ensuring that the design remained true to the original blueprints and materials used during the golden era of electric guitar manufacturing.

Technical Design and Construction

The SH-55 is built using an Alnico 2 bar magnet, which provides a softer magnetic pull compared to modern Alnico 5 magnets. To maintain historical accuracy, the coils are not wax-potted. This absence of potting allows for a more microphonic and harmonically rich response, similar to the original units produced in the 1950s. The unit is housed in a traditional nickel cover and is intended for installation in the neck position of solid-body or semi-hollow electric guitars.

Tonal Character and Performance

The sound of the Seth Lover neck pickup is characterised by its clarity, warmth, and dynamic sensitivity. Because it uses Alnico 2 magnets, the high end is smooth rather than harsh, while the midrange is full and articulate. The unpotted design encourages a 'breathier' tone, providing a sense of space and detail that is often lost in high-output or heavily potted modern pickups. This makes it particularly effective for expressive playing where touch sensitivity is paramount.

Applications and Compatibility

While primarily associated with vintage-style instruments like the Gibson Les Paul or ES-335, the SH-55 is a versatile choice for any player seeking a classic tone. It is best suited for genres that require clean to moderate gain, such as country, jazz, blues, and classic rock. It pairs effectively with other vintage-spec hardware, such as the Gotoh 203B-4 Bass Bridge for those building custom hybrid instruments, though it is fundamentally designed for standard 6-string electric guitars.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to other Seymour Duncan models or competitors, the SH-55 stands out due to its strict adherence to Seth Lover's original specifications. Unlike the '59 Model (SH-1), which uses Alnico 5 magnets and is wax-potted for modern high-gain stability, the SH-55 offers a softer, more vintage-correct response. While it may be more prone to feedback at extreme volumes compared to potted pickups, it provides a level of harmonic detail that many purists prefer over mass-produced modern alternatives.

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Frequently asked questions

Who designed the SH-55 pickup?: The SH-55 was jointly designed by Seymour Duncan and Seth Lover, the original inventor of the humbucking pickup. Their collaboration ensured the design remained as close to the original 1950s specifications as possible.
What type of magnet is used in the SH-55?: The pickup features an Alnico 2 bar magnet. This choice contributes to a smoother, warmer frequency response and a more musical sustain compared to Alnico 5 magnets.
Is the Seth Lover model wax-potted?: No, the SH-55 is not wax-potted. This was a deliberate design choice to maintain the original 1955 specifications, allowing for a more open and harmonically complex sound.
What genres of music is this pickup best suited for?: The SH-55 is ideal for country, jazz, blues, and classic rock. Its low-to-medium output and clear articulation make it perfect for styles that rely on nuance and clean-to-overdriven tones.
What is the typical price for the SH-55 Neck Pickup in the UK?: The typical price range for this specific model is approximately £144. Pricing may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current availability.
What cover finish does this specific model come with?: This specific model is supplied with a nickel cover. The nickel provides a classic aesthetic that matches vintage hardware found on many high-end electric guitars.
In which position should the SH-55 Neck Pickup be installed?: As specified in its name, this model is designed for the neck position. It is voiced to provide the warmth and depth required for that area of the guitar's scale.
Does the unpotted design lead to feedback?: Unpotted pickups can be more susceptible to microphonic feedback at very high volume or high gain levels. However, for the intended genres like jazz and blues, this is rarely an issue and is considered part of the vintage character.
How does the SH-55 differ from the Seymour Duncan '59 (SH-1)?: The '59 model uses Alnico 5 magnets and is wax-potted, making it slightly brighter and more stable at high gain. The SH-55 uses Alnico 2 magnets and is unpotted for a more authentic, vintage response.
What is a P.A.F. pickup?: P.A.F. stands for 'Patent Applied For.' It refers to the early humbuckers designed by Seth Lover in the mid-1950s, which are now highly sought after for their specific tonal qualities.
Can this pickup be used in a solid-body guitar?: Yes, it is highly effective in solid-body guitars like the Les Paul, where it provides a classic, warm woodiness. It is also a popular choice for semi-hollow guitars.
Is the SH-55 available for bridge installation?: Yes, Seymour Duncan produces a matching SH-55 Bridge model. It is calibrated specifically for the bridge position to balance with the neck unit.