11101-01-Bc vs 11102-86-Nc — Compare

Seymour Duncan SH-1n '59 Model Black Cover Pickup vs Seymour Duncan SH-16 59/Custom Hybrid, Nickel Cover Pickup

The SH-1n '59 is a neck-position vintage purist's pickup with lower output (7.6K) and authentic period construction, while the SH-16 is a bridge-position hybrid that balances vintage warmth with modern clarity and higher output (11.5K) for more aggressive playing. Choose the SH-1n for classic blues and jazz tone; choose the SH-16 for classic and hard rock with contemporary versatility.

No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.

Seymour Duncan SH-1n '59 Model Black Cover Pickup

$135.00
View Seymour Duncan SH-1n '59 Model Black Cover Pickup

Seymour Duncan SH-16 59/Custom Hybrid, Nickel Cover Pickup

$135.00
View Seymour Duncan SH-16 59/Custom Hybrid, Nickel Cover Pickup

Specs side by side

Seymour Duncan SH-1n '59 Model Black Cover PickupSeymour Duncan SH-16 59/Custom Hybrid, Nickel Cover Pickup
Price$135.00$135.00
BrandSeymour DuncanSeymour Duncan
ConditionNewNew

Why choose Seymour Duncan SH-1n '59 Model Black Cover Pickup

  • Authentic vintage construction using original Kalamazoo factory Leesona 102 winding machine
  • Lower 7.6K output designed specifically for neck position with excellent string articulation
  • Natural compression and harmonic complexity characteristic of early Gibson pickups
  • Vintage-correct maple spacers and paper tape coil wrapping for period accuracy

Why choose Seymour Duncan SH-16 59/Custom Hybrid, Nickel Cover Pickup

  • Higher 11.5K output and bridge-position design suited for more aggressive playing styles
  • Mismatched coil design delivers enhanced harmonic response and dynamic sensitivity
  • Balanced EQ (6/6/8) optimizes clarity across all frequencies without harshness
  • Modern hand-built construction in Santa Barbara with nickel silver short leg plate for refined tone
Bottom line: Buy the SH-1n '59 if you want authentic vintage neck-position tone for blues, rock, and jazz—it prioritizes historical accuracy and natural sustain. Buy the SH-16 if you need a bridge pickup that bridges vintage character and modern clarity for classic rock, hard rock, and progressive playing with punch and cut.

Frequently asked questions

Are these pickups interchangeable positions?

No. The SH-1n '59 is wound specifically for neck position with 7.6K output designed to balance with bridge pickups. The SH-16 is a bridge-position pickup with 11.5K output. They are designed to work in their respective positions.

Which pickup has more vintage authenticity?

The SH-1n '59 uses the actual vintage Leesona 102 winding machine from Gibson's original Kalamazoo factory, plus period-correct maple spacers and paper tape wrapping. The SH-16 is modern hand-built construction that balances vintage and contemporary design philosophies.

What genres suit each pickup?

The SH-1n excels in blues, rock, and jazz where articulation and natural compression are prized. The SH-16 works across classic rock, hard rock, blues, and progressive music where punch, clarity, and sustain matter equally.

Can either handle metal or djent?

Both are listed as not ideal for metal and djent. These pickups prioritize articulation and dynamic response over the high-output aggression metal genres typically demand.

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