11101-05-NH vs 11101-05-RZ4c — Compare
Seymour Duncan SH-1b '59 Nighthawk Pickup vs Seymour Duncan SH-1b '59 Model Reverse Zebra 4-Conductor Pickup
Both are budget-friendly Seymour Duncan '59-style humbuckers with Alnico V magnets and vintage tones, but the SH-1b '59 Nighthawk is optimized for bridge position with a slant-coil design and 6 kHz peak, while the SH-1b '59 Model Reverse Zebra is a more traditional neck-or-bridge player with slightly higher DCR (8.2K vs ~8K) and comes in a vintage-aesthetic Reverse Zebra finish. The Nighthawk suits players prioritizing clarity and dynamic response in the bridge, while the Reverse Zebra appeals to those building restoration projects or seeking classic vintage output with cosmetic authenticity.
No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.
Seymour Duncan SH-1b '59 Model Reverse Zebra 4-Conductor Pickup
Specs side by side
| Seymour Duncan SH-1b '59 Nighthawk Pickup | Seymour Duncan SH-1b '59 Model Reverse Zebra 4-Conductor Pickup | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $115.00 | $115.00 |
| Brand | Seymour Duncan | Seymour Duncan |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Seymour Duncan SH-1b '59 Nighthawk Pickup
- ✓ Slant-coil bridge-specific design optimizes clarity and sustain
- ✓ 6 kHz resonant peak delivers articulate treble response
- ✓ Dynamic responsiveness emphasizes pick attack nuance
- ✓ Comes ready to install with all mounting hardware
Why choose Seymour Duncan SH-1b '59 Model Reverse Zebra 4-Conductor Pickup
- ✓ Reverse Zebra finish offers authentic vintage cosmetic appearance
- ✓ 8.2K DCR provides slightly warmer, fuller midrange character
- ✓ Natural compression smooths aggressive playing dynamics
- ✓ Versatile placement (neck or bridge) with restoration-project appeal
Frequently asked questions
Which pickup is better for bridge vs. neck position?
The Nighthawk is engineered specifically for bridge placement, with slant-coil geometry and a 6 kHz peak that enhances articulation in that position. The Reverse Zebra is more versatile and works well in either position, making it ideal for swapping into an existing setup or restoration builds.
What's the real difference in output between them?
The Nighthawk carries a ~8 kΩ impedance with moderate output tuned for dynamic response, while the Reverse Zebra specs 8.2K DCR with vintage output and natural compression. The Zebra will feel slightly warmer and more compressed; the Nighthawk more reactive to pick nuance.
Does the Reverse Zebra's vintage finish matter tonally?
No—cosmetics don't affect tone. The Reverse Zebra's black/cream look is purely aesthetic and appeals to vintage-restoration aesthetics, while the Nighthawk is standard black. Tone differences come from coil configuration, magnet type, and DCR specifications, not color.
Which suits studio sessions better?
The Reverse Zebra edges ahead in studio contexts because its warmer midrange and natural compression work well on multiple guitar tones in a mix, and its traditional voicing translates reliably to recording. The Nighthawk's dynamic articulation excels live where pick responsiveness is heard in real time.