11101-05-W vs 11102-05-B — Compare
Seymour Duncan SH-1b '59 Model White Pickup vs Seymour Duncan SH-2b Jazz Model Black Pickup
The SH-1b '59 is a straightforward vintage workhorse with simple 2-conductor wiring and woody midrange warmth, while the SH-2b Jazz offers refined articulation and modern 4-conductor flexibility for coil-splitting. Choose the '59 for classic tone simplicity; pick the Jazz for tonal versatility and players comfortable with advanced wiring options.
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Specs side by side
| Seymour Duncan SH-1b '59 Model White Pickup | Seymour Duncan SH-2b Jazz Model Black Pickup | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.00 | $99.00 |
| Brand | Seymour Duncan | Seymour Duncan |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Seymour Duncan SH-1b '59 Model White Pickup
- ✓ Warmer, woodier midrange presence ideal for traditional blues and rock
- ✓ Simpler 2-conductor wiring—easier installation for beginners
- ✓ Slightly lower DC resistance (8.1kΩ) yields marginally more dynamic response
- ✓ Iconic vintage aesthetic with white cover and period-correct construction
Why choose Seymour Duncan SH-2b Jazz Model Black Pickup
- ✓ 4-conductor wiring enables coil-splitting and series/parallel switching without mods
- ✓ Smoother upper-midrange and refined high-end for modern clarity
- ✓ Superior note definition and separation—better for articulate jazz voicings
- ✓ Includes wiring schematic and mounting hardware for confident installation
Frequently asked questions
Which pickup is easier to install?
The SH-1b '59 uses simpler 2-conductor wiring, making it faster for standard bridge installation. The SH-2b Jazz has 4-conductor wiring with shield, which requires more care but enables advanced switching options—both ship with hardware and are suitable for intermediate+ skill levels.
Which is better for jazz tone?
The SH-2b Jazz is explicitly designed for jazz with smooth upper-midrange articulation and superior note definition. The SH-1b '59 excels in blues and rock; while capable in jazz, its woody character is less refined for that application.
What's the DC resistance difference, and does it matter?
The SH-1b is 8.1kΩ; the SH-2b is 8.40kΩ. This small difference means the '59 has marginally more dynamic response and slightly less output compression, while the Jazz maintains tighter, more controlled dynamics—both are moderate-output designs suitable for tube amp breakup.
Can I split coils with the '59 model?
No—the SH-1b '59 has only 2-conductor wiring, so coil-splitting requires a new pickup with 4-conductor configuration. The SH-2b Jazz includes 4-conductor wiring, supporting coil-splitting and series/parallel switching out of the box.