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Seymour Duncan TB-59 '59 Trembucker Zebra Pickup vs Seymour Duncan TB-5 Duncan Custom Trembkr revZeb Pickup
The TB-59 is a warm, articulate vintage-voiced pickup for blues, rock, and clean tones, while the TB-5 is an overwound, high-output powerhouse built for metal and hard rock. Choose the TB-59 if you play lighter genres and value refined tone; choose the TB-5 if you play high-gain music and need aggressive sustain and cutting power.
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Seymour Duncan TB-59 '59 Trembucker Zebra Pickup
Seymour Duncan TB-5 Duncan Custom Trembkr revZeb Pickup
Specs side by side
| Seymour Duncan TB-59 '59 Trembucker Zebra Pickup | Seymour Duncan TB-5 Duncan Custom Trembkr revZeb Pickup | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.00 | $99.00 |
| Brand | Seymour Duncan | Seymour Duncan |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Seymour Duncan TB-59 '59 Trembucker Zebra Pickup
- ✓ Warm, PAF-inspired vintage character with refined clarity
- ✓ Lower output (8.13 kΩ) preserves note definition in clean and moderately driven contexts
- ✓ Balanced 6/3/8 EQ curve avoids harsh or brittle high end
- ✓ Ideal for blues, rock, and alternative styles
Why choose Seymour Duncan TB-5 Duncan Custom Trembkr revZeb Pickup
- ✓ High output (14.8 kΩ overwound) delivers thick sustain and compression for high-gain applications
- ✓ Ceramic magnet and thick midrange cut through dense mixes without feedback
- ✓ Purpose-built for metal, hard rock, and drop-tuned guitars
- ✓ Squeal-free vacuum wax potting ensures stability at extreme volumes
Frequently asked questions
What's the main tonal difference?
The TB-59 emphasizes a warm, balanced midrange with refined clarity (8.13 kΩ, Alnico 5, 6 kHz peak). The TB-5 delivers thick, compressed midrange with articulate treble and no feedback (14.8 kΩ, ceramic magnet, overwound). The TB-59 opens up; the TB-5 cuts and sustains aggressively.
Which one should I choose for metal or hard rock?
The TB-5 is explicitly designed for metal and high-gain work. Its higher resistance, ceramic magnet, and overwound construction provide the sustain, output, and clarity modern metal guitars demand. The TB-59 would sound too warm and vintage for typical metal.
Can I use either one with a tremolo bridge?
Both have trembucker pole piece spacing for wide-spaced bridges, so either works with tremolo systems. The choice depends on your genre and tone preference, not bridge compatibility.
Do both support coil-split wiring?
Yes, both feature 4-conductor wiring that enables series, parallel, and split-coil configurations for tonal versatility. The added flexibility is useful for players who want multiple voices from one guitar.