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Seymour Duncan SL59-1n Little '59 for Strat White Pickup vs Seymour Duncan SL59-1b Little '59 for Strat Black Pickup
Both are budget-friendly Seymour Duncan humbuckers in Strat single-coil form, but the white (SL59-1n) is warmer and more versatile for neck/middle positions, while the black (SL59-1b) is brighter and hotter for bridge duty with more aggressive bite. Choose the white for all-around warmth and flexibility; choose the black for punchy presence and lead clarity.
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Seymour Duncan SL59-1n Little '59 for Strat White Pickup
Seymour Duncan SL59-1b Little '59 for Strat Black Pickup
Specs side by side
| Seymour Duncan SL59-1n Little '59 for Strat White Pickup | Seymour Duncan SL59-1b Little '59 for Strat Black Pickup | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.00 | $99.00 |
| Brand | Seymour Duncan | Seymour Duncan |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Seymour Duncan SL59-1n Little '59 for Strat White Pickup
- ✓ Lower impedance (9.86k) yields warmer, fuller tone with controlled overdrive
- ✓ Optimized for neck or middle positions—more tonal flexibility in your guitar
- ✓ Woody midrange and articulate cleans ideal for blues, jazz, and country
- ✓ No routing required; ceramic magnet with wax potting for reliability
Why choose Seymour Duncan SL59-1b Little '59 for Strat Black Pickup
- ✓ Higher impedance (11.78k) delivers aggressive bite and punchy presence
- ✓ Bridge-position design cuts through the mix with modern definition
- ✓ Focused midrange and extended highs emphasize string clarity and harmonics
- ✓ Moderate output balances vintage character with contemporary articulation
Frequently asked questions
What's the main tonal difference between these two pickups?
The white (SL59-1n) emphasizes warm midrange and full body with controlled overdrive, while the black (SL59-1b) prioritizes aggressive bite, focused midrange, and punchy presence. The white is rounder; the black is sharper and cuts harder.
Which one should I choose for my position—neck, middle, or bridge?
The white is compatible with neck or middle positions and designed for all-around tonal flexibility. The black is optimized for bridge position, where its higher output and presence peak deliver maximum clarity and cut-through.
Do both pickups support coil-splitting and alternative wiring?
Yes, both feature four-conductor lead wires supporting series, parallel, and split configurations. Both are wax-potted ceramic-magnet humbuckers hand-built in Santa Barbara, CA.
Which genres suit each pickup best?
The white excels in blues, rock, jazz, and country with its warm, woody character. The black is better for rock, blues, jazz, and indie, where aggressive bite and presence-peak clarity are assets. Both avoid metal and high-gain styles.