Seymour Duncan SH-16 59/Custom Hybrid, Gold Cover Pickup
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- Brand new in original box
- Full Seymour Duncan manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- 11102-86-Gc
Description
Seymour Duncan SH-16 59/Custom Hybrid Humbucker Pickup — Gold Cover
The SH-16 59/Custom Hybrid captures a balanced, articulate voice that bridges the gap between vintage warmth and modern clarity. This dual-coil humbucker pairs the sonic character of Duncan's legendary '59 bridge coil with the punchy response of the Custom bridge coil, delivering a pickup that responds dynamically across the entire frequency spectrum without sounding bloated or sterile—ideal for tracking vocals, guitars, and layered arrangements in the mix.
Tone & Frequency Response
With a resonant peak of 5.95 kHz and an EQ balance of 6/6/8 (Bass/Mid/Treble), this pickup maintains controlled low-end definition while boosting presence in the upper midrange and treble. The moderate output level preserves note separation and dynamics, making it equally capable of articulate clean tones and saturated lead work without excessive compression—essential for recording sessions where definition and detail matter through the mix.
Construction & Specifications
Built with Alnico 5 magnets and vacuum wax potting for reliability and consistency, the SH-16 features mismatched coils that create harmonic complexity through their tonal asymmetry. The nickel-silver short-leg bottom plate and four-conductor wiring allow for series, parallel, and split configurations, giving engineers and producers flexibility in shaping their sound across different sessions and recording scenarios.
Key Features
- Dual-coil humbucker configuration
- Alnico 5 magnet
- DC Resistance: 11.5k Ω
- Impedance: 11.5 k
- Resonant Peak: 5.95 kHz
- EQ: 6/6/8 (Bass/Mid/Treble)
- Moderate output level
- Vacuum wax potted
- Four-conductor wiring
- Nickel-silver short-leg bottom plate
- Mismatched coil design (59/Custom hybrid)
- Manufactured in Santa Barbara, CA
The SH-16 is a session-ready hybrid that captures clarity and detail without sacrificing the warmth and sustain that define humbucker tone—a dependable choice for producers tracking multiple instruments.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The Seymour Duncan SH-16 59/Custom Hybrid delivers a balanced, articulate voice that sits well in a mix—combining vintage warmth with modern clarity and a controlled low end that won't cloud your recordings. Its moderate output, harmonic complexity from mismatched coils, and presence boost in the upper midrange make it equally adept at capturing clean definition and saturated lead texture without excessive compression. Four-conductor wiring opens up series, parallel, and split options, giving you mixing flexibility within a single pickup.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Rock
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Blues
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Studio Sessions
Not the best pick for
- – Punk
- – Metal
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between the SH-16 and other Seymour Duncan humbuckers like the SH-1N or SH-2?
The SH-16 pairs a '59 bridge coil with a Custom bridge coil (mismatched design) to create harmonic complexity and dynamic punch, falling between the warm, vintage character of the SH-1N 59 Model and the aggressive focus of the SH-2 Jazz Model. Its moderate output and presence peak at 5.95 kHz make it more articulate and balanced than a traditional '59, while remaining less dark than the Jazz model.
Will this pickup work for metal or punk?
The SH-16 is optimized for rock, hard rock, blues, and progressive styles where clarity and dynamic response matter; its moderate output and articulate character make it less suited for metal or punk, which typically benefit from higher-output designs with heavier compression.
What wiring options does the SH-16 support?
The SH-16 features four-conductor wiring and a nickel-silver short-leg bottom plate, allowing you to wire it in series (standard humbucking), parallel, or split configurations for tonal flexibility within a single pickup.
Is this pickup good for both studio recording and live performance?
Yes. Its moderate output preserves note separation and dynamics for clear recording, while its vacuum wax potting and Alnico 5 magnets ensure consistent, reliable tone on stage; the balanced warmth and articulation work across both clean and lead applications.
What skill level do I need to install this pickup?
Installation requires intermediate to advanced soldering and wiring skills, or professional installation, depending on your comfort with guitar electronics and your specific instrument's configuration.
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