Seymour Duncan SH-1b '59 Model Black 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
Only 1 left
- SKU
- 11101-05-Bc
Description
Seymour Duncan SH-1b '59 Model Black Cover Pickup
The SH-1b '59 Model is a bridge-position humbucker engineered to capture the warm, articulate character of vintage Gibson pickups. This passive design delivers the harmonic complexity and dynamic response that made 1950s electrics legendary, balancing clarity with natural sustain across all playing intensities—ideal for tracking everything from blues and rock to jazz and studio sessions where vintage tonality anchors the mix.
Tone & Construction
Alnico V magnets paired with 42AWG plain enamel magnet wire produce the smooth, slightly compressed midrange and singing treble characteristic of the '59 era. The vacuum wax potting eliminates microphonics while preserving the organic articulation that defines this pickup family—essential for clean recordings and layered production where clarity matters in the final mix.
Winding & Materials
Wound on an original Leesona 102 winding machine—the exact machine used in Gibson's Kalamazoo factory—this pickup maintains authentic specifications in every detail. The long-legged nickel-silver bottom plate and vintage single-conductor braided lead wire ensure period-accurate impedance and tonal behavior, delivering consistent, predictable performance across recording sessions and eliminating tonal surprises during production.
Key Features
- Model: SH-1b '59 Model
- Position: Bridge
- Pickup Type: Passive Humbucker
- Magnet Type: Alnico V
- DC Resistance: Approx. 8.1kΩ
- Wire Gauge: 42AWG plain enamel magnet wire
- Magnet Processing: Vacuum wax potted
- Winding Machine: Original Leesona 102 (Gibson Kalamazoo factory machine)
- Bottom Plate: Long-legged nickel-silver material
- Lead Wire: Vintage single-conductor braided push back
- Spacing: 6-string standard humbucker
- Cover: Black (included)
- Wiring: 2-Conductor
This pickup delivers the tonal authenticity and build integrity that make it a trusted choice for studios and producers seeking genuine vintage-voiced bridge performance that cuts through a mix with character and sits naturally in a recording.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The Seymour Duncan SH-1b '59 Model is a bridge humbucker that captures the warm, slightly compressed midrange and harmonic complexity of 1950s studio recordings, pairing beautifully with blues, rock, and jazz sessions where articulate, singing treble and natural sustain matter. Built with vacuum-wax potting, Alnico V magnets, and authentic specifications from Gibson's original equipment, it delivers the tonal character and mechanical integrity needed to track vintage-voiced tones that sit naturally in a mix without coloration.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Blues
- ✓ Rock
- ✓ Jazz
- ✓ Classic Rock
Not the best pick for
- – Metal
- – Djent
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What position should I install this pickup in?
This is a bridge-position pickup (SH-1b designation). It is not recommended for neck position; if you need a matching neck pickup, consider the Seymour Duncan SH-1n '59 Model for neck.
What genres and playing styles is this pickup best suited for?
The SH-1b '59 excels in blues, rock, jazz, and classic rock, delivering the articulate, warm tone those styles demand. It is not designed for metal or djent playing, where darker, more aggressive character is typically preferred.
How does the Seymour Duncan SH-1b compare to other vintage-style humbuckers?
The SH-1b is modeled after the Gibson '59 and offers similar warm, harmonic-rich character. It compares closely to the Fender Custom Shop '59 and DiMarzio Tone Zone, but stays truest to original Gibson specs by using the actual Leesona 102 winding machine and authentic materials like Alnico V magnets and vintage braided lead wire.
What is included with this pickup?
The SH-1b comes with a black cover, vintage single-conductor braided lead wire, and is ready to install as a 2-conductor humbucker in any standard 6-string humbucker cavity.
Will this pickup sound different than the original vintage Gibson '59?
The SH-1b is designed to replicate the vintage '59 character as closely as possible, using period-correct magnets, wire gauges, winding specifications, and the original Gibson factory winding machine. Vacuum-wax potting eliminates microphonics while preserving the organic articulation of the original design.
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