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Seymour Duncan SH-1n '59 Model Black Cover Pickup vs Seymour Duncan SH-16 59/Custom Hybrid, Nickel Cover Pickup
The SH-1n '59 is a neck-position vintage-voiced pickup with warm, natural compression and lower output (7.6K), while the SH-16 is a bridge-position hybrid designed for punchy midrange clarity and dynamic responsiveness with moderate output (11.5K impedance). Choose the SH-1n for authentic vintage tone in the neck; choose the SH-16 for a bridge position that balances classic warmth with modern articulation.
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Seymour Duncan SH-1n '59 Model Black Cover Pickup
Seymour Duncan SH-16 59/Custom Hybrid, Nickel Cover Pickup
Specs side by side
| Seymour Duncan SH-1n '59 Model Black Cover Pickup | Seymour Duncan SH-16 59/Custom Hybrid, Nickel Cover Pickup | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $135.00 | $135.00 |
| Brand | Seymour Duncan | Seymour Duncan |
| Series | Seymour Duncan '59 | Seymour Duncan Custom |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Seymour Duncan SH-1n '59 Model Black Cover Pickup
- ✓ Vintage-correct Leesona 102 winding from original Gibson factory tooling
- ✓ Designed specifically for neck position with balanced, non-aggressive 7.6K output
- ✓ Natural compression and detailed articulation ideal for blues and jazz
- ✓ Authentic construction with maple spacers and paper tape coil wrapping
Why choose Seymour Duncan SH-16 59/Custom Hybrid, Nickel Cover Pickup
- ✓ Bridge-position focused design with punchy, midrange-forward character
- ✓ Mismatched coil design adds harmonic complexity and dynamic responsiveness
- ✓ 5.95 kHz resonant peak cuts through in clean and driven contexts without harshness
- ✓ Modern hand-built construction with nickel silver short leg plate for refined tone
Frequently asked questions
Can I use these pickups in any position?
No. The SH-1n '59 is wound specifically for neck position with lower output designed to balance a bridge pickup naturally. The SH-16 is engineered for bridge position with a midrange peak and output level suited to that placement. Swapping positions will compromise the tonal balance and responsiveness each was designed for.
Which pickup is better for metal or aggressive genres?
Neither is ideal for thrash metal or djent. The SH-1n explicitly favors blues and classic rock, while the SH-16 suits hard rock and progressive but not thrash metal. Both prioritize articulation and dynamic response over the aggressive gain stack metal players typically demand.
What is the main tonal difference between them?
The SH-1n delivers warm, naturally compressed vintage tone with balanced attack and string-to-string detail. The SH-16 balances vintage warmth with modern clarity through mismatched coils and a midrange-focused EQ curve, resulting in a punchier, more responsive character that cuts through in band contexts.
Are both pickups vacuum wax potted?
Yes. Both the SH-1n and SH-16 use vacuum wax potting to eliminate microphonics and ensure stable performance across temperature and humidity changes.