11101-01-Gc vs 11102-86-Nc — Compare

Seymour Duncan SH-1n '59 Model Gold Pickup vs Seymour Duncan SH-16 59/Custom Hybrid, Nickel Cover Pickup

The SH-1n '59 is a neck-position pickup optimized for warm, articulate vintage tones with note separation, while the SH-16 is a bridge-position pickup designed for punchy, midrange-focused clarity with modern dynamics. Choose the SH-1n for classic blues and rock players seeking authentic 1959 character in the neck position; choose the SH-16 for bridge-position players who want balanced vintage warmth with cutting presence.

No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.

Seymour Duncan SH-1n '59 Model Gold Pickup

$135.00
View Seymour Duncan SH-1n '59 Model Gold Pickup

Seymour Duncan SH-16 59/Custom Hybrid, Nickel Cover Pickup

$135.00
View Seymour Duncan SH-16 59/Custom Hybrid, Nickel Cover Pickup

Specs side by side

Seymour Duncan SH-1n '59 Model Gold PickupSeymour Duncan SH-16 59/Custom Hybrid, Nickel Cover Pickup
Price$135.00$135.00
BrandSeymour DuncanSeymour Duncan
ConditionNewNew

Why choose Seymour Duncan SH-1n '59 Model Gold Pickup

  • ✓ Lower DC resistance (7.6k ohms) delivers clearer note definition ideal for neck-position work
  • ✓ Authentic 1959-inspired design with proven harmonic richness and natural compression
  • ✓ Moderate output maintains articulation without muddiness in lower frequencies
  • ✓ Neck-position specification engineered for maximum clarity and string separation

Why choose Seymour Duncan SH-16 59/Custom Hybrid, Nickel Cover Pickup

  • ✓ Mismatched coil design adds harmonic complexity and responsive dynamics
  • ✓ 5.95 kHz resonant peak with 6/6/8 EQ curve emphasizes punchy midrange clarity
  • ✓ Higher impedance (11.5 kΩ) supports bridge-position output and sustain
  • ✓ Hand-built in Santa Barbara with nickel silver short-leg plate for tonal refinement
Bottom line: Buy the SH-1n '59 if you need a warm, note-separating neck pickup for blues and classic rock. Buy the SH-16 if you need a bridge pickup with punchy midrange and modern clarity that cuts through driven tones.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use these pickups together as a matched set?

These are designed for different positions—the SH-1n is specified for neck, the SH-16 for bridge. They can be paired in the same guitar, but they serve different tonal roles. The SH-1n prioritizes note separation while the SH-16 emphasizes presence and punch.

Which pickup has higher output?

The SH-16 has higher impedance at 11.5 kΩ compared to the SH-1n's 7.6 kΩ, giving it greater bridge-position output and sustain. The SH-1n's moderate output is intentional for neck-position clarity.

Are these suitable for hard rock and progressive players?

Both work well for classic rock and hard rock, but the SH-16 is specifically noted for progressive and hard rock bridge-position work due to its punchy midrange and articulate dynamics. The SH-1n excels in blues and vintage rock contexts.

What's the difference in construction approach?

The SH-1n uses matched coil winding on a Leesona 102 machine for consistency and vintage accuracy. The SH-16 uses mismatched coils hand-built in Santa Barbara for harmonic complexity and modern responsiveness, representing two different design philosophies.

✨
🎸

Welcome! Before we chat…

Drop your name and email so we can follow up if you reach us after hours.

We never share your info.

✨
🟢 Specialist connected