11101-05-NH vs 11301-06-Bc — Compare
Seymour Duncan SH-1b '59 Nighthawk Pickup vs Seymour Duncan SP90-1b Vintage P90 Soapbar Black Pickup
The SH-1b '59 Nighthawk is a humbucker with a 6 kHz peak suited to classic rock and blues requiring tighter, more controlled tone; the SP90-1b is a single-coil P90 with a 3.8 kHz peak offering warmer, more vocal midrange character ideal for players seeking vintage P90 authenticity across blues, jazz, and indie styles.
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Seymour Duncan SP90-1b Vintage P90 Soapbar Black Pickup
Specs side by side
| Seymour Duncan SH-1b '59 Nighthawk Pickup | Seymour Duncan SP90-1b Vintage P90 Soapbar Black Pickup | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $115.00 | $115.00 |
| Brand | Seymour Duncan | Seymour Duncan |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Seymour Duncan SH-1b '59 Nighthawk Pickup
- ✓ Humbucker design provides noise rejection and tighter, more controlled response
- ✓ 6 kHz resonant peak delivers clarity and articulation without excessive midrange
- ✓ Moderate output won't overload amp front end, preserving dynamics
- ✓ Four-conductor wiring enables coil-split options
Why choose Seymour Duncan SP90-1b Vintage P90 Soapbar Black Pickup
- ✓ Classic P90 single-coil character with warm, woody tone and natural compression
- ✓ 3.8 kHz resonant peak emphasizes vocal midrange bloom, ideal for blues and jazz
- ✓ Wax potting minimizes feedback while maintaining authentic P90 voice
- ✓ Accessible to beginners while satisfying advanced players seeking vintage tone
Frequently asked questions
What's the main tonal difference between these two pickups?
The SH-1b '59 Nighthawk is a humbucker with a 6 kHz peak emphasizing clarity and articulation, while the SP90-1b is a single-coil P90 with a 3.8 kHz peak that favors warm, vocal midrange bloom. The humbucker sounds tighter and more controlled; the P90 sounds warmer and more compressed.
Can beginners use either pickup?
The SP90-1b is rated for beginner through professional skill levels. The SH-1b '59 Nighthawk is rated for intermediate through professional, suggesting it benefits from some playing experience to fully appreciate its articulate dynamics.
Which pickup has more output and headroom?
The SH-1b '59 Nighthawk features moderate output at ~8 kΩ impedance designed not to overwhelm amp front ends. The SP90-1b has 9.7 kΩ DCR, slightly higher impedance, maintaining traditional P90 voice without excessive output or brittleness.
Which is better for jazz or soul applications?
The SP90-1b is explicitly listed for jazz and excels with its vocal midrange bloom and natural compression. The SH-1b '59 Nighthawk suits classic soul but with a brighter, more articulate character. Both work in these genres; choose based on whether you prefer humbucker clarity or P90 warmth.