11205-33 vs 11302-12-Crc — Compare
Seymour Duncan Humbucker ST59-1 Little 59 Lead Pickup For Tele vs Seymour Duncan SP90-3b Custom P90 Soapbar Cream Pickup
The ST59-1 is a humbucker-format lead pickup optimized for high-gain rock and hard rock, while the SP90-3b is a single-coil P90 soapbar voiced for jazz, surf, and blues with cleaner dynamics. Choose the ST59-1 if you play aggressive genres and need bridge-only coverage in a Telecaster; pick the SP90-3b if you want versatile, warm tone for cleaner styles or need neck and bridge options.
No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.
Seymour Duncan Humbucker ST59-1 Little 59 Lead Pickup For Tele
Seymour Duncan SP90-3b Custom P90 Soapbar Cream Pickup
Specs side by side
| Seymour Duncan Humbucker ST59-1 Little 59 Lead Pickup For Tele | Seymour Duncan SP90-3b Custom P90 Soapbar Cream Pickup | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $119.00 | $115.00 |
| Brand | Seymour Duncan | Seymour Duncan |
| Pickup Type | Neck | — |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Seymour Duncan Humbucker ST59-1 Little 59 Lead Pickup For Tele
- ✓ Humbucker format delivers higher output and tighter low end for hard rock and high-gain genres
- ✓ Specifically engineered for Telecaster bridge position with compact footprint
- ✓ 17k ohms per coil provides punchy midrange and articulate highs even at heavy distortion
- ✓ 4-conductor cable enables split-coil and series/parallel wiring flexibility
Why choose Seymour Duncan SP90-3b Custom P90 Soapbar Cream Pickup
- ✓ Single-coil P90 design offers warm, balanced character suited to jazz, surf, and blues
- ✓ Available in both neck and bridge configurations with matched frequency response
- ✓ Lower DC resistance (14.6k bridge / 12k neck) delivers responsive, clean dynamics
- ✓ Cream soapbar finish fits both vintage and modern instrument aesthetics
Frequently asked questions
Can I use either of these in a Telecaster?
The ST59-1 is specifically designed for Telecaster bridge positions in humbucker format. The SP90-3b is a P90 soapbar and requires P90 routing, so it will not fit standard Telecaster cavities without modification.
Which pickup handles distortion and high-gain better?
The ST59-1 humbucker with 17k ohms DC resistance and ceramic bar magnet is engineered for high-gain applications and maintains clarity under heavy distortion. The SP90-3b with 14.6k ohms is voiced for cleaner, more responsive dynamics and is not optimized for metal or thrash metal.
What is the key tonal difference between these two?
The ST59-1 delivers punchy midrange and articulate highs with controlled lows typical of a lead humbucker. The SP90-3b offers a warmer, more balanced midrange with vintage character and clean articulation across the frequency spectrum, suited to jazz and blues.
Do both come with wiring options and protective potting?
Both feature wax potting to eliminate microphonic feedback. The ST59-1 ships with a 4-conductor cable supporting split-coil and series/parallel options; the SP90-3b includes a single-conductor braided cable for standard installation.