Seymour Duncan SH-16 59/Custom Hybrid, Black Pickup
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- Brand new in original box
- Full Seymour Duncan manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- 11102-86-B
Description
Seymour Duncan SH-16 '59/Custom Hybrid, Black Pickup
The SH-16 '59/Custom Hybrid is a workhorse bridge pickup built for players who need responsive dynamics without sacrificing punch on stage. The hybrid design pairs a classic '59 coil on the screw side with a hotter Custom coil on the slug side, giving you clarity on single-note runs while keeping full chords thick and sustained under pressure. Hand-built in Santa Barbara, the SH-16 cuts through live mixes and responds predictably to pick attack and amp gain changes—exactly what you need for reliable, versatile gigging performance.
Tonal Character & Output
The medium output level and Alnico V magnet generate articulate highs and punchy mids without excessive brightness. A resonant peak of 5.95 kHz combined with balanced EQ values—8 bass, 6 mid, 6 treble—produces a response that cuts through a mix while retaining harmonic complexity. The vacuum wax potting eliminates microphonic feedback, ensuring clean, squeal-free operation at high gain.
Construction & Specifications
Built with professional-grade components, this pickup features a nickel silver short leg bottom plate and a four-conductor lead wire for flexible wiring configurations and split-coil capability. The 11.5 kΩ DC resistance positions the SH-16 as a high-output hybrid that maintains responsiveness to pick dynamics and amp settings, making it suitable for both classic rock and contemporary styles.
Key Features
- Alnico V magnet for articulate, dynamic response
- DC Resistance: 11.5 kΩ
- Resonant Peak: 5.95 kHz
- EQ: 8 Bass / 6 Mid / 6 Treble
- '59 screw-side coil paired with Custom slug-side coil configuration
- Medium output level
- Four-conductor lead wire for coil-split capability
- Nickel silver short leg bottom plate
- Vacuum wax potted for squeal-free performance
- Bridge position design
- Hand-built in Santa Barbara, CA
The SH-16 '59/Custom Hybrid represents decades of Seymour Duncan's pickup engineering, delivering the tonal complexity and reliability expected of a hand-crafted instrument component.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The Seymour Duncan SH-16 '59/Custom Hybrid is a hand-built bridge pickup that pairs a classic '59 coil with a hotter Custom coil, delivering vintage warmth and modern aggression in one versatile voice. Built for intermediate to professional players who gig in rock, metal, and progressive styles, it cuts through a mix with articulate highs and punchy mids while staying responsive to pick dynamics and amp settings. Choose this if you need a single pickup that balances classic character with contemporary power—no squealing feedback, no compromise.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Rock
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Progressive
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between the SH-16 and comparable pickups like the SH-5 Custom or SH-1N 59 Model?
The SH-16 is a hybrid that combines a '59 coil on the screw side with a Custom coil on the slug side, offering dynamic responsiveness across both vintage and modern tones in a single pickup. The SH-5 is a pure Custom voice, while the SH-1N is a pure '59; the SH-16 splits the difference with 11.5 kΩ medium-high output and flexibility without sacrificing character.
Is this pickup suitable for both classic rock and metal?
Yes. The SH-16's balanced EQ (8 bass / 6 mid / 6 treble) and Alnico V magnet produce articulate highs and punchy mids that work well in classic rock while maintaining the sustain and aggression needed for contemporary metal and progressive styles.
Does it come with a coil-split option?
The SH-16 includes a four-conductor lead wire, which allows for flexible wiring configurations and split-coil capability if you wire it into a compatible switch or push-pull pot in your instrument.
Will this pickup feedback or squeal at high gain?
No. The pickup is vacuum wax potted, which eliminates microphonic feedback and ensures clean, squeal-free operation even at high gain levels.
What position is this pickup designed for?
The SH-16 is designed for bridge position applications where players demand versatility and cutting power without losing responsiveness to pick dynamics.
Do I pay sales tax on this order?
We collect sales tax only on orders shipped to California. Orders shipped to any other US state are charged $0 sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. Marketplaces such as eBay, Reverb and Amazon collect sales tax in nearly every state as marketplace facilitators no matter who the seller is, so the same item at the same price costs less bought direct. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included. Some states ask buyers to self-report use tax on out-of-state purchases.
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