Seymour Duncan SH-1b '59 Model Black Cover 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
- 11101-05-Bc
Description
Seymour Duncan SH-1b '59 Model Black Cover Pickup
The SH-1b '59 Model is a bridge-position humbucker engineered to capture the warm, articulate character of vintage Gibson pickups. On stage or in the studio, this passive design delivers the harmonic complexity and dynamic response that defined 1950s electrics, balancing clarity with natural sustain across all playing intensities—from controlled rhythm work to screaming lead runs.
Tone & Construction
Alnico V magnets paired with 42AWG plain enamel magnet wire produce the smooth, slightly compressed midrange and singing treble that cut through a live mix without sacrificing musicality. The vacuum wax potting eliminates microphonics—critical for reliable on-stage performance—while preserving the organic articulation that makes this pickup family instantly recognizable in any band context.
Winding & Materials
Wound on an original Leesona 102 winding machine—the exact machine used in Gibson's Kalamazoo factory—this pickup maintains authentic specifications in every detail. The long-legged nickel-silver bottom plate and vintage single-conductor braided lead wire ensure period-accurate impedance and tonal behavior that translates reliably through any rig, from classic tube heads to modern solid-states.
Key Features
- Model: SH-1b '59 Model
- Position: Bridge
- Pickup Type: Passive Humbucker
- Magnet Type: Alnico V
- DC Resistance: Approx. 8.1kΩ
- Wire Gauge: 42AWG plain enamel magnet wire
- Magnet Processing: Vacuum wax potted
- Winding Machine: Original Leesona 102 (Gibson Kalamazoo factory machine)
- Bottom Plate: Long-legged nickel-silver material
- Lead Wire: Vintage single-conductor braided push back
- Spacing: 6-string standard humbucker
- Cover: Black (included)
- Wiring: 2-Conductor
This pickup delivers the tonal authenticity and build integrity that make it a trusted choice for players seeking genuine vintage-voiced bridge performance with the durability and consistency that gigging musicians depend on.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The Seymour Duncan SH-1b '59 Model is a bridge humbucker engineered to deliver authentic vintage Gibson tone—warm, articulate, and harmonically rich—ideal for blues, rock, and classic rock players who want responsive, singing treble and natural sustain without sacrificing clarity. Wound on Gibson's original Kalamazoo factory winding machine with Alnico V magnets and vintage materials, it bridges the gap between genuine vintage pickups and modern reliability, making it a workhorse for gigging musicians and collectors who demand period-accurate tone on stage.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Blues
- ✓ Rock
- ✓ Jazz
- ✓ Classic Rock
Not the best pick for
- – Metal
- – Djent
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What position should I install this pickup in?
This is a bridge-position pickup (SH-1b designation). It is not recommended for neck position; if you need a matching neck pickup, consider the Seymour Duncan SH-1n '59 Model for neck.
What genres and playing styles is this pickup best suited for?
The SH-1b '59 excels in blues, rock, jazz, and classic rock, delivering the articulate, warm tone those styles demand. It is not designed for metal or djent playing, where darker, more aggressive character is typically preferred.
How does the Seymour Duncan SH-1b compare to other vintage-style humbuckers?
The SH-1b is modeled after the Gibson '59 and offers similar warm, harmonic-rich character. It compares closely to the Fender Custom Shop '59 and DiMarzio Tone Zone, but stays truest to original Gibson specs by using the actual Leesona 102 winding machine and authentic materials like Alnico V magnets and vintage braided lead wire.
What is included with this pickup?
The SH-1b comes with a black cover, vintage single-conductor braided lead wire, and is ready to install as a 2-conductor humbucker in any standard 6-string humbucker cavity.
Will this pickup sound different than the original vintage Gibson '59?
The SH-1b is designed to replicate the vintage '59 character as closely as possible, using period-correct magnets, wire gauges, winding specifications, and the original Gibson factory winding machine. Vacuum-wax potting eliminates microphonics while preserving the organic articulation of the original design.
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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