Seymour Duncan SH-1b '59 Model Reverse Zebra 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-RZ
Description
Seymour Duncan SH-1b '59 Model Reverse Zebra Pickup
The SH-1b '59 Model is a bridge humbucker built to deliver warm, articulate tones with natural breakup and responsive dynamics that hang tight under live stage conditions. This reverse zebra variant pairs Seymour Duncan's vintage-inspired design with striking visual contrast—a pickup that sounds as good as it looks whether you're grinding through classic rock, dialing in smooth blues tones, or holding tight in a jazz gig where touch sensitivity matters.
Tone & Electronics
An Alnico V magnet paired with 42AWG plain enamel magnet wire creates focused output with defined highs and mids, reduced mud in the lows, and natural compression under pick attack—the sonic DNA of the original 1959 Gibson PAF. The 8.2K DCR and vintage output level give you clarity and sustain without the aggression that muddles a band mix, making this pickup equally at home on a studio session or a crowded stage.
Construction & Durability
Vacuum wax potting eliminates microphonic feedback, so your tone stays locked in through long sets and temperature swings. The long-legged nickel-silver bottom plate and vintage single-conductor braided push-back lead wire are built to last decades of hard gigging, and USA manufacturing means every unit meets Seymour Duncan's standard for reliability you can count on night after night.
Key Features
- Alnico V magnet for balanced, vintage-correct tone
- 42AWG plain enamel magnet wire handcrafted construction
- 8.2K DCR specification
- Vintage output level
- Vacuum wax potted for noise-free operation
- Long-legged nickel-silver bottom plate
- Vintage single-conductor braided push-back lead wire
- Reverse Zebra coil finish
- Humbucker mount configuration
- Bridge position design
- 6-string compatible
- Made in the United States
A pickup that delivers authentic '59 character with the road-tested reliability and tonal range you need across amps, venues, and setlists.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The Seymour Duncan SH-1b '59 Model Reverse Zebra is a bridge humbucker voiced for warm, articulate tones with natural breakup and responsive dynamics—a direct bridge alternative to vintage Gibson PAF character. Built with Alnico V magnet, 42AWG plain enamel wire, and vacuum wax potting for feedback-free operation, it's engineered for blues, jazz, and classic rock players who need clarity and sustain without excessive aggression. Choose this pickup for its touch-sensitive response, defined mids, and proven durability on stage or in the studio.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Blues
- ✓ Jazz
- ✓ Classic Rock
- ✓ Studio Sessions
Not the best pick for
- – Metal
- – Djent
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What amp types and genres work best with this pickup?
The SH-1b '59 excels in blues, jazz, classic rock, and studio sessions. Its balanced output and natural breakup respond well to both vintage tube amps and modern solid-states, though it is not voiced for metal or djent styles where higher output and aggressive tone shaping are typical.
How does this compare to the original Gibson 1959 PAF or other vintage pickups?
The SH-1b '59 is engineered as a direct bridge alternative to Gibson's original 1959 PAF, with an 8.2K DCR and Alnico V magnet that deliver comparable warmth and articulation. It offers clarity and sustain without the excessive aggression found in hotter aftermarket designs like the DiMarzio Super Distortion.
What does vacuum wax potting mean, and why does it matter?
Vacuum wax potting fills the coil to eliminate microphonic feedback—that squealing or ringing that can occur when a pickup picks up its own vibration. This ensures stable, noise-free operation in any playing or recording environment.
Is this pickup suitable for intermediate players, or do I need advanced skill?
The SH-1b '59 is designed for intermediate, advanced, and professional players. Its touch-sensitive character rewards refined pick control and playing dynamics, though installation requires routing a bridge humbucker slot or adapting to an existing cavity.
What is included, and what else will I need to install it?
The pickup arrives as a complete humbucker with long-legged nickel-silver bottom plate, vintage single-conductor braided push-back lead wire, and mounting hardware. Installation into a bridge position cavity may require soldering to your guitar's wiring harness; professional installation is recommended if you are unfamiliar with guitar electronics.
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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