Seymour Duncan SH-1b '59 Model Zebra 4-Conductor 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-Z4c
Description
Seymour Duncan SH-1b '59 Model Zebra 4-Conductor Pickup
The SH-1b '59 Model delivers the articulate, slightly compressed midrange and musical breakup that defined classic rock tones. This zebra-coil humbucker bridges vintage PAF character with modern reliability, making it a trusted choice for players seeking authentic '59-style response without compromise.
Tone & Performance
Built around an Alnico 5 bar magnet and wound with 42AWG plain enamel wire, this pickup produces the warm, woody fundamentals and controlled output (8.2K DC resistance) that cut through a live mix without overpowering the band. The vacuum wax potting eliminates microphonic feedback and squeal on stage while preserving the natural resonance players expect from a PAF-inspired design.
Construction & Specifications
Hand-wound on a Leesona 102 pickup winding machine for precision and consistency, the SH-1b features a long-legged nickel-silver bottom plate that contributes to clarity and sustain for gig-ready performance. The 4-conductor cable provides full wiring flexibility for coil-splitting, series/parallel switching, or standard configurations.
Key Features
- Alnico 5 bar magnet for warm, musical response
- 8.2K DC resistance — moderate output ideal for bridge positioning
- 42AWG plain enamel magnet wire
- Long-legged nickel-silver bottom plate for enhanced clarity
- 4-conductor cable for wiring versatility
- Vacuum wax potted construction — no microphonic feedback
- PAF-style humbucker design with vintage character
- Wound on Leesona 102 precision winding machine
- Zebra coil configuration
This SH-1b remains one of the most reliable bridge pickups for working musicians who refuse to compromise between vintage tone and stage-ready consistency.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The Seymour Duncan SH-1b '59 Model is a hand-wound, Alnico 5 humbucker that captures the warm, articulate midrange and natural breakup of a classic PAF without the temperamental nature of vintage originals. Built for classic rock, blues, and hard rock players who need a pickup that sits perfectly in a live mix while staying articulate through a crowded stage, its 8.2K output and vacuum wax potting deliver feedback-free reliability night after night. The 4-conductor wiring gives you coil-split and switching options if your guitar supports them, making it a versatile choice whether you're running a single-pickup setup or building out a full rig.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Classic Rock
- ✓ Blues
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Jazz
- ✓ Studio Sessions
Not the best pick for
- – Metal
- – Djent
Skill level: Beginner · Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the 4-conductor cable let me do?
The 4-conductor wiring supports coil-splitting, series/parallel switching, and standard humbucker modes, depending on your guitar's wiring scheme. This gives you access to single-coil tones and other voicings without swapping pickups.
Is this pickup suitable for metal or high-gain genres?
No — the SH-1b is designed for classic rock, blues, hard rock, and jazz. Its warm, slightly compressed character and moderate 8.2K output are optimized for vintage-style tones rather than the aggressive, tight response metal and djent players typically require.
How does the 8.2K output compare to hotter bridge pickups?
At 8.2K, the SH-1b sits in the moderate range, making it ideal for bridge positioning without overwhelming the amp or losing articulation. It's warm and musical rather than scooped or compressed, and it works well in both clean and driven contexts.
What is vacuum wax potting and why does it matter?
Vacuum wax potting seals the coils and magnets to eliminate microphonic feedback — the squealing or howling that can occur when a pickup resonates. This makes the SH-1b reliable on stage and in the studio without sacrificing the natural resonance of the design.
Will this work as a drop-in replacement in my guitar?
The SH-1b is a standard humbucker size and uses long-legged nickel-silver mounting hardware. Confirm your guitar has a humbucker cavity and standard wiring provisions; if you need help routing or wiring, consult a tech or your guitar's service manual.
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