Seymour Duncan SH-1b '59 Model 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-Z
Description
Seymour Duncan SH-1b '59 Model Zebra Pickup
The SH-1b '59 Model is a bridge humbucker that delivers the warm, articulate character of a vintage PAF without sacrificing clarity and definition. On stage or in the studio, this pickup commands presence in the mix while maintaining the harmonic complexity that made the original design legendary. Built for players who demand authenticity paired with reliable, modern construction standards.
Tone & Magnetic Character
An Alnico 5 bar magnet combined with 42AWG plain enamel magnet wire produces a resonant peak at 6 kHz with a balanced EQ profile of 6 bass / 3 mid / 8 treble. This tuning emphasizes articulation in the upper midrange while maintaining full low-end body, ideal for both lead definition and rhythm sustain on any gig or recording session.
Construction & Wiring
The pickup features a long-legged nickel silver bottom plate and zebra bobbins for the classic visual aesthetic, while vacuum wax potting ensures stability and eliminates microphonics—critical for reliable live performance. This listing includes the 1-conductor vintage-correct cable configuration; a 4-conductor version is also available for players requiring coil-splitting capability.
Key Features
- PAF (Patent Applied For) humbucker design
- Alnico 5 bar magnet
- 42AWG plain enamel magnet wire
- DC Resistance Bridge: 8.13 kΩ
- Resonant Peak: 6 kHz
- EQ Response: 6 Bass / 3 Mid / 8 Treble
- Long-legged nickel silver bottom plate
- Zebra bobbins
- Vacuum wax potted construction
- 1-conductor vintage-correct cable included
- Bridge position model
- No logo variant
The SH-1b '59 remains one of the most versatile vintage-voiced humbuckers available, balancing period-correct sonics with modern reliability for working musicians and collectors alike.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The Seymour Duncan SH-1b '59 Model is a bridge humbucker that nails the warm, articulate tone of a vintage PAF without losing clarity—ideal for blues, rock, and classic rock players who want authentic vintage character with modern reliability. Built with Alnico 5 magnets and vacuum wax potting, it delivers defined lead tones and full-bodied rhythm sustain that cuts through live mix while staying true to the original design. Choose this pickup if you want a versatile, road-ready humbucker that bridges vintage authenticity and dependable performance.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Blues
- ✓ Rock
- ✓ Jazz
- ✓ Classic Rock
Not the best pick for
- – Djent
- – Thrash Metal
Skill level: Beginner · Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What cable configuration does this pickup include, and can I upgrade to coil-splitting?
This listing includes the 1-conductor vintage-correct cable configuration for traditional wiring. A 4-conductor version is also available separately if you want to add coil-splitting capability to your guitar.
What genres and playing styles is this pickup best suited for?
The SH-1b '59 is built for blues, rock, jazz, and classic rock—genres where warm articulation and vintage tone character are essential. It is not recommended for djent or thrash metal styles that demand higher output and aggressive response.
How does the zebra bobbin design and vacuum wax potting affect tone and reliability?
The zebra bobbins provide the classic vintage aesthetic while vacuum wax potting eliminates microphonics and ensures stable, hum-free performance even in live or tour conditions. These construction details preserve the authentic PAF character while delivering modern dependability.
What is the DC resistance and resonant peak of this pickup?
The bridge model has a DC resistance of 8.13 kΩ with a resonant peak at 6 kHz, tuned to a 6 bass / 3 mid / 8 treble EQ profile that balances full low-end body with defined upper-midrange articulation.
Is this pickup suitable for beginners, or is it better for experienced players?
The SH-1b '59 is versatile across skill levels—beginners and intermediate players benefit from its warm, forgiving vintage tone, while advanced and professional players rely on its harmonic complexity and mix presence for serious session and live work.
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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