Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $96
Budget/Beginner
$99
$200+
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Price History
Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Seymour Duncan '59 Bridge SH-1B". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Step into sonic nostalgia with the Seymour Duncan '59 Bridge SH-1B pickup, a masterful tribute to the legendary P.A.F. humbuckers that defined the late '50s. This pickup is a beacon for guitarists seeking that vintage-inspired sound, capturing the warmth and clarity synonymous with the era. Its design features a long-legged bottom plate and plain enamel wire, harmonizing perfectly with its powerful alnico 5 magnet, ensuring a robust and balanced output.
The SH-1B is vacuum wax potted, a crucial feature for squeal-free performance, even when cranked up with high-gain amplifiers. The result is a pickup that excels in delivering the nuanced, airy qualities of its predecessors while offering a slightly scooped midrange for added tonal flexibility. Whether you're channeling the soulful strains of blues or the raw energy of rock, this pickup adapts effortlessly, providing a crystalline clean tone and a smooth, sustaining distortion that makes your guitar sing.
Designed for the bridge position, the '59 Bridge SH-1B pairs exceptionally well with mahogany bodies and rosewood fingerboards, enhancing its warm tonal character. Whether you're crafting vintage tones or pushing the boundaries with modern sounds, this pickup stands as a versatile choice for any musician's arsenal.
Key Features:
- Vintage-inspired P.A.F. humbucker sound
- Alnico 5 magnet for balanced output
- Vacuum wax potted for squeal-free performance
- Long-legged bottom plate for vintage accuracy
- Single-conductor wire design
- Ideal for bridge position use
- Suitable for rock, blues, and versatile genres
Product specs
| Type | Humbucker |
| Position | Bridge |
| Active/Passive | Passive |
| Magnet Material | Alnico V |
| Number of Conductors | 1 wire plus braided shield |
| DC Resistance | 8.2K |
| Connectivity | Soldered |
| Number of Strings | 6 |
| Covering | Uncovered |
| Format | PAF |
FAQs
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What type of music genres is the Seymour Duncan '59 Bridge SH-1B suitable for?
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The Seymour Duncan '59 Bridge SH-1B is versatile and well-suited for a variety of genres, including rock, blues, and jazz. Its classic PAF tone with a warm and balanced sound makes it ideal for players seeking vintage tones with the ability to handle higher gain settings.
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How does the Seymour Duncan '59 Bridge SH-1B compare to a modern humbucker?
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The '59 Bridge SH-1B offers a vintage PAF-style tone with warm mids and a clear high end, unlike many modern humbuckers that may prioritize higher output and more aggressive tones. This makes it a great choice for players seeking classic, articulate sound.
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Is the Seymour Duncan '59 Bridge SH-1B easy to install?
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Yes, the Seymour Duncan '59 Bridge SH-1B is designed for easy installation with a single conductor wire and braided shield, suitable for soldering into most standard electric guitars. However, professional installation is recommended for optimal performance.
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What magnet type is used in the Seymour Duncan '59 Bridge SH-1B, and how does it affect the sound?
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The Seymour Duncan '59 Bridge SH-1B uses an Alnico V magnet, which contributes to its warm, smooth tone with a balanced response across the frequency spectrum, making it ideal for achieving classic rock and blues sounds.
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Can the Seymour Duncan '59 Bridge SH-1B handle high-gain settings?
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Yes, the Seymour Duncan '59 Bridge SH-1B can handle high-gain settings, offering a clear and articulate tone even under distortion, which makes it suitable for rock and metal genres as well.
Videos
Clint Curtis
ToneRider Alnico IV Classics vs Seymour Duncan '59 Model
Reviews
PROS
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Warm, clear sound that enhances guitar tone significantly
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Excellent sustain and acoustic sound, ideal for lovers of classic tones
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Versatile for various genres, from blues to metal
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Affordable alternative to high-end boutique pickups
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Brings out the true sound of the guitar, improving overall tone
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High-end clarity and punch, perfect for bridge position
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Great for clean tones, jazz, and blues soloing
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Matches well with existing neck pickups for balanced sound
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Handles drive and distortion well, maintaining clarity
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User-friendly installation with clear wiring diagrams
CONS
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Lack of clarity on wire leads can complicate installation
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May not suit players seeking high output or extreme metal tones
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Some users find the pickup's output lower than expected
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Seymour Duncan '59 Bridge SH-1B.
Features and functionality
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The SH-1B '59 is accurately identified by its model sticker despite lacking common labels like "BRIDGE."
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The '59 humbucker, when paired with a low-output amp like a Harley Benton HB-10, can push the amp into unwanted overdrive, especially with a heavy playing style.
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The Jazz pickup is uncommon in the bridge position but noted to provide a bright tone similar to the 59 without historical design constraints.
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Setup and maintenance
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Users suggest verifying the pickup's authenticity by contacting Seymour Duncan with the lot number for confirmation.
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Incorrect pickup installation can lead to tonal issues like unwanted distortion; adjusting the pickup height or seeking professional installation might resolve these problems.
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Comparisons
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A user mentioned the SH-1B '59 bridge pickup might sound like a neck pickup if installed incorrectly, affecting tone and loudness.
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The JB is noted for its thickness and focus, especially with distortion, contrasting with the 59 Custom Hybrid's harmonic complexity and wider range, making it preferable for cleaner tones.
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Use cases and applications
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Using a Seymour Duncan '59 in an SSS Strat can cause a volume imbalance, especially when paired with low-output single coils, affecting tonal consistency.
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The JB/59 combo is praised for versatility, working well across genres from heavy music to pop punk, while clean tones are better achieved with coil splitting.
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Mods and upgrades
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For proper installation in guitars designed for single coils, new imperial threaded screws and potential body routing may be necessary to accommodate the '59 humbucker.
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A treble bleed mod on the JB bridge volume pot is recommended to enhance the tone when the volume is reduced, adding brightness and clarity.
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User experience
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 9 Ratings
Artist usage
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Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Seymour Duncan '59 Bridge SH-1B, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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