Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (10)
$115.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (5)
$115.00
Amazon
5.0 (3)
$115.00
Reverb
5.0 (46)
$99.00 New
$55.77 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (10)
$115.00
zZounds
5.0 (7)
$115.00
Thomann
4.9 (64)
$125.00
Gear4Music
£121.75

Average Price: $107

Standard/Professional

$99

$200+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Seymour Duncan SH-1N '59 Neck". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The Seymour Duncan SH-1N '59 Neck is a perfect pick for musicians seeking the warm, smooth tone and great sustain of the vintage P.A.F. pickups. This model, an authentic recreation of Seth Lover's first humbucker, brings the iconic sound of the late 1950s into the modern age.

Designed with the same enameled wire, nickel-plated studs, and balanced coil windings as the original, the SH-1N '59 Neck is a true reflection of its inspiration. It comes with a 4-conductor cable, offering flexibility in your wiring configuration, and is vacuum wax potted for squeal-free performance.

This pickup is a tone monster setup, compatible with both neck and bridge models. When used together with a hotter bridge pickup like the SH-4 JB or SH-13 Dimebucker, it offers maximum tonal versatility. The SH-1N '59 Neck works particularly well with mahogany bodies and rosewood fingerboards, delivering full and bright distorted tones alongside warm and crystalline clean ones.

Key Features:

  • Built with enameled wire, nickel-plated studs, and balanced coil windings
  • Comes with a 4-conductor cable for flexible wiring
  • Vacuum wax potted for squeal-free performance
  • Compatible with both neck and bridge models for maximum tonal versatility
  • Ideal for use with mahogany bodies and rosewood fingerboards
  • Offers a balanced blend of warm, smooth tone and great sustain
  • Reflects the classic look and sound of Seth Lover's first P.A.F. pickups
  • A tone monster setup, delivering full and bright distorted tones and warm, crystalline clean ones

Product specs

Type Humbucker
Position Neck
Active/Passive Passive
Magnet Material Alnico V
Number of Conductors 4 wire plus shield
DC Resistance 7.6K
Connectivity Soldered
Number of Strings 6
Covering Uncovered
Format PAF

FAQs

What kind of sound can I expect from the Seymour Duncan SH-1N '59 Neck pickup?

The Seymour Duncan SH-1N '59 Neck pickup delivers a warm, full sound with sweet sustain and clear attack, reminiscent of the original P.A.F. humbuckers from the 1950s, making it versatile for various music genres.

Is the Seymour Duncan SH-1N '59 Neck pickup suitable for jazz music?

Yes, the Seymour Duncan SH-1N '59 Neck pickup's warm and articulate tone makes it well-suited for jazz, providing the clarity and depth required for complex chord voicings and melodic solos.

How does the 4-conductor wiring of the Seymour Duncan SH-1N '59 Neck pickup benefit me?

The 4-conductor wiring allows for versatile wiring options, such as coil-splitting, which lets you achieve both humbucker and single-coil tones, adding flexibility to your guitar's sound palette.

What type of magnet is used in the Seymour Duncan SH-1N '59 Neck pickup?

The Seymour Duncan SH-1N '59 Neck pickup uses an Alnico V magnet, which contributes to its balanced tonal characteristics, offering a rich and dynamic response suitable for various playing styles.

Is the Seymour Duncan SH-1N '59 Neck pickup easy to install?

Yes, the Seymour Duncan SH-1N '59 Neck pickup is designed for soldered connectivity, making it straightforward to install for those familiar with basic guitar electronics.

Seymour Duncan

Seymour Duncan

The Seymour Duncan '59 (Neck)

Video thumbnail for The Seymour Duncan '59 (Neck) by Seymour Duncan

The Seymour Duncan '59 (Neck)

Seymour Duncan

Seymour Duncan

Video thumbnail for SEYMOUR DUNCAN SH1 / 59' vs SH2 JAZZ - Passive NECK Guitar Pickup Tone Comparison / Review by Mike Stamper

SEYMOUR DUNCAN SH1 / 59' vs SH2 JAZZ - Passive NECK Guitar Pickup Tone Comparison / Review

Mike Stamper

Mike Stamper

Video thumbnail for '59 Model Neck Humbucker Demo by Seymour Duncan

'59 Model Neck Humbucker Demo

Seymour Duncan

Seymour Duncan

Video thumbnail for Seymour Duncan 59' SH-1 vs JAZZ SH-2 - Passive Neck Pickup Guitar Tone Comparison Demo by Mike Stamper

Seymour Duncan 59' SH-1 vs JAZZ SH-2 - Passive Neck Pickup Guitar Tone Comparison Demo

Mike Stamper

Mike Stamper

Video thumbnail for Seymour Duncan Pickups - '59 (Neck) by Seymour Duncan

Seymour Duncan Pickups - '59 (Neck)

Seymour Duncan

Seymour Duncan

Video thumbnail for Seymour Duncan - SH-1 '59 Neck Humbucker Demo by Jorge Salas

Seymour Duncan - SH-1 '59 Neck Humbucker Demo

Jorge Salas

Jorge Salas

Video thumbnail for Seymour Duncan SH-2N (Jazz) vs '59 SH-1N by Alexey Kochin

Seymour Duncan SH-2N (Jazz) vs '59 SH-1N

Alexey Kochin

Alexey Kochin

Video thumbnail for Seymour Duncan '59 Neck Humbucker on Telecaster by jazzydog

Seymour Duncan '59 Neck Humbucker on Telecaster

jazzydog

jazzydog

Reviews

PROS

  • Warm, clear tones with excellent sustain and balance between highs and lows

  • Versatile tonal range; great for jazz, rock, and blues

  • Coil-splitting option for added versatility and single-coil tones

  • Works well with various wood types, enhancing both dark and bright guitars

  • Strong performance with both valve and solid-state amps

  • Responds well to playing dynamics, delivering nuanced sound

  • Perfectly complements hotter bridge pickups for a balanced setup

  • Known for reliability and high-quality construction

  • Enhances high-gain settings without losing clarity

CONS

  • Slightly less mids compared to a real '59 humbucker

  • May require some tweaking to find preferred tone

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Seymour Duncan SH-1N '59 Neck.

Comparisons

  • The Seymour Duncan JB is often paired with the SH-1 '59 for versatility, but some find it lacks definition and overtones in high distortion settings.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Bare Knuckles pickups, like the Stormy Monday and Nailbomb, are suggested as higher-end alternatives despite their higher cost, offering distinct tonal qualities.

    Source
  • Replacing clipped humbucker screws with new imperial threaded ones is essential for proper installation of the SH-1N in certain body types.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The SH-1 '59 neck pickup is favored for rock and hard rock styles, aligning well with bands like The Black Keys and Queens of the Stone Age.

    Source
  • The SH-1N humbucker can cause harsh breakups with solid state amps; tube amps handle its output better, offering more pleasing overdrive tones.

    Source
  • The SH-1N's higher output suits harder playing styles but may overpower clean tones in beginner solid state amps.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Users commonly acknowledge the higher price point of Bare Knuckles pickups but suggest them for future builds due to their premium performance.

    Source

Build quality

  • Owners identify fake SH-1N pickups by the flatter, non-round lead wire and smaller font on the front compared to authentic models.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • It's suggested to measure pickup resistance with a multimeter and compare against Seymour Duncan's specifications for authenticity verification.

    Source
  • Authentic SH-1N pickups have round and skinny lead wires, distinguishing them from fakes, which have flatter wires.

    Source
  • Installing a SH-1N in a guitar designed for single coils may require routing for humbucker screw pockets to prevent installation issues.

    Source

User experience

  • Seymour Duncan's customer service is praised for effectively confirming pickup authenticity, providing support through email communication.

    Source
  • Lowering the pickup height can help balance output levels and reduce crackling when using a SH-1N in a solid state amp.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Seymour Duncan 59N Review (SH-1n)

tonejourney.com

The Seymour Duncan SH-1N '59 Neck pickup is lauded as a versatile, vintage-accurate PAF clone that excels in delivering dynamic tones across various guitar types. Its Alnico 5 magnet and precise construction echo the golden era of 1959 Gibson Les Pauls, making it a top choice for players seeking authentic vintage sound. The review highlights its ability to maintain clarity with ample bass and treble, though notes it can become muddy in warmer guitars. However, with some adjustments or magnet swaps, this can be mitigated. The '59 is praised for its versatility, whether in blues or heavier genres, and scored highly in a blindfold comparison test. Despite being a common choice, its affordability and quality make it a valuable addition for those on a budget or seeking a reliable PAF clone.

positive

Seymour Duncan 59 Review: Modern Humbuckers with a Classic Flair - Produce Like A Pro

producelikeapro.com

Seymour Duncan's SH-1N '59 Neck pickup delivers a fusion of vintage and modern tones, emulating the iconic PAF sound with a touch of contemporary flair. The review applauds its open, airy quality and the enhanced highs that retain pick attack, making it ideal for rock and blues aficionados. Its versatility is a highlight, with the ability to handle high-gain rock and metal tones, aided by four-conductor wiring for split-coil sounds. The neck model is particularly cherished for its round and full sound. However, some players might find it too full or wooly. Overall, a well-priced, high-quality choice for those seeking classic rock mojo.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 10 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Kurt Cobain uses Seymour Duncan SH-1N '59 Neck

Kurt Cobain

Singer, Guitarist

Nirvana

...
Verified

Livenirvana confirms that this was the humbucker installed in the bridge position of Kurt's vandalism stratocaster.

See how Ola Englund uses Seymour Duncan SH-1N '59 Neck

Ola Englund

Guitarist, Podcasters & Streamers

Six Feet Under

...
Verified via Seymour Duncan

Used in Custom Shop made Washburn PX-SOLAR6DLX.

See how Mark Morton uses Seymour Duncan SH-1N '59 Neck

Mark Morton

Guitarist

Lamb of God

...
Verified via Photo

According to Guitar Geek, Mark used Seymour Duncan '59 (Both Neck & Bridge Position) pickups.

See how Zacky Vengeance uses Seymour Duncan SH-1N '59 Neck

Zacky Vengeance

Guitarist

Avenged Sevenfold

...
Verified via Seymour Duncan

This is Zacky's neck pickup.

See how Scott Ian uses Seymour Duncan SH-1N '59 Neck

Scott Ian

Guitarist

Anthrax

...
Verified via Seymourduncan

According to Seymour Duncan's website, Scott uses a 59 neck humbucker.

See how Dan Donegan uses Seymour Duncan SH-1N '59 Neck

Dan Donegan

Singer, Guitarist

Disturbed

...
Verified via YouTube

At 0:50 he explains the the pickups that are in his signature guitar

See how Phil Campbell uses Seymour Duncan SH-1N '59 Neck

Phil Campbell

Guitarist

Motörhead

...
Verified via Seymour Duncan

According the Seymour Duncan Website, Phil is using an Seymour Duncan 59´ Neck Humbucker.

See how Takeshi Ohtani uses Seymour Duncan SH-1N '59 Neck

Takeshi Ohtani

Singer, Guitarist

Boris

...
Verified via MusicRadar

"Bass: bridge: Seymour Duncan SJB-3b; neck: Seymour Duncan SPB-1

Guitar: bridge: Seymour Duncan ‘SLUG’; neck: Seymour Duncan ’59 SH-1n"

See how Wayne Kramer uses Seymour Duncan SH-1N '59 Neck

Wayne Kramer

Guitarist

MC5

...
Verified via Premierguitar

Used in his signature stratocaster

See how Jerry Horton uses Seymour Duncan SH-1N '59 Neck

Jerry Horton

Guitarist

Papa Roach

...
Verified

In a YouTube video interview with Premier Guitar, at the 9:01 mark, guitarist Jerry Horton discusses his pickups and specifically identifies the neck pickup as a Seymour Duncan SH-1N '59.

See how Akira Takasaki uses Seymour Duncan SH-1N '59 Neck

Akira Takasaki

Guitarist

LOUDNESS

...
Verified via Seymour Duncan

Akira Takasaki uses the Seymour Duncan SH-1N '59 Neck pickup, as highlighted on the Seymour Duncan website.

See how Jack Thammarat uses Seymour Duncan SH-1N '59 Neck

Jack Thammarat

Guitarist, Composer

...
Verified via Seymour Duncan

It's right there in the official site of Seymour Duncan.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Seymour Duncan SH-1N '59 Neck, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Seymour Duncan El Diablo
Seymour Duncan El Diablo Electric Guitar Pickups
2
Seymour Duncan SH-4/TB-4 JB
Seymour Duncan SH-4/TB-4 JB Electric Guitar Pickups
2
Marshall 1960A 4x12'' Cabinet
Marshall 1960A 4x12'' Cabinet Guitar Amplifier Cabinets
1
Shure SM57
Shure SM57 Dynamic Microphones
1
Ampeg SVT-810E 8x10 Bass Cabinet
Ampeg SVT-810E 8x10 Bass Cabinet Bass Amplifier Cabinets
1
Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates Bridge
Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates Bridge Electric Guitar Pickups
1
Jackson JS Series Dinky JS20 DKQ 2PT
Jackson JS Series Dinky JS20 DKQ 2PT Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Sennheiser EW 300 IEM G2
Sennheiser EW 300 IEM G2 Headphones & In-Ear Monitors
1
Seymour Duncan '59 Bridge SH-1B
Seymour Duncan '59 Bridge SH-1B Electric Guitar Pickups
1
DiMarzio The Breed™ Bridge
DiMarzio The Breed™ Bridge Electric Guitar Pickups
1

Community setups

Show yours
magicalgrrrlbetty

magicalgrrrlbetty

Gear IQ 83

1 alternative for Seymour Duncan SH-1N '59 Neck, curated by the Equipboard community.

More Seymour Duncan Electric Guitar Pickups

Accessories & Related Items

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    mygal
    mygal

    Gear IQ 8139