Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Guitar Center
5.0 (2)
$125.00
Amazon
4.2 (29)
$125.00
Reverb
5.0 (1)
$119.00 New
$89.00 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (8)
$125.00
Thomann
4.8 (40)
$135.00 $134.00 $1.00 · All time low

Average Price: $120

Standard/Professional

$99

$200+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Seymour Duncan SM-1N Mini Humbucker". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Rediscover the golden era of electric guitar tone with the Seymour Duncan SM-1N Mini Humbucker. A faithful recreation of the iconic pickups housed in the legendary Gibson Firebird and Les Paul guitars, this mini humbucker is your ticket to a sound that's as timeless as rock 'n' roll itself. With its ability to deliver pristine, clear sounds even at the brink of your amp's capabilities, the SM-1N is a versatile tool in any guitarist's arsenal. Whether you're laying down warm, midrange rhythms or cutting through the mix with fat, sizzling solos, this pickup adapts to your every need without losing its distinctive character.

Handcrafted in Santa Barbara, CA, the SM-1N Mini Humbucker is not only a nod to musical heritage but also a testament to Seymour Duncan's commitment to quality. This pickup is designed as a drop-in replacement for any mini-humbucker sized route, ensuring a seamless integration with your beloved instrument. The vintage output, combined with the clarity of a single coil and the warmth of a humbucker, makes for a gritty tonal palette that's as expressive as it is unique. Encased in a sleek chrome cover, it adds not just sound but style to your guitar, making it ready to be a part of your musical journey, from the garage to the grand stage.

Key Features:

  • Vintage Firebird Mini Humbucker design
  • Handmade in Santa Barbara, CA
  • Ideal for neck position
  • Chrome cover for added aesthetic appeal
  • 2-wire configuration for easy installation
  • Uses Alnico V magnets for a balanced tone
  • Single conductor, braided lead wire
  • Wax potted to eliminate microphonic feedback

Product specs

Available since January 2009
Type of pickup Mini Humbucker
Active Pickup System No
Passive Pickup System Yes
Wiring 2-Conductor
Colour Chrome
Position Neck

FAQs

What kind of tone can I expect from the Seymour Duncan SM-1N Mini Humbucker?

The Seymour Duncan SM-1N Mini Humbucker offers a clear, bright tone with a balanced sound, making it ideal for achieving vintage vibes. It fits well between single-coils and full-sized humbuckers, providing a unique tonal spectrum.

Is the Seymour Duncan SM-1N Mini Humbucker suitable for all guitar body types?

This mini humbucker works especially well with soft wood bodies like mahogany and swamp ash, as well as rosewood fingerboards, enhancing the warm and balanced sound of these materials.

Can the Seymour Duncan SM-1N Mini Humbucker be used in the neck position of my guitar?

Yes, the Seymour Duncan SM-1N Mini Humbucker is specifically designed for the neck position, offering a smooth and articulate sound perfect for rhythm and lead playing.

Does the Seymour Duncan SM-1N Mini Humbucker require an active pickup system?

No, the Seymour Duncan SM-1N Mini Humbucker is a passive pickup, which means it does not require a battery or preamp, making it easy to install and maintain.

What wiring configuration does the Seymour Duncan SM-1N Mini Humbucker use?

The Seymour Duncan SM-1N Mini Humbucker uses a 2-conductor wiring system, which is standard for many vintage-style pickups, allowing for straightforward installation and wiring.

Bart Dietvorst

Bart Dietvorst

Seymour Duncan SM-1N Vintage Mini Humbucker (DEMO)

Video thumbnail for Seymour Duncan SM-1N Vintage Mini Humbucker (DEMO) by Bart Dietvorst

Seymour Duncan SM-1N Vintage Mini Humbucker (DEMO)

Bart Dietvorst

Bart Dietvorst

Video thumbnail for Seymour Duncan Vintage Stack & Mini Humbucker in telecaster by Bart Dietvorst

Seymour Duncan Vintage Stack & Mini Humbucker in telecaster

Bart Dietvorst

Bart Dietvorst

Reviews

PROS

  • Delivers a gorgeous tone with clarity and glassy highlights

  • Offers versatile sound from single-coil to crunchy humbucker with volume knob adjustments

  • Provides authentic Firebird tone with big Strat-like neck pickup tones

  • Functions well with four-string instruments due to blade under the cover

  • Ideal upgrade for a noiseless pickup with great sound

  • Excellent for slide guitar, offering fat and tight tones

  • Produces a rich and accurate bottom end with a smooth top end for bass

  • Clean and hum-free sound without parasitic noise

  • Balances between the power of a humbucker and single-coil characteristics

  • High-quality construction with a shielded cable

CONS

  • Installation can be challenging, requiring additional mounting rings and springs

  • Single wound wire configuration is less straightforward for DIY installation

  • Doesn't pair well with a middle pickup in a "Nashville" setup

  • Some users found installing on certain instruments awkward without research and experimentation

  • Lacks the sharpness of certain humbuckers

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Seymour Duncan SM-1N Mini Humbucker.

Comparisons

  • The Seymour Duncan SM-1N Mini Humbucker is favored over full-size humbuckers for better balance with Tele bridge pickups.

    Source
  • The Duncan Lil '59 for Tele is praised for its PAF sound, offering hot yet balanced tones similar to full-sized humbuckers while maintaining traditional Tele characteristics.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Investing in a used Seymour Duncan pickup is seen as wise due to its potential to retain resale value even after years of use.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • GFS offers inexpensive Tele-specific humbuckers, making them an alternative for budget-conscious modders.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Mini humbuckers are chosen for their tonal compatibility with Telecasters, preventing the "shrilly" sound some experience with full-size humbuckers.

    Source
  • Owners of the Lil '59 use it for achieving a mix of classic Tele tones and rock sounds, making it suitable for diverse musical styles.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Lil '59 is noted to work particularly well in Telecasters with older style brass saddles, enhancing its tonal versatility.

    Source

User experience

  • Users with multiple guitars find the Lil '59 delivers a satisfying PAF tone without overpowering the distinctive Tele sound.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Johnny Ramone uses Seymour Duncan SM-1N Mini Humbucker

Johnny Ramone

Guitarist

Ramones

...
Verified via Imgur

Johnny Ramone used a Seymour Duncan Mini Humbucker in the neck position according to Guitar Geek.

See how Robin Finck uses Seymour Duncan SM-1N Mini Humbucker

Robin Finck

Guitarist

Nine Inch Nails

...
Verified via Guitar

According to Guitar Geek's rig diagram, Finck uses this pickup as bridge pickup on his Fender Nocaster Custom Shop.

See how Brian Baker uses Seymour Duncan SM-1N Mini Humbucker

Brian Baker

Guitarist, Bassist

Bad Religion

...
Unverified
See how Brent Mason uses Seymour Duncan SM-1N Mini Humbucker

Brent Mason

Guitarist

Aaron Lewis and the Stateliners

...
Verified via Fender

According to the Fender website listing for Brent Mason's signature model Telecaster, it features a "Seymour Duncan® Vintage Mini HB" in the neck position, which is a modified version with exposed pole pieces and a P90-sized pickup ring.

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 SM-1N Mini Humbucker, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1
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1
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1
Godin Multiac ACS
Godin Multiac ACS Classical & Nylon-String Guitars
1

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