Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $120
Standard/Professional
$99
$200+
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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
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What kind of tone can I expect from the Seymour Duncan SM-1N Mini Humbucker?
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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.
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Is the Seymour Duncan SM-1N Mini Humbucker suitable for all guitar body types?
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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.
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Can the Seymour Duncan SM-1N Mini Humbucker be used in the neck position of my guitar?
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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.
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Does the Seymour Duncan SM-1N Mini Humbucker require an active pickup system?
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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.
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What wiring configuration does the Seymour Duncan SM-1N Mini Humbucker use?
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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.
Videos
Bart Dietvorst
Seymour Duncan SM-1N Vintage Mini Humbucker (DEMO)
Reviews
PROS
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Delivers a gorgeous tone with clarity and glassy highlights
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Offers versatile sound from single-coil to crunchy humbucker with volume knob adjustments
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Provides authentic Firebird tone with big Strat-like neck pickup tones
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Functions well with four-string instruments due to blade under the cover
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Ideal upgrade for a noiseless pickup with great sound
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Excellent for slide guitar, offering fat and tight tones
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Produces a rich and accurate bottom end with a smooth top end for bass
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Clean and hum-free sound without parasitic noise
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Balances between the power of a humbucker and single-coil characteristics
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High-quality construction with a shielded cable
CONS
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Installation can be challenging, requiring additional mounting rings and springs
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Single wound wire configuration is less straightforward for DIY installation
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Doesn't pair well with a middle pickup in a "Nashville" setup
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Some users found installing on certain instruments awkward without research and experimentation
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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
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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.
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Value and pricing
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Investing in a used Seymour Duncan pickup is seen as wise due to its potential to retain resale value even after years of use.
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Mods and upgrades
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GFS offers inexpensive Tele-specific humbuckers, making them an alternative for budget-conscious modders.
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Use cases and applications
Features and functionality
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The Lil '59 is noted to work particularly well in Telecasters with older style brass saddles, enhancing its tonal versatility.
Source
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings
Artist usage
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Johnny Ramone used a Seymour Duncan Mini Humbucker in the neck position according to Guitar Geek.
According to Guitar Geek's rig diagram, Finck uses this pickup as bridge pickup on his Fender Nocaster Custom Shop.
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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