Seymour Duncan '59 Model Humbucker Set Long Leg, (Used)

The Seymour Duncan '59 Model Humbucker Set with Long-Leg Baseplates is a vintage-inspired electric guitar pickup set designed to capture the rich, open and expressive sound of the legendary late-1950s P.A.F. humbuckers.

Featuring a matched SH-1n neck and SH-1b bridge configuration, the '59 Model is one of Seymour Duncan's most established humbucker designs, offering an exceptional balance of warmth, clarity and traditional rock and blues character.

Both pickups use Alnico V bar magnets, providing articulate high frequencies, a full low-end response and a slightly scooped midrange. This gives the '59 Model its distinctive combination of smooth clean tones, clear chord definition and expressive overdriven sounds.

The neck pickup delivers warm, rounded tones with excellent clarity, making it particularly well suited to blues leads, jazz-influenced playing and clean rhythm guitar.

The bridge pickup offers a slightly stronger output, providing additional attack and definition for crunchy rhythm work and sustaining classic rock leads.

This set features long-leg baseplates, a traditional construction detail closely associated with vintage-style humbuckers. The extended mounting legs make these pickups particularly appealing for compatible Les Paul-style guitars and other instruments designed to accommodate long-leg pickup construction.

The '59 Model's wax-potted construction also helps reduce unwanted microphonic feedback, making it practical for musicians who use overdrive and higher amplifier volumes.

This particular Seymour Duncan '59 Humbucker Set is presented in Fair Pre-Owned Condition, indicating heavier cosmetic wear consistent with previous use.

For guitarists seeking traditional P.A.F.-inspired sounds and a genuine vintage-output humbucker character, this Seymour Duncan set offers an attractive option for a compatible guitar upgrade or restoration project.

At A Glance

Detail	Information
Brand	Seymour Duncan
Model	'59 Model Humbucker Set
Pickup Models	SH-1n / SH-1b
Configuration	Neck & Bridge Set
Pickup Type	Passive Humbucker
Magnet	Alnico V
Baseplate	Long Leg
Condition	Fair – Pre-Owned

Pre-Owned Condition Report

Fair Condition

This Seymour Duncan '59 Model Humbucker Set is presented in Fair Pre-Owned Condition, indicating heavier cosmetic wear consistent with previous ownership and use.

Under Fair Deal Music's grading system, Fair Condition describes equipment with more substantial cosmetic wear than items graded Good or Very Good.

The set comprises two vintage-style humbuckers with long-leg baseplates, making it suitable for guitar upgrade and restoration projects where this mounting format is required.

As pre-owned pickups, their physical condition should be assessed carefully before installation, particularly the mounting legs, connection cables and other installation-related components.

Please study the accompanying product photographs for a closer assessment of the pickups' individual cosmetic condition.

Long-Leg Baseplates

Both pickups are described as featuring long-leg mounting baseplates.

Long-leg humbuckers use extended mounting tabs, reflecting a traditional construction approach associated with vintage P.A.F.-style pickups.

These are particularly suitable for guitars with sufficient pickup cavity depth.

Players installing the pickups into shallower cavities should check clearance carefully, as long-leg humbuckers may not fit all modern electric guitars without modification.

What's Included

• Seymour Duncan '59 Model Neck Humbucker

• Seymour Duncan '59 Model Bridge Humbucker

Key Features

• Seymour Duncan '59 Model: Vintage-output humbuckers inspired by classic late-1950s P.A.F. designs.

• Complete Neck & Bridge Set: Provides a balanced two-humbucker configuration.

• SH-1n Neck Pickup: Warm, open and articulate tones.

• SH-1b Bridge Pickup: Slightly hotter response with clear attack and definition.

• Alnico V Bar Magnets: Full bass, articulate treble and an open midrange.

• Vintage P.A.F.-Inspired Voicing: Ideal for blues, jazz, classic rock and country.

• Long-Leg Baseplates: Traditional mounting design for compatible guitars.

• Wax-Potted Construction: Helps reduce unwanted microphonic squeal.

• Passive Electronics: No battery or external power required.

• Vintage-Output Character: Responsive to picking dynamics and amplifier settings.

• Excellent Clean-Tone Clarity: Suitable for chords and melodic playing.

• Expressive Overdrive Performance: Particularly effective through valve amplifiers.

• Fair Pre-Owned Condition: A practical option for suitable upgrade and restoration projects.

Why You'll Love It

The Seymour Duncan '59 Model has become a popular choice for guitarists seeking the tonal character of classic P.A.F. humbuckers without moving towards the compressed response of modern high-output pickups.

Its greatest strength is its ability to deliver a full-bodied sound while retaining the articulation of individual notes.

The neck pickup offers warm, smooth clean sounds that work beautifully for jazz chords, melodic blues and expressive lead playing.

The bridge pickup provides greater attack and definition, making it particularly useful for classic rock rhythms, crunchy blues-rock and sustaining solos.

Both pickups respond naturally to playing dynamics, allowing guitarists to explore different sounds through picking strength and amplifier gain.

The long-leg construction also makes this set especially interesting for musicians restoring or upgrading a guitar designed around traditional humbucker dimensions.

Detailed Features & Benefits

Vintage P.A.F.-Inspired Design

The Seymour Duncan '59 Model was developed to recreate the open, dynamic character associated with the original P.A.F. humbuckers of the late 1950s. Its traditional winding philosophy and Alnico V magnets provide a sound that balances warmth with clarity, making it particularly appealing to guitarists seeking classic rather than modern high-output tones. The design is closely associated with blues, jazz and rock music.

Alnico V Magnet Construction

Both pickups use Alnico V bar magnets, contributing to their articulate attack, substantial low-frequency response and clear treble character. Compared with some softer vintage-style magnet combinations, the Alnico V design can produce a firmer bass response and additional definition. This makes the '59 Model particularly versatile for clean sounds and moderately driven amplifier settings.

Warm SH-1n Neck Pickup

The SH-1n neck model is designed to produce warm, rounded tones without sacrificing clarity. Its open midrange and detailed high-frequency response allow individual notes to remain audible within chords, making it effective for jazz-influenced playing, blues and expressive melodic guitar. When combined with an overdriven amplifier, it offers smooth sustain and a traditional vintage-humbucker character.

Articulate SH-1b Bridge Pickup

The SH-1b bridge model is wound slightly hotter than the neck version, providing additional output and attack while retaining a traditional vintage character. It is particularly effective for crunchy rhythm guitar, classic rock riffs and dynamic lead playing. Its response is less aggressive than a modern high-output metal pickup, making it appealing to musicians who prefer tonal openness and natural amplifier interaction.

Balanced Neck & Bridge Combination

The '59 Model set offers complementary neck and bridge sounds designed to work together in a conventional dual-humbucker guitar. The neck pickup provides warmth and smoothness, while the bridge pickup adds bite and definition. Used with a suitable pickup selector and conventional controls, the pair provides a broad range of classic electric guitar tones.

Traditional Long-Leg Baseplates

The long-leg baseplates are an important feature of this particular set. Their extended mounting tabs reflect traditional humbucker construction and can be suitable for guitars with deeper pickup cavities. They are especially relevant to players working on vintage-inspired single-cutaway guitars or restoration projects. Checking the available cavity depth before installation is important to ensure the pickups can be adjusted to the correct height.

Wax-Potted Construction

Seymour Duncan's '59 Model pickups use wax potting to help control unwanted microphonic feedback. This process reduces the tendency of internal components to vibrate independently at higher amplifier volumes, helping preserve a clear and controlled sound. It makes the pickups practical for blues-rock and classic rock players who frequently use overdrive.

Dynamic Clean Sounds

The vintage-output design provides excellent definition for clean playing, making these pickups well suited to jazz, country, blues and traditional rhythm guitar. Individual notes retain clarity, while the full-bodied humbucker response adds warmth and depth. This makes the set particularly useful for players who want articulate clean tones alongside the flexibility of overdriven sounds.

Classic Rock & Blues Performance

The Seymour Duncan '59 Model is particularly effective through responsive valve amplifiers, where its vintage-output characteristics allow the amp to contribute naturally to the final sound. The bridge pickup provides crunchy rhythm tones and expressive lead sounds, while the neck pickup excels at smoother blues phrasing. This versatility makes the set a natural choice for guitarists who appreciate traditional rock and blues tones.

Passive Humbucker Operation

Both pickups use passive magnetic electronics and do not require batteries or external power. They can be installed in compatible passive electric guitar circuits, provided the mounting dimensions and wiring arrangements are suitable. This makes them an appealing upgrade for players who want traditional humbucker performance without introducing active electronics.

Who Is It For?

Blues Guitarists: Responsive vintage-output pickups with expressive clean and driven sounds.

Classic Rock Players: Excellent for traditional crunchy rhythms and sustaining lead guitar.

Jazz Musicians: Warm, articulate neck pickup tones for chords and melodic playing.

Vintage Guitar Enthusiasts: Long-leg construction and P.A.F.-inspired voicing.

Guitar Restorers: Suitable for projects requiring compatible long-leg humbuckers.

Les Paul-Style Guitar Owners: An attractive upgrade option where cavity dimensions permit.

Compatibility & Installation

The Seymour Duncan '59 Model set is designed for six-string electric guitars fitted with compatible humbucker mounting cavities.

The long-leg baseplates require sufficient depth beneath the pickups, and not every humbucker-routed instrument will accommodate them without modification.

Before purchasing, check the pickup cavity depth, mounting arrangements, string spacing and existing electronic configuration.

The '59 Model has been manufactured in different wiring versions, including traditional single-conductor braided cable and four-conductor options.

The wiring arrangement on this particular used set should be inspected before installation to establish which configurations are supported.

Professional installation is recommended if you are unfamiliar with electric guitar electronics or soldering.

How It Compares

Seymour Duncan '59 Model vs Seymour Duncan Seth Lover

Both pickups are inspired by vintage P.A.F. humbuckers, but they offer slightly different approaches.

The '59 Model uses Alnico V magnets and wax potting, providing articulate highs, firm bass and practical feedback resistance.

The Seth Lover uses Alnico II magnets and an unpotted traditional design, producing its own softer, vintage-inspired character.

Seymour Duncan '59 Model vs Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates

The Pearly Gates offers a more pronounced midrange character and a slightly more aggressive vintage-rock voice.

The '59 Model has a more open, slightly scooped midrange response, making it particularly appealing for clear chords, smooth blues and traditional P.A.F.-style sounds.

Seymour Duncan '59 Model vs Seymour Duncan JB

The Seymour Duncan JB is a higher-output humbucker designed to provide greater upper-midrange emphasis and a stronger drive into an amplifier.

The '59 Model focuses instead on traditional vintage-output performance, delivering a more open response and greater emphasis on classic P.A.F. character.

Seymour Duncan '59 Model vs Modern High-Output Humbuckers

Modern high-output pickups are often designed to produce stronger signals and a more compressed response for aggressive music.

The '59 Model provides a more traditional sound, allowing picking dynamics and amplifier settings to play a greater role in shaping the final tone.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Product Type	Electric Guitar Pickup Set
Brand	Seymour Duncan
Model	'59 Model
Neck Model	SH-1n
Bridge Model	SH-1b
Pickup Configuration	Neck & Bridge
Pickup Type	Passive Humbucker
Output	Vintage
Magnet Type	Alnico V Bar
Baseplate Type	Long Leg
Construction	Wax-Potted
Nominal Neck DC Resistance	Approx. 7.6kΩ
Nominal Bridge DC Resistance	Approx. 8.2kΩ
Intended Instrument	Six-String Electric Guitar
Condition	Fair – Pre-Owned

The resistance figures are Seymour Duncan's published nominal values for the '59 Model design, not measurements taken from this individual used set.

Power Requirements

The Seymour Duncan '59 Model Humbuckers are passive pickups and do not require batteries or external power supplies.

They are intended for connection to a compatible electric guitar wiring circuit.

Fair Deal Music Expert Verdict

The Seymour Duncan '59 Model Long-Leg Humbucker Set is a strong choice for guitarists who want the warmth, openness and expressive response of traditional P.A.F.-style pickups.

The Alnico V magnets provide clear highs, full bass and a slightly scooped midrange, while the calibrated neck and bridge models deliver a versatile combination of smooth clean tones and punchy driven sounds.

The long-leg construction is particularly relevant for compatible vintage-style guitar projects.

This particular set is presented in Fair Pre-Owned Condition, with heavier cosmetic wear associated with previous use.

Best Suited For: Blues, classic rock, jazz, country and vintage-inspired electric guitars.

Customers Usually Upgrade From: Basic factory-fitted humbuckers and modern high-output pickups.

Most Commonly Paired With: Les Paul-style guitars, SG-style guitars, traditional valve amplifiers and vintage-inspired overdrive pedals.

Our Tip: The '59 Model works especially well when paired with a responsive valve amplifier. Experiment with lower gain settings to appreciate its open, dynamic character.

Showroom Advice: Check the depth of your guitar's pickup cavities before buying. The long-leg baseplates are a key feature of this particular set and may not fit shallower modern routes.

Why Buy Pre-Owned From Fair Deal Music?

Buying pre-owned Seymour Duncan pickups from Fair Deal Music provides an opportunity to upgrade your instrument at an attractive alternative to purchasing new.

Our team aims to provide clear product descriptions, accurate condition grading and relevant compatibility information.

This Seymour Duncan '59 Model Humbucker Set is presented in Fair Pre-Owned Condition and features long-leg baseplates.

Warranty, Returns & Delivery

This is a pre-owned pickup set, with its condition and confirmed components detailed above.

Applicable warranty and returns arrangements are governed by Fair Deal Music's current terms, with available UK delivery and showroom collection options provided at checkout.

Please check instrument compatibility before purchase or installation.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

Based in Birmingham, Fair Deal Music specialises in new, used, vintage and collectable guitars, basses, amplifiers, effects pedals and musical accessories.

Our experienced team of musicians provides knowledgeable advice and personal service, helping customers find equipment suited to their requirements.

Customers benefit from competitive pricing, UK delivery options, our Birmingham showroom and part-exchange services.

Part Exchange – Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Fair Deal Music buys and part-exchanges a wide range of musical equipment, including electric guitars, basses, amplifiers, effects pedals and selected accessories.

Ask our team about part-exchange options towards this Seymour Duncan '59 Humbucker Set.

Frequently Asked Questions

What condition is this Seymour Duncan '59 set in?

It is presented in Fair Pre-Owned Condition, indicating heavier cosmetic wear consistent with previous use.

Does the listing include both pickups?

Yes. This is a neck and bridge humbucker set.

What models are included?

The Seymour Duncan '59 Model set comprises the SH-1n neck and SH-1b bridge designs.

Are these long-leg humbuckers?

Yes. The set is described as featuring long-leg mounting baseplates.

What are long-leg humbuckers?

They have extended baseplate mounting tabs and require suitable pickup cavity depth.

Will they fit a Gibson Les Paul-style guitar?

They may be suitable for compatible Les Paul-style instruments, but the pickup cavity depth and mounting arrangement should be checked.

Will they fit every humbucker guitar?

No. Some instruments have shallow cavities that cannot accommodate long-leg baseplates without modification.

What magnets do the '59 Model pickups use?

Alnico V bar magnets.

Are they active or passive?

They are passive pickups.

Do they require a battery?

No.

Are they high-output pickups?

No. The '59 Model is a vintage-output humbucker design.

What is the neck pickup resistance?

Seymour Duncan publishes a nominal resistance of approximately 7.6kΩ for the current SH-1n specification.

What is the bridge pickup resistance?

The nominal bridge resistance is approximately 8.2kΩ.

Are the pickups wax-potted?

Yes. The standard '59 Model design uses wax potting to help reduce unwanted microphonic squeal.

Are these suitable for blues?

Yes. Their traditional dynamic response makes them particularly suitable for blues and blues-rock.

Can they be used for classic rock?

Yes. The '59 Model is well suited to traditional rock tones.

Are they suitable for jazz?

Yes. The neck pickup provides warm, articulate sounds suitable for jazz.

Can they be used with overdrive?

Yes. Their vintage-output character works particularly well with responsive amplifiers and overdrive pedals.

Do they support coil splitting?

That depends on the wiring version fitted. Four-conductor versions support additional wiring options, while traditional single-conductor versions require modification for coil splitting.

Is professional installation recommended?

Yes, particularly if the existing guitar wiring or pickup mounting arrangement requires changes.

Can I part-exchange equipment towards these pickups?

Fair Deal Music considers selected musical equipment for part exchange.