Seymour Duncan SH-1 '59

Pickup features: Passive Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: Nickel Cover

Model of guitar or bass: Gibson SG Faded Brown
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: Stock 490R
Other pickups on guitar: Stock 490T in Bridge (soon to be Duncan Distortion)
Artists using this pickup: Not researched, don't really care. It works for me.
You musical style(s): Hard Rock, Blues, Metal.
Reason for pickup change: The stock pickups are muddy. I wasn't as aware of it before and was thinking about changing the speakers in my cab. Not anymore. :)

Perceived output level: Hotter than the stock pickup, but still has calrity and harmonics.
Tone: Well balanced all around.
Sonic evaluation: I play through a Mesa Dual Rectifier and a Marshall 1960TV cab with Celestion 70's in it. The SG is my main guitar.
Previously the neck pickups was just about useless. It was too muddy to even get decent note definition. Now, I am stoked! The note definition is there, and the added harmonics made the dead strings I had on the guitar, when I changed pickups, sound great. Now the Bridge pickup sounds muddy.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play Hard Rock, Blue, and some Metal. This pickup is a great match for these styles. It has clarity and can still sustain when you want it. The harmonics are wonderful.

Comments: I bought the SG at an incredible deal and love it. y only problem was that my tone was a bit muddy. I like to play celan stuff with a little delay, and just wasn't getting the clarity I like. I suspected the spekaers in the cab I picked up. Then I played my US Strat through the rig, and I knew it was the SG's pickups. SO, I started shopping around for pickups. I bought and installed the Zakk Wylde EMG pickup set into the guitar, and thought it was great. Then after playing them at a show, I got rid of them. Very sterile. SO, I went back to the drawing board. I wanted more clarity, some bite, but still some warmth. A good freind of mine plays a Les Paul Classic, and has a Duncan DIstortion in the bridge of his guitar. WOW. I played it and was blown away. I had a DUncan lil '59er in a previous guitar and remember how good it sounded. SO I decided to put the 59 model in the neck and the Distortion in the bridge. I custom ordered them with Nickel covers. The 59 model cam in after two weeks, but I am still waiting for the Distortion to come in. Apparently they had to custom make one.
I am very satisfied with this pickup. It sounds GREAT, and is the solution I was looking for.

Pickup features: Passive Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Epiphone (S)G-400
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Muddy Stock Epiphone POS Pick Ups
Other pickups on guitar: Stock
Artists using this pickup: Myself, other than that I don't know
You musical style(s): Classic Rock, Hard Rock , Blues
Reason for pickup change: The original stock Pick ups were muddy and didn't have clear note definition. I also wanted to get a more versatile sound.

Perceived output level: Slightly hotter than normal, sounds pretty close to a PAF
Tone: well balanced, clear note definition
Sonic evaluation: I'm using an Epiphone (S)G-400 plugged straight into my Marshall half stack, sometimes I'll use my Jim Dunlop Cry baby 535Q Wah and my Boss Super Chorus. With thess Pick ups I can get a lot of good Classic Rock Sounds(Led Zeppelin, Cream, Black Sabbath, even some Hendrix) I can also get a Pearl Jam Ten album era sound and even early Soundgarden

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play Classic Rock, Hard Rock, and Blues Which this Pick up is perfectly suited for. But if you're looking for more extreme Metal sound look somewhere else.

Comments: If it were destroyed or stolen, I would buy another in a second. With this Pick Up I can easily get that Clapton "Woman" tone out of it and it's still versatile enough to play Zeppelin or Black Sabbath.

Pickup features: humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Epi Explorer
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: Epi Stock PU
Other pickups on guitar: JB in bridge
Artists using this pickup: shit i dont' know, check the website, lotsa them
You musical style(s): Blues, Rock, Metal
Reason for pickup change: The Stock pickup was really muddy and i needed something with alittle more edge, i was recommended the 59, and it is a great pickup

Perceived output level: Alot louder than the Stock pu, i'd say medium
Tone: balanced
Sonic evaluation: I'm am using a crate gx 30 with an Epi Explorer, i really want to upgrade the amp it is a begginner amp and i've had it for awhile, like to get a marshall or something, make the new pickups come alive.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: blues rock and metal, good for all 3, better for the blues and rock though i'd say.

Comments: If this pu was destroyed be hard pressed not to get another one, i think it's one of the best pu's i've heard in a long time. I've been playing for about 5 years now, besides the amp and guitar i own a boss metal zone, and i jimi hendrix wah pedal. I love everything about it. I chose it as a recommendation, you can hear this pu on any cd. I've found that neck sound.

Pickup features: Passive Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: www.seymourduncan.com

Model of guitar or bass: Epiphone Les Paul Standard
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: Neck stock pickup
Other pickups on guitar: Dimarzio PAF-Bridge
Artists using this pickup: Seymour Duncan?
You musical style(s): Rock 'n' Roll
Reason for pickup change: The neck stock pickup on the Epi, as many know was way to muddy and lacked clarity.

Perceived output level: A medium output pickup. Very close to the stock pups output.
Tone: I have this pup in the neck position and it does a good job of blending mid treble and bass to create a very balanced mellow sound. It is the perfect complement to my Dimarzio Paf in the bridge position. The Dimarzio has very distinct highs that pierce the ears, it cuts through sound distorted and becomes very twangy clean. The '59 provides a very smooth mellow clean sound that will soothe your eardrums rather than attack them.
Sonic evaluation: I use an Epiphone Les Paul standard through a Crate GX-900 head into a peavey 4x12 cab. Effects wise i use a boss chorus, equalizer, and blues driver. Generally i crank the reverb on my clean channel and play with the chorus on whenever i play clean, but the '59 sounds good enough that i dont need the chorus to make my sound, i can mold it myself. The '59 lets the true sound of the guitar come out, and pays very close attention to detail. Every note is distinct, and every action (by the player) is emphasized, instead of being lost in the mix..

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play rock 'n' roll, and for that it fits perfectly. With my combination of pups i can get very metal with the dimarzios to very mellow with the '59. Between those 2 extremes, there are many tonal possibilities. However, metal players should probably steer clear of this pup and check out the Seymour Duncan Dimbucker, invader, or Duncan Distortion.

Comments: I have been playing for quite some time now and genuinely love this pup. I also play a fender stratocater with 2 single coils and one humbucker. The '59 is more similar to the single coils when clean and gets gritty when distorted (It bears no resemblance to the single coils when distorted at all). As for finding "that sound," i am very picky when it comes to my sound and am currently researching another array of pups for a different guitar (probly another epi standard. I really love Seymour Duncan pickups and will probably never use any others. The '59 is great, but there are also many other great pickups out there too. This pickup is rock 'n' roll all the way, you can get raw or you can break it down monster ballad style.

Pickup features: Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: 7.43

Model of guitar or bass: Epiphone Dot
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: Stock Epiphone Humbucker
Other pickups on guitar: Epiphone Stock Humbucker (bridge)
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Blues, Jazz, Folk
Reason for pickup change: Original pickup sounded muddy and inarticulate when using the neck pick-up for jazz type pieces.

Perceived output level: Noticably hotter than the stock pickups without being over the top. The neck is louder than the bridge pickup now. I wanted to replace the pickups one at a time so I will be getting a P-90 for the bridge soon.
Tone: Very balalnced - just what I wanted. I can hear the bass notes without them breaking up or being a low indistinguishable low rumble.
Sonic evaluation: Playing an Epiphone Dot (335) through a Fender Blues Junior or Fender Hot Rod 410 (usually clean to slightly dirty)

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play Blues, Jazz and some Pop, Country or Rock. It is well suited for theses but obviously not the pick up for louder styles like Metal or Shred.

Comments: I am very happy with the pickup. It is worlds better than the Epiphone stock pickup prodiving clarity and definition to the notes. Seymour Duncan was recommended by my instructor rather than the Gibson '57 Classic as Seymour Duncan is devoted only to pickups. I would agree plus it was $30 less. I had a few questions as I began to install so I e-mailed Seymour Duncan and still haven't heard from them. I figured out my questions from other sources on the internet.

Pickup features: passive humbucker
Impedence or other specs: this information can be obtained through personal research www.seymourduncan.com

Model of guitar or bass: 1997 Fender Big Apple Stratocaster
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: that is in an untrue statement.
Other pickups on guitar: currently a dimarzio super distortion
Artists using this pickup: all six billion humans living on earth use this pickup
You musical style(s): gentle melodies, horrendous overdriven violence, anything with passion and honesty
Reason for pickup change: no change in pickup was necessary as it was included in the guitar itself. one might say that the pickup was like a limb developed in the birthing process of the guitar.

Perceived output level: glows with self-actualization
Tone: full and clean, round bass and clear highs, mids dropped slightly to provide more clarification
Sonic evaluation: with the fender big apple stratocaster running through a marshall head. this pickup is like the sweet whisper of the seraphim as they carry you through the clouds of highest elation in a moment of love. think of the day when you stepped out of a shower, and put on some clean clothes, and felt so fresh and renewed and your day held infinite possibilities; it is what this pickup sounds like. The '59 sounds like childhood.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: This pickup's pure sound can be useful for music in its many incarnations.

Comments: i find that on the clean channel of a turned-up tube amp the clean sound i have always wanted is found. if you want another simile it's like when the woman you love leaves you and your life is hopeless and trite. and you wait patiently for years, perhaps dating a few others but never being satisfied because you know in your heart that the woman is right for you. And years later she comes back to you and confides that she has realized that there is only one man in her life...you. I love this pickup's distinction. If, in a burst of metaphysical spontanaeity squirted out of this universe much like a watermelon seed, then I would purchase a new one. I would like to share with you the sound of hope...Duncan '59

Pickup features: Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: DC Resistance neck pos: 7.43k / Bridge pos: 8.13k Resonant peak neck pos: 6.8khz / Bridge pos: 6.0khz

Model of guitar or bass: Epiphone Les Paul Custom
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Gold factory stock.
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup: Don't know or care....
You musical style(s): Country and 50's , 60's Rock
Reason for pickup change: Wanted hotter cleaner sound from this Epiphone Les Paul Custom.

Perceived output level: I would say output up to 25% more.
Tone: Balanced sound, good bottom and enough high end for my style of playing.
Sonic evaluation: Recently purchased Epiphone Les Paul Custom with and older Peavey Special 150. I'm and old timer and have been playing in various bands playing various types of music since '63.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Country and 50's and 60's, real happy with all positons.

Comments: Use Morley volume pedal and Boss Blues driver and Delay pedals. I keep everything real basic. Have had many different guitars including a '65 Gibson ES-335,An '83 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop, A G&L Asat Classic, etc.. and am just as happy with with the sound of this Epiphone Les Paul with these '59 pickups.

Pickup features: Passive Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: 7.9K

Model of guitar or bass: 2001 Les Paul Historic and Kramer 5150 "EVH" Replica
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: '57 classics
Other pickups on guitar: Lindy Fralin 9K Bridge
Artists using this pickup: You name 'em
You musical style(s): Rock n roll
Reason for pickup change: I've had '59's in many guitars over the years. Duncan does a great job chruning out lots of pickups but all of the "have it". The Historic Les Paul's '57 classics lacked character, definition, and clarity. A Lindy Fralin 9K in the bridge and the Duncan '59 with nickle cover in the neck position cured this problem. It was like taking a blanket off my speaker cab. I also currently run a '59 in the bridge position of a detailed Keamer 5150 replica.

Perceived output level: Standard 50's PAF output in both positions
Tone: Open and detailed with balenced and crisp top end. The lows are solid and never bassy. Lacks a bit of the hollow tone of a true PAF. Good note to note articulation
Sonic evaluation: I find the Duncan '59 to have it's own sound. There is a nice "growly" midrange that is attractive about these pickups. In the neck, there is a focused tone that does not get boxy sounding. Bridge pickup has some meat and not shrill sounding. While these may not be as complex sounding as Fralins nor authentic to PAF tone as the Rolphs, Holmes, or Harmonic design PAF's, they are excellent pickups at an attractive price.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: All styles

Comments: The '59 has become the "go to" pickup as they are consistant and deliver the goods year in and year out. While not "this years" new pickup of choice, this old stand-by will cure many woes in a world of sucky OEM pickups.

Pickup features: humbucking
Impedence or other specs: 7.4K

Model of guitar or bass: Les Paul
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: Gibson mini humbucker
Other pickups on guitar: JB bridge
Artists using this pickup: Everyone one from Robben Ford to Dimebag Darrel!
You musical style(s): American Roots Music
Reason for pickup change: Never liked the sterile sound of minihumbuckers. Wanted the tone of a 59 Les Paul!

Perceived output level: Bright, clean, room in the mids for some nice air and breath, solid lows, smooth but bright highs.
Tone: Not as bright and clean as Tom Holmes but very balanced.
Sonic evaluation: Tweed 50's Fenders, Blackface 60's Fenders, '70 Marshall 50 watt small box thru old Celestions.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: As a neck pickup this is perfect for blues, rock and jazz...even for heavy rock. A perfect match, IMO, with a bridge JB.

Comments: For the price, it is unbeatable. I also love the 8.2K bridge version...it's brighter and has less mids and a more breathy vintage tone than the JB. If you can spend a little more money ($120) the 8K Fralin is more harmonically complex and detailed...but it's twice as much. The Tom Holmes is cleaner than the Fralin and just as detailed and complex. But the Duncan 59 is a superb value and for $66 nothing else can touch it. Great for everything from Pantera to Robben Ford to Wes Montgomery! The 59n is pretty much the industry standard for a neck humbucker. I feel it is cleaner and bouncier than most real 50's PAF's and I prefer it to any of the newer Gibson PAF's.

Pickup features: Passive humbucker
Impedence or other specs: :sceps rehto ro ecnadepmI

Model of guitar or bass: Epiphone Sheraton II
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Gibson Classic '57 which went to the neck position replacing the stock pickup.
Other pickups on guitar: Gibson Classic '57 on the neck position.
Artists using this pickup: Jesus Christ!
You musical style(s): Vintage british rock and contemporary rock.
Reason for pickup change: Well, first, it was very cheap. Second, it's a Duncan '59. I couldn't find a better time to drop the shitty stock pup out of my guitar.

Perceived output level: Dunno, I was waiting for something more or less in the verve of the Classic '57.
Tone: In comparasion, the '59 is a brighter and a touch hotter than the '57. Its high end is a bit tighter than the '57. With the '57, it goes along pretty darn well, I might add.
Sonic evaluation: I use this Epiphone Sheraton II through a BOSS ME-8 through a Marshall JCM2000 DSL 401. I do not EQ the guitar signal so the ME-8 is basically in bypass mode as far as EQ goes. I just use some delay, chorus/flanger and eventually turn on the compressor/sustainer to add guts to solos. This guitar has become an ES-335 for one fifth of the price. It sings gently now.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I suppose that the '59ers could be considered the best all around combo available but that'd be too wide open. If you don't know what to do, go for the '59ers on both neck and bridge position until you figure out your sound. The combo will work well for Les Pauls and semi-hollow body guitars like mine. It also works well in humbucker positions in stratocasters. Go for it.

Comments: If it goes, I'd be sad, but I'd probably search for other kind of pup. Not that this is not good but I'd certainly try others.
I've been playing for six years now and I also have an Epiphone Les Paul Standard, a Washburn Lyon Series Strat, an acoustic Yamaha APX-4-12A, an acoustic Epiphone EJ-200 and a Fender Jazz Bass.
I love the clarity and the definition it provides to the notes and the character it brings to the guitar. I hate the fact that the covered (with either chrome or golden cover) SD '59 is almost 20 bucks more expensive than the non-covered one. Aesthetics count...
I wish I could easily cover it.
I am satisfied with it because I have reached a certain level with a semi-hollow body guitar. If I want heavier tones I use my Les Paul. The Sheraton has got a unique sound with which I am satisfied now. It is really an awesome axe!

Pickup features: humbucking passive
Impedence or other specs: don't know

Model of guitar or bass: Epiphone Les Paul Standard
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: stock
Other pickups on guitar: Duncan '59 (neck)
Artists using this pickup: Gilby Clarke, I think.
You musical style(s): hard rock/some metal
Reason for pickup change: stock pickups sounded too muddy.

Perceived output level: same as stock
Tone: balanced
Sonic evaluation: Epiphone Lp standard through Line 6 Spider 210 set on "crunch."

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play mostly hard rock, namely Kiss and Aerosmith songs. This pickup is slightly week for the KISS stuff but it's ok for the Aerosmith stuff. This pickup is unsuitable for bridge position if youre trying to get a lot of power, like me.

Comments: If it were destroyed, I' replace it with a DiMarzio Super Distortion. I've been playing for almost nine years now, but for the amount of time I've been playing, I suck. I'm a mess. I also own a peavey predator that needs new pickups. This pickup is not my firs choice. I only put it in because I needed my sock pickups replaced right away. I had this pickup lying around and I knew it had more clarity than the stock pickup so I stuck it in. I'm basically trying to get an Ace Frehley tone. The closer to that I get, the happier I'll be.

Pickup features: Passive humbucker
Impedence or other specs: What?

Model of guitar or bass: Epiphone Limited Edition Les Paul Flametop
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Epiphone copy of a Gibson Classic '57 Plus (stock)
Other pickups on guitar: Epiphone copy of a Gibson Classic '57
Artists using this pickup: I don't know
You musical style(s): Blues, classic rock, some jazz and stuff like that
Reason for pickup change: Got the guitar at auction and the bridge pickup was busted open and damaged inside.

Perceived output level: Medium. Not as hot as the Gibson '57 Classic Plus in my SG bridge.
Tone: Very good bass response, good treble on clean, less treble on distortion.
Sonic evaluation: I like this pickup, but to me it sounds like a neck pickup more than a bridge pickup. The box said bridge though. It has a real warm sound through my Peavey Bandit 112, so I imagine it would nail a true Les Paul sound through an all-tube amp. My biggest gripe is the fact that when you switch into distortion, the high end seems to fade out quite a bit. The lead tone it gives is fat and full, but with lower treble response, basically a real good blues tone. If you push it into a metal kind of overdrive, it is much too muddy, but for ACDC and that kind of thing it works great. The best part is when it is played clean. It gives one of the most amazing jazz tones I have ever heard. You can get a full sound without any gain at all, but still hear every note with perfect clarity. Even 13th and augmented chords sound wonderfully clear.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I think this pickup is good for playing jazz, blues or classic rock. I don't think it would work for metalheads or punk-style players, but that's not really my strong suit anyway. As far as positions, I think this might be better as a neck pickup, even though it says bridge.

Comments: I have been playing for a few years now, mostly hobby, though. The only other guitar I own right now is my Epiphone SG (G-400). I think this is a pretty good pickup for my needs, I just wish it had a little more top end. Unfortunate for me, I trusted the music store guy when he swore this pickup was the best for hard rock lead tone. I also thought that $95.20 was the actual price (guess I am stupid after seeing you all bought it for about $65). As for THAT sound, I already have that in my SG with the Gibson pickups. If this pickup were stolen, I don't know if I would buy another one for the bridge position. However, I would not take this pickup back out of my guitar. It's not quite what I wanted, but I still like the sound.

Pickup features: Humbucking; passive.
Impedence or other specs: 7.43K

Model of guitar or bass: 80s Gibson LP Standard
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: Stock
Other pickups on guitar: Duncan 59er in the bridge
Artists using this pickup: Probably 1/5 the population.
You musical style(s): Blues/Rock
Reason for pickup change: Gave in to the hype.

Perceived output level: A hair louder than the stock one.
Tone: I found it to be bassy to muddy with a vintagey vibe.
Sonic evaluation: The guitar, you know. The amp was a tired Fender Super Reverb.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: For my style of Blues/Rock, this pickup is only good for rhythm on a lower volume. I just don't like it.

Comments: If it were gone, I wouldn't care. I need something with at least some high end to it. I've been playing 34 1/2 years. I own a shit load of Gibson and Fender guitars. I don't love anything about this pickup. It has bridge potential because the highs suck. The bridge model I have sounds OK, not great, just OK. I hate the f*cking hype about this pickup being the greatest thing since sliced bread. It isn't! I listened to many PAF type pickups. Believe it or not, I found the DiMarzio PAF to be the closest to my real PAF. The reason I chose this SD is because of I guess, market saturation. I am disappointed, disgusted and dissatisfied with this pickup. Ironically, I never really was searching for any sound. As I said before, I just caved in to the hype. The only thing I'd like to add is the fact that I could be the lousiest player for someone who has been playing as long as I have but that amount of time counts for something. I've played and owned many a high end guitar with great sounding pickups. If I say this 59er neck pickup sucks, believe me, it sucks.

Pickup features: Passive humbucker
Impedence or other specs: everyone should know this by now

Model of guitar or bass: Homemade Les paul
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: None
Other pickups on guitar: None
Artists using this pickup: Many
You musical style(s): Blues, Rock, and anything wlse I can fake
Reason for pickup change: Wanted to get "that sound"

Perceived output level: Suppose to be a replica of a PAF, pretty good!
Tone: Well balanced as far as my deaf ass can hear
Sonic evaluation: Home made LPS, Peavey delta Blues and a Classic 50 head with 410 ans 115 cabs

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Works for everything I do! I made this to play Duane Allman style slide but it has become my #1 bar bitch!

Comments: I love them, great tones! I might try a set of JM Rolphs, or Holmes pickups. They are all very colse to each other in sound

Pickup features: Humbucking
Impedence or other specs: whatever this one is spec'ed at.

Model of guitar or bass: De Armond D75
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: De Armond standard humbucking
Other pickups on guitar: none
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s):
Reason for pickup change: Guitar sounded flat and at times, muddy

Perceived output level: Noticebly more
Tone: balanced
Sonic evaluation: Amp: Marshall JCM 2000 TSL 122 Combo
Effects: Vox Wah

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Blues, Jazz(Fusion), Rock,Gospel, and some R&B

Comments: When I first plugged in, it brought a smile to my face. I started playing single notes, and immediately I could here the clarity. When I played a chord, (D9) I could hear every note clearly and the harmonics were awesome. It has a bass to mid to high balance that I heard on the older gibsons and guilds.(This was in the middle position.) When I switched to the neck position, I got a nice heavy, sweet sound that was still crystal clear, I mean every note had its own identity. I then then switched to the Bridge and it had nice bite and punch. This pickup brought my De Armond to another level. I considered dropping a couple of grand on a Gibson to get this sound. I can now do my Marshall some justice. I am very satisfied with the sound I am getting now. I would buy this again. I am not saying that the DeArmond was that bad. But I been playing for over 20 years and I have a good idea of the kind of sound I'm after.

Pickup features: passive humbucking
Impedence or other specs: about 7.5K

Model of guitar or bass: Gibson Les Paul Classic
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: stock Gibson 496R
Other pickups on guitar: Rio Grande BBQ Bucker
Artists using this pickup: I dunno...lots I suppose
You musical style(s): classic rock, blues
Reason for pickup change: The stock Gibson 496R wasn't really all that terrible but was a tad too dark for my taste. I prefer a bit of snap in the neck position and the 496R was very mellow in the top and bottom end, but not in an objectionable way. Kind of buttery but lacking in harmonic complexity. I finally had to replace it out of boredom. I did some research on a good replacement neck humbucker and decided that the '59 was the best candidate based on my musical preferences. I wasn't dissapointed either.

Perceived output level: Output level is just right for what I do. Not only was I pleased with the tone and response of the pickup, I was pleasantly surpised out how loud it was compared to the 496R. The '59 gives me punch and warmth with out resorting to an overwound pickup. My only gripe is the dropout that occurs during string bends, but I'll live with this in exchange for the openness and sustain of the '59.
Tone: I get a kick out of reviews that read, "extremely balanced, only with a lot of treble". This is sort of like saying, "same thing...only different". Come on folks! Let's think a little more before we write these reviews (I'll get down off my soapbox now). Let me say that the '59 is reasonably balanced though slightly mid-scooped. Perfect for a neck humbucker. Not only was I pleased with the tone and response of the pickup, I was pleasantly surpised by how loud it was compared to the 496R. The '59 gives me punch and warmth with out resorting to an overwound pickup. I can get a great clean sound or add just the right amount of "teeth" when used in conjunction with slight overdrive boost. With higher gain, it can be creamy or muddy dependant on your EQ settings.
Sonic evaluation: I've used '59 equipped Les Paul with a Marshall JTM 30, a '65 Bandmaster and a Fender M80 combo (solid-state) that I keep around for practice. Works well in each situation.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I'd have to agree with other reviewers that the '59 is superior in the neck position. I've played a buddy's Les Paul with a '59 at the bridge and found the output level to bit too low for all around use. Sounds terrific with high gain though as it tends to be somewhat toppy in this position (another reviewer described it as "strident"). Coil-splitting the '59 in the neck yeilds excellent results if you're into funkier single coil sounds.

Comments: The '59 was everything I expected it to be. Wish I didn't have to deal with the dropout on string bends. If Seymour would design a '59 type humbucker with closely spaced adjustable pole pieces (ala Carvin), it would be a serious contender for the best all-around neck position humbucker.

Pickup features: Humbucking (Single conductor) - Zebra
Impedence or other specs: check the site

Model of guitar or bass: 1981 Gibson Les Paul Custom
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: Stock (velvet bricks?)
Other pickups on guitar: Seymour Duncan Custom (bridge)
Artists using this pickup: Me...Check the site, there are lots
You musical style(s): Everything and Anything
Reason for pickup change: Stock pups were weak, not very bright and overly bassy. I also wanted the zebra look.

Perceived output level: Your average PAF with a bit more output
Tone: Very balanced with a glassy top and a bottom that isn't mushy
Sonic evaluation: Using 81 LP Custom, Boss GT-3 into a Crate half stack (GX900H... I think) (Solid State)

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play all kinds of stuff from Metal (ZAKK WYLDE RULES) to Jazzish shat!

Comments: Yes, I'd buy again. It is the perfect match for my LP Custom
I've been playing for about 12 years. I love the crispness with the tone up and the ability to get that smmmooootttthhh tone with the tone rolled back. I'm very satisfied with this and it will stay.... for now.
Highly recommend this pup for a LP neck position!

Pickup features: Passive Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: ??

Model of guitar or bass: Ibanez as80 (335 copy)
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: Ibanez Super 58, Neck
Other pickups on guitar: Seymore Duncan Seth Lover, Bridge
Artists using this pickup: ??
You musical style(s): Jazz, Blues, Groove
Reason for pickup change: Original pickup was completely lifeless, had no character and just plain sounded dead.

Perceived output level: Normal
Tone: Very warm and lively. Sometimes it's almost pianolike. VERY MUSICAL.
Sonic evaluation: I've used this pickup through a Saldano Astroverb, Fender Pro Junior, and my dad's Fender Princeton Reverb Blackface(1965). It sounds great through each amp, although the bass sounds thin through the Saldano, but that is a very bright amp to begin with. Sounds best through the Princeton Reverb, but everything sounds best through that amp. I think this is an excellent neck pickup for jazz and blues. Very musical clean sounds, very warm and clear. I also have it coil tapped, which cuts the volume in half. Sounds very good though, almost like a Strat. I use it mostly as a humbucker though.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Jazz, Blues, Groove

Comments: I really think this is an excellent pickup. I was ready to sell my Ibanez and spend more $$ on a new 335 style guitar from heritage. I replaced the pickups instead and I am glad I did. I think any 335 copy can sound amazing with a set of SD's in it. If your thinking about buying a Gibson 335, save your maney, get an Epiphone dot or an Ibanez as80 and put 2 SD '59's in it. It'll sound better, cost less, and with a pro setup it'll play better too.

Pickup features: passive humbucking
Impedence or other specs: beats me

Model of guitar or bass: ibanez rg170
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: powersound piece of shit
Other pickups on guitar: powersound
Artists using this pickup: me
You musical style(s): emo/noise rock
Reason for pickup change: my old pickups sounded like ass.

Perceived output level: average it's not insanely hot or weak
Tone: it's bassy it still has a very balanced tone it's very jazzy
Sonic evaluation: ibanez rg170, ampeg V-4, crappy 2x12.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: it's badass in the neck position

Comments: if this were stolen i would buy this again.i've been playing for about 6 years.this pickup is quite the rockin'.

Pickup features: PASSIVE
Impedence or other specs: You don't need the specs you have to try it..................duh

Model of guitar or bass: SG Standard
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Gibson pickups
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup: Many.......
You musical style(s): Rock
Reason for pickup change: Search for new tone

Perceived output level: Manufacturer's terms are useless to me hot, ultrahot, megahot are terms Idon't use...
Tone: Bassy, middy, muddy, trebly, balanced whatever term you used will not explain the sound of you're pickups, also for the the pickup manufacturer stop giving us you're specification cause it's like written in chinesse, I mean how many people are really checking out this specifications before they buy a pickup? we all know that you have to try it first to find out right?
Sonic evaluation: I'm using Marshall stack the jcms/Fender Prosonic
There are so many words to discribe a guitar tones, the only way to find out is to try it. In my opinion the 59 Semour has a lot of gain
cause i'm using high gain amps all tubes compare to gibson 500T it has less distortion but it will give you the bite that you need for agression when you loose you're dynamics you loose you're tone there fore, too much distortion equals to less dynamics I used this pickups
(59 seymour) on my first cd with SG Standard check it out at www.mp3.com/caspersalcedo

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Rock

Comments: If it get's stolen I will buy a guitar with 59 Seymour.hehehe

Pickup features: Passive Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: Alnico V Bar magnet. 7.43K (n) 8.13 (b) Single conductor cable

Model of guitar or bass: Gibson ES-335 CRR (factory coil split)
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Stock 1979 "Dirty Fingers"
Other pickups on guitar: Both "DF"s
Artists using this pickup: Dave Amato
You musical style(s): Vintage Rock, blues
Reason for pickup change: Stock "Dirty Fingers" are essentially, distortion pickups. Their effect on my tone was like a half-bottle of Ketchup on a small order of fries! Also, they lacked clarity. Very powerful, though. Heavily overwound Ceramic magnet."Dirty Fingers" are useful for Heavy Metal types, but not for me.

Perceived output level: Moderate; Vintage. Not near so poweful as "DFs". Fine by me!
Tone: Smooth, bright. Neck pickup is a bit louder, but those ' 59s make my 335 come alive! Balanced tone; thick
Sonic evaluation: ' 73 Deluxe Reverb( new Fender Ceramic speaker, unfortunately) and my ' 91 Super 1-12( Great clean sound). Those '59s overdrive my Deluxe wonderfully. One hears more feedback, but now my guitar sounds semi-hollow! Good combination for that "Hot Legs" or "Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out" tone! These p/u's give me more USEABLE volume than those turbo-injected "Dirty Fingers"!
Through my Super 1-12 (60 watts, all tube!)there's more clean tone, obviously. However with THESE 59s, I can turn up the volume and have a ball! This amp isn't easy to overdrive, but the middle position on my selector switch yeilds juicy, thick satisfying tone! My 335 is SO much more fun, now. Thank You, Seymour Duncan!

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Vintage Rocker (Beatles, 'Stones, Chuck Berry, Chicago Blues, etc.) I've got 59's in the neck & bridge. C&W pickers may not appreciate ' 59s, but on a maple-capped Les Paul std..who knows?

Comments: Been playing for 22 years. Other items are my Martin D-28, Stock Fender Tele and a recent model Gibson Les Paul Special( P-100 p/u's). Alos, I've got an old Vibro Champ.If Seymour Duncan has some P-90 replacements near so pleasing as those '59s, I'll be TOO pleased! I'm a "Strat-Man" for some 20 years,so I know little about judging PAFs. However, I can say that I really like my '59s alot! Also, those "Dirty Fingers" seemed to interfere with my tone, instead of enhancing it.

Pickup features: Passive Humbucker, based on the Gibson PAF design, single wire lead
Impedence or other specs: According to Duncan about 7.5k.

Model of guitar or bass: Gibson SG Special
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: Gibson 496R
Other pickups on guitar: Seymour Duncan George Lynch Screamin' Demon
Artists using this pickup: No one comes to mind right away
You musical style(s): Blues, hard rock, 70's metal
Reason for pickup change: I got tired of the harsh more-metal-than-thou Gibson 496R that I had put in several years ago. I wanted something that was mellower and fatter, something more like the pickups in my '78 Les Paul Standard.

Perceived output level: Low to Moderate. Its not real loud at all.
Tone: Low mids are accented heavily, plenty of thump, very fat with a thick high end.
Sonic evaluation: This pickup went in the neck position of a '92 Gibson SG Special. I pump this guitar through a Marshall JTM 601 which is a 1x12 60w combo with about the same about of gain as a JCM 800.
The '59 has a big fat sound. It just flat out roars at you play with some distortion. Its got a ballsy lead sound that is very very thick. You could play on the neck position all night and never need anything else.
Clean, this pickup is pretty crisp, but it does have a bit of mud in the low end. There's enough shimmer for some chording and notes ring clear and very nicely.
Overall, I could get a variety of sounds out of this pickup, but no real extreme sounds, for instance, its not a super metal pickup, nor is it great for jangly clean stuff. But for smokey rhythms and fat leads, its great.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play blues and rock and old school metal with some shred in there for fun. You can't shred with this pickup. It muddies up too much, but for slow bends and chunky chords, hooo man, its good stuff.

Comments: I've been playing for 8 years now and this is the second best neck humbucker I've tried. The best being the Dimarzio PAF. I would have a hard tme buying another '59 if the Dimarzio PAF was available. But the differences are small. I like SD as a company a little more than Dimarzio, but the Dimarzio is a lot clearer and a lot chunkier.
I do like the '59, however, and would not hesitate to recommend it.

Pickup features: Passive Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Hamer Vector
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: Stock Hamer pickup
Other pickups on guitar: Hamer triple coil (made by duncan???)
Artists using this pickup: lots and lots
You musical style(s): Rock/blues
Reason for pickup change: The stock pickup wasn't very nice sounding....dull and had no cutting ability.

Perceived output level: output is fairly low, which is good
Tone: nice and even, has a good low and top end (beautiful treble response) the middle is musical.
Sonic evaluation: 2 amps, Peavey Classic 30 for small rooms and bluesy jams (or when I have a sore back and a mic) and a Diezel VH4S for most everything (best amp in the world) I plug straight in to both amps no effects...aside from some delay rn through the effects loop or either/both amp

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play primarily rock though I dabble in many things.

Comments: I this pickup sounds amazing in an all mahogany guitar, it has a presence that I think is truly amazing and enough low end to satisfy your gut. I didn't mount this pickup on the mounting ring....I screwed it directly into the body of the guitar (I do this on all my instruments) which is also improves the tome of the instrument IMO. This 59 is a single conductor...I wish they came stock with 4 conductors. Thats about the only wish I had for this pickup and since you can get a 4 conductor, just have to wait a bit, its not arealy good weaknes is it?
You cant miss pickup

Pickup features: Passive Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: 71 Les Paul Custom
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: Stock PAF
Other pickups on guitar: Duncan JB (modified with an Alnico II magnet)
Artists using this pickup: lots and lots
You musical style(s): Rock/blues
Reason for pickup change: Stock pickups were muffled sounding...didn't sound right.

Perceived output level: Medium output
Tone: balanced, great mid and treble. Bass is very smooth and warm
Sonic evaluation: Using 2 amps, a peavey Classic 30 (for small jams and practice) and a Diezel VH4S. Only effect I use is delay in teh effects loop.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play a rock/blues style....gary Moore-ish

Comments: I love the 59, nicest neck pickup there is IMO. I'm a big fan of the Alnico pro II also but I think the 59 is just a bit better. this pickup has the nicest sounding treble I found for a neck pickup, its really really nice. I also have a 59 in the neck on my Hamer vector which is a very different guitar from the LP......I'll review the 59 in that guitar later.

Pickup features: full sized humbucker
Impedence or other specs: D.C. Resistance 7.4 neck-8.2 bridge.

Model of guitar or bass: USA Washburn WMS Studio
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Duncan Custom Custom
Other pickups on guitar: none
Artists using this pickup: Several artist use these pickups.
You musical style(s): Blues,rock,fusion and old school metal.
Reason for pickup change: Wanting a pickup to hear the guitar's wood and strings coming through,not "hyped" in your face midrange and high output.In other words,sweet vintage tone.

Perceived output level: Vintage/moderate output.
Tone: Balanced and warm,with a sweet,singing top-end.
Sonic evaluation: Superb pickup for many styles.I use mine through either my MesaBoogie MKIIC+,Fender Prosonic or Valvetech 22watt 1-12" combo.Clean the '59 is sweet and full,with harmonics "chirps" easily pulled out when coaxed,especially on the neck position pickup.Many think of the '59 as only a neck pickup,but I think it's an awesome pickup for the bridge position [and a close second to the wonderful Duncan Antiquity].The '59 offers tighter lows and more of a shimmering top-end than most "hot" pickups,making it a way underrated pickup for hard rock and metal.I say get a killer tube amp and let it do the dirty work.The '59 seems to sing and growl when pushed,getting a great vocal-like quality when digging in and bending during overdriven solos.I have either had,or have,the Duncan '59 in several of my guitars and find them to be an important part of my ToneQuest.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: As stated before,blues,rock,fusion and old school metal.The '59 is great for any position.

Comments: If my guitar was abducted by an alien species of guitar freaks and was given a "pickup probe" and then dropped in a cow pasture to live it's life out with horrific flashbacks of "Disco Duck" and Grim Reaper videos,while having DiMarzio X2N's installed in her belly,then yes,I would take her back to Fred at The Repair Zone for some tender loving care and have two warm and nurturing '59's reinstalled...though the mental scars may take much longer to heal.