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.

Pickup features: passive humbucker
Impedence or other specs: two conductor

Model of guitar or bass: Epiphone Les Paul Custom
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: Stock high-output humbuckers
Other pickups on guitar: '59 Bridge in bridge, '59 Neck in neck
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): blues, classic rock
Reason for pickup change: I love this guitar. For an Epiphone, it played great, rang like a Les Paul is supposed to when unplugged, and just felt wonderful for me. However, when I plugged in, the pickups were always harsh, ALWAYS distorted (which sounded more like static), and were just simply not musical

Perceived output level: These are definitely hotter than my Texas Special single coils, and seem comparable to the modern Gibson humbuckers (although the sound is different). Also, they are slightly hotter than the standard Epiphone humbuckers (my old high-output versions not withstanding).
Tone: These pickups, when played either through my old Crate 20-watt tube amp or my Fender Bronco solid-state practice amp, are very, very clear. Even when the amp is turned up and on a short-scale guitar, every note in a big chord rings clearly and individually. The balance is fantastic, and these pickups are very sensitive to the nuances of picking and fretting technique. These allow me to personalize my playing immensely
Sonic evaluation: I mostly play clean, but will often use a mild, bluesy distortion. The amps are listed above.
For the clean tones, these pickups ring like a bell. The neck pickup can be very full-bodied, even jazzy when turned up. If I roll a little volume off of it, it gives a great rhythm strumming sound (think Creedence), but with more body and musicality. The bridge pickup gets "spankier" without losing any of the tonal fullness of the neck pickup. I definitely love using that sound for a jumpy, Chicago-blues type sound. When both pickups are selected, I feel like I'm playing B.B. King's guitar, especially when played through a tube amp.
Distorted, these pickups definitley deliver that vintage, Clapton-era "woman tone." Wow. In the neck position, with a little bit of distortion and mild volume on my tube amp, I can get very close to Clapton's "Hideaway" or "All Your Love (I Miss Loving)" tone.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I think the positives are documented well above. As to unsuitable uses, I don't feel like I can get a great metal tone, but as I very rarely play those heavier styles, I may not know how to get those sounds.

Comments: I would definitely buy these pickups again.
I've answered most of the other questions. I did do a LOT of research into these pickups, and looked at these, SD "Pearly Gates," Gibson "Classic '57s", and some Dimarzios. The Gibson "Classics" were close, but were slightly bassier and a lot pricier.

Pickup features: Passive Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Les Paul Standard Goldtop
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Seymour Duncan JB
Other pickups on guitar: Stock Neck
Artists using this pickup: A Whole Shit Load
You musical style(s): Rock, Heavy Metal
Reason for pickup change: The JB was far to nasal and middy, it was also far to hot, I couldn't get within 20' of any of my amps without unpleasant microphonics... even potting the pickup didn't help.

Perceived output level: Slightly less than the JB
Tone: The tone is sweet, nice smooth highs and ample smooth bass. Mids are never overbearing.
Sonic evaluation: Used through several amps, crate VC30, Garnet r90 through Marshall 1960 4x12, and a Yamaha DG-60. I've never played so much in my life... the JB is a good pickup but the '59 is so much better in my opinion, it is better balanced and far more suitable for a variety of music, My LP has never sounded so good, it literaly sings.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I enjoy metal and also classic rock, while not a super hot pickup, all of my amps have enough gain, and the ones that don't get a pedal.

Comments: This pickup has ended my tone quest... therefor it gets a 10, I would buy another, and if it were stolen I'd hunt down the guy who took it and feed him his nuts for lunch.

Pickup features: Passive Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: not positive about, 8K

Model of guitar or bass: 1988 Kramer Baretta, American series
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Generic pickup installed by previous owner
Other pickups on guitar: none
Artists using this pickup: Eddie Van Halen, (his 5150 Custom Kramer has a 59')
You musical style(s): Classic Rock, Queen, van halen, Rush, Pink Floyd
Reason for pickup change: Old P/U lacked clarity and presence. Overdriven tones were
very congested

Perceived output level: Mild output, much less than my Duncan Distortion, screamin deamon, or dimarzio Tone Zone. Slightly less than the Stock Schaller PAFs in my other Kramer guitars, Slightly less than my EMG 89'. Similar output with the Korean made Duncan Designed pickups in my Hamer Duo-tone.
Tone: Balanced mid and Bass, little low on the trebble.
Sonic evaluation: PLay through a 50 watt carvin tube amp which pumps a 5150 4x12 cab. I have a BOSS DD-5 in the effects loop and an old MXR phase 90. The 59 is mounted directly to the basswood body of my 88' Kramer baretta, no pickup rings or springs. Its mounted at an angle, so the low-E string is picked up further towards the neck.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Perfect match for my style, I can nail alex lifesons mid-80's tones exactly. Its not a high output gain monster, though so metallica and speed metal are a little out of its league. However, with a good stompbox with tons of gain it would probably do great.

Comments: If it were lost or stolen, I'd deffinitely get another.
Been playing since 86'
My other guitars are:
98' Hamer duo tone with "duncan designed" PAFs.
99 Ibanez RG (completely modified with Dimarzio P/Us and a Floyd rose original trem), Tone knob deactivated.
91' Fender Prodigy (with Duncan distortion)
86' Kramer Pacer with EMG S/S/H P/Us
84 Kramer Vanguard completely original, schaller P/Us.
87 Kramer Misc parts guitar, Baretta Body with Pacer Carerra banana headstock neck (With Bartollini active Humbucker)
88' Kramer Baretta "American" with this Duncan 59'
87 Ibanez Roadstar project guitar with Duncan screamin deamon.
Love the classic rock vibe of this PU, very warm overdriven tones. Does not drive my Carvin tubes into massive compression like my Dimarzio tone zone, when the vol knob is maxed. It really lets the acoustic / tonal qualities of the guitar and amp shine through.
I like its looks, looks just like an old PAF, no "SEYMOUR DUNCAN" lettering.
Basically I have experience with the forementioned pickups and I wanted to try the 59' mounted directly to the body of my basswood Kramer. The result is a very warm resonant guitar. Everyone else says its bright and has a lot of mid/high output. I have found it to be quite the opposite. in this guitar it has a very warm bassy output.
Love its warm mild output, drives my amp into fully overdriven tones without pushing it into full tilt tube compression... very unique. The only P/U I have found to accomplish this.
This is MY tone!!! warm and fat, fully overdriven without the fuzzy compression. very dynamic pickup, responds to my playing exactly. Makes me sound even more like Alex lifeson!!!
Dont hate anytihng, wish it came with a mounting ring.
Paid $65 for it so I cant give it a 10, other pickups I have ALL came with mounting rings.

Pickup features: Humbucking PAF Alnico V
Impedence or other specs: Vintage Patent Applied For output

Model of guitar or bass: LP Standard
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Gibson 57 Classic
Other pickups on guitar: Seymour Duncan Seth Lover neck position
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Rock, Blues
Reason for pickup change: Its been a quest for tone with this guitar really. It started with a change from the pickup the axe had in it when I bought it used 5 yrs ago. It was a nondescript model pickup which was thin and wiry sounding. Hellacious! So I put in the Gibson 57 classic and it was better by far than what I started out with but somewhat unbalanced sounding to me. The other problem was that the new Gibson was real weak compared to the SD 59 that came with the guitar in the neck position. And the SD 59 didnt look right without the cover when the 57 classic did have a cover. So I tried to solder a cover on the SD, but I got a lot of squeal from the amp so I then tried potting the pickup in wax a couple of times to no avail. But now the SD 59 had lost some high end and was muddy so I replaced it with a Gibson 490R and at least now, the volume was closer to the 57 but the 490R lacked definition. After 4 yrs of playing the guitar like that I finally got sick of the fact that when playing with both pickups on together I wasnt getting that cool 50s snarl so, in exasperation, I decided to try the old SD '59N in the bridge and WHOA! What a diff in ouput over the 57 Classic. Way better tone too and decidedly louder than the weak, muddy 490R. So a couple of days later I bought a SD '59 bridge pickup, moved the old '59n to the neck position and later on replaced the '59n with a Seth Lover neck position because it was made too muddy when I potted it. The 59n was not wasted though because I gave it to a friend who has it as his new bridge humbucker and it sounds great in that position!

Perceived output level: Correct PAF output
Tone: Bright but not hot, with great clarity and character and very well balanced. Nice midrange and clear low end.
Sonic evaluation: Im using my Lp with a Marshall Bluesbreaker Reissue amp, mostly straight in and cranked wide open when the wife's not around. The Seymour has a decidedly vintage vibe, covering all the shades of cool 60's and 70's tones like good PAFs should. Gots ta have a taste every day now!

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Probably not a good match for Rap artists.

Comments: Below I give the pickup a 9 cause the scale goes in whole numbers but really I'd say 9 1/2 because it is the best PAF clone for the bridge that I have tried as of yet. Im still looking for a pickup with the same basic overall tone as the '59 but with a little more of the "sizzle", that secondary tone that PAFs have which seems so hard to replicate. My Seth Lover has more of that tone now and I may try a Seth for the bridge position. I have played a real 1960 LP Custom with a Bigsby and original PAFs and a 1961 Les Paul SG with PAFs and those pickups definitly had that secondary tone and there's nothing like it. Makes you feel like your playing into the instrument instead of on it, its hard to describe it. The '59 has everything else though and unless your stuck on getting the best Blues or Brittish BLues tones the '59 will be all you'll need. GREAT TONE!! I'd buy them again in a minute.

Pickup features: humbucker passive
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Epiphone Les Paul Standard
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Epiphone stock
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup: Brian Robertson
You musical style(s): Rock and Blues
Reason for pickup change: Better sound.

Perceived output level: Hot
Tone: Clean, crisp, beautiful.
Sonic evaluation: DOD TEC-8G multi-effects pedal and Marshall JCM 2000 DSL-401 all tube amp.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Play rock and blues. Perfect blues pickups. Great for rock if you believe the effects and amp should provide the distortion and not the pickup.

Comments: I play for a hobbie. I own an Epiphone Les Paul because I am not ready to put down the money for a Gibson just yet. I still want good sound. The epiphone stock pickups are very muddy and distorted when playing double-stops and lead licks that reqire two or more strings to play simultaniously. Went to the music store and played Epiphones and Gibsons through a Marshall tube amp. There is a noticable difference. I have Brian Robertson's video "Sill in Love With the Blues". He had a Les Paul Deluxe carved out to put these picups in. Loved his sound. Put '59s in my guitar, and the sound difference was night and day. This probably won't be my last guitar; I would love to buy a Gibson someday, but now my Epihone sounds great.

Pickup features: Humbucking pickup
Impedence or other specs: I forget...

Model of guitar or bass: Epiphone Dot (335 copy)
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Stock
Other pickups on guitar: Dimarzio PAF in neck (it was free)
Artists using this pickup: Dude, Tom Seaton uses these things...enough said.
You musical style(s): Spacey rock & roll (brit-pop)
Reason for pickup change: I liked the way the stocks sounded through my Twin alright. I admit that I wasn't totally pleased with them. Then I got a Marshall and realized that the sound was very thin. A friend of mine suggested that I upgrade my pickups. I was considering the Gibson '57s and the Duncan Antiquitys. I settled on the '59s because they were reasonably priced and were getting the same sort of reviews as the others that I listed above.

Perceived output level: They sound great. Not only did they substatially improve the sound I was getting from my Marshall but they gave me a much prettier clean tone through my Fender. A very versatile pickup... this is exactly what I was looking for. Very clear sounding, but
Tone: Sort of on the Bright side. Bass sounds full though. I boosted the mid. pole pieces on the pickup when I set it up. The mids sound good but the pickup is not extremely mid rangey. I like this about this pickup. Not muddy at all...very clean and crisp
Sonic evaluation: I am using the Epiphone Dot through a Whirlwind A-B-Y box, into a '71 Fender Twin Reverb and a Mid 80's Marshall Jcm 800. This sounds absolutely amazing.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play pretty much Beatles influenced rock and roll. A very good match for me. Just what I was looking for. I am happy with it....

Comments: I would buy again if stolen. I've been playing for about 3-4 years. My friends have a lot of vintage Gibson and Fender Guitars. I have compared the sound with those pickups. I sort of like the way these sound better than the Vintages. A little hotter and a little brighter. More versatile basically.

Pickup features: Passive Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Gibson Les Paul Studio (Early 90's)
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: Stock Gibson (490 or 498)
Other pickups on guitar: Stock Gibson
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Pop Rock (Toad the Wet Sprocket, Hootie, The Eagles, etc)
Reason for pickup change: Stock pickups lacked clarity.

Perceived output level: Slightly hotter than stock Gibsons
Tone: Fairly well balanced...seems a bit bassy if anything
Sonic evaluation: 90's Gibson Les Paul Standard OR 90's Fender 60s Strat (Japanese) -- Ibanez Crybaby -- Ibanez TS5 Tubescreamer -- Line6 2x10 Spider (w/ Floorboard controller)

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Good matched for most pop-rock tunes...also great for dabbling in blues

Comments: I've been playing rougly 6 years with reasonably nice equipment. This pickup fits my style and I think it sounds great. I still haven't found "the tone"...but who has! If stolen or damaged I may purchase again, or maybe try the Duncan AP-1 'bucker.

Pickup features: Humbucker, passive bridge pick-up
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: 97 LoneStar Strat ( Alder body, maple neck)
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: SD pearly gates plus
Other pickups on guitar: Custom Shop Fat 50's on neck and middle.
Artists using this pickup: me
You musical style(s): Reggae, Rock, R&B, Alternative , Blues, Funk, Punk, 80's Rock,Surf, Pop
Reason for pickup change: Needed a versatile pick-up that can cover almost everything.

Perceived output level: A little louder than the Fat 50's when in full humbucker mode but balance in the "in between" position.
Tone: Balanced
Sonic evaluation: I am using Boss effects and Peavey Classic 50 4/10 with J/J tubes(on preamp and power). I have found the pick-up that I was looking for, thanks for Rodney Gene from Seymour Duncan for all the infos. that I asked him. Good for all types of music, very versatile indeed.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play almost anything, from surf to rock.... I think you can use this on any position except middle.

Comments: I have been playing for 15 years, 5 years professionally. I must say it is a very versatile pick-up. I wanted to make my Strat into a Showmaster Strat without the Custom Shop price tag. I also change the volume pot to CTS 500K pot, a master TBX with .1MFD and .047MFD switch, a master midcut/mid boost when pulled up and when flat, normal tone control from Torres Engineering. Maybe on my next project I will use a Trembucker version and with zebra color.

Pickup features: Humbucking, passive
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: 1973 Gibson SG Standard
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Gibson 500T Hot Ceramic humbucker, awsome but too much output and modern tone
Other pickups on guitar: 496R Hot Ceramic Neck pickup
Artists using this pickup: I dunno...but if they aren't the #$%@! need to!
You musical style(s): Everything from punk to prog The Damned meets Porcupine Tree
Reason for pickup change: I bought the guitar in 1987 and never really cared much for the stock pups, they were too mudande, toneless, and muddy. They were eventually replaced with Gibson 500 and 496 Hot Ceramic pups, while I liked the tone they were just a little too "blazing" and sounded to harsh clean. Spotted this SD 59 on a clearance table for $39 and couldn't pass it up. It's a "Classic Cover" model even! So it makes my SG look vintage stock again which is nice. Can't wait to get a neck model to pair up with it.

Perceived output level: Medium output. Think vintage Gibson, after all it is the "59"
Tone: Its got a subtle mid kick to it which give it a nice nasally singing sustain with the tone knob rolled back. Apart from that its actually pretty balanced and beautifully transparent. Tends to have a bit more treble than bass which helps bring out the highs in the SG, a mahogany dark sounding guitar
Sonic evaluation: I'm using the SG with a Yamaha DG60 (One of their new digital modeling amps, also reviewed) The SD '59 in made for tube tone and luckily the Yamaha does a damn good job at modeling. Like I mentioned above the pup has a very subtle midrange kick that really helps it sing, especially with the tone back a bit. I feel like I'm reviewing wine here...its smooth and crisp with a hint of smokiness haha. Articulate would best describe this pickup, it really lets the tone of the wood sonically shine. Its not a high output deal but it does kick snarl and bite just enough when the gain is maxed out, yet it doesn't get all chunky sounding like a shred model pickup which is nice. Think Social Distortion or AC/DC. Its very responsive to pick attack and vol/tone changes...it picks up every nuance so there's no hiding behind overloaded and colored output. On clean settings its shimmering! I have never been able to say that about my SG. No matter what pickup I've used before its always sounded too muddy or boomy played clean but no more. Its crystal clear now. I actually have to turn the treble back on my amp, something I've always had to do the opposite of with other pickups. I have finally found the pickup I've needed/wanted for this guitar for over 10 years! Why the hell didn't I try one sooner!?!?!

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I listed my styles above and this pickup suits me perfectly. It would only be unsuitable for shred metal or trash like Limp Bizkit or Korn

Comments: I'd buy it again in second. I can't wait to put one in the neck position! I'm totally satisfied (at last!) with this pickup. Its THAT sound.

Pickup features: Humbucking
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: ESP LTD H-200
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: Stick Duncan Designed Humbucker
Other pickups on guitar: Duncan Designed in Bridge position
Artists using this pickup: uumm.....not enough fingers to count them all
You musical style(s): Heavy Heavy and melodic (weird combo huh)
Reason for pickup change: The Stock Duncan sounded a bit muddy. Needed something a tad brighter and more defined.

Perceived output level: Really warm middle of the road output.
Tone: Well balanced
Sonic evaluation: I basically play through a complete Rocktron setup. Like this -->ESP Guitars -->Rocktron Pro G.A.P preamp -->Rocktron Replifex Processor -->BBE 462 Sonic Maximizer -->Rocktron Velocity 120 --> Marshall JCM900 cabs in stereo.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: As mentioned before....I prefer very melodic and Heavy. I have fun trying to merge the style of Creed with Enya. Very interesting.

Comments: I originally installed this pickup in the neck position. I was blown away by the sound. I just turned an ESP into a Les Paul. Although I am not a big fan of the LP, I do repect the tonal qualties of the instrument. The '59 has a very full bodied sound to it.
Just for kicks....I pulled it back out and swapped it into the bridge position. The '59 became an entirely different animal. And a powerful animal it is.... The clarity was incredible. I couldn't believe what I was missing. I think I have finally found the sound I was looking for. I went online and immediately bought another one.
I have been contemplating on buying many many more and outfitting the rest of my arsenal.

Pickup features: Passive Humbucking
Impedence or other specs: don't know

Model of guitar or bass: Tokai '58 Les Paul Gold Top Replica
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Standard Tokai (bridge position)
Other pickups on guitar: Standard Tokai (neck position)
Artists using this pickup: dont' know
You musical style(s): Rock/Blues
Reason for pickup change: Existing Tokai lacked character

Perceived output level: Slightly less than original
Tone: Balanced
Sonic evaluation: Marshall JCM900 2x12 Combo and Line6 Pod.v2

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

Comments: If it bust I'd go and buy it again. I've been playing for about 12 yrs and thought the original Tokai pickup lacked personality. This baby is brilliant though. It is so harmonically rich compared to the old one I'm going to have to buy a second to go in the neck position. The midrange now has a snarl and an obvious honky quality like a strat and the treble is really smooth. The midrange is the best bit though.

Pickup features: Passive humbucker, alleged replica of Gibson PAF, no cover
Impedence or other specs: Can't remember

Model of guitar or bass: 1996 Gibson Les Paul Standard
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Stock Gibson 498T & 490R
Other pickups on guitar: Now I've got two of these!!
Artists using this pickup: No idea, but it claims to replicate the pickup they all used - Page, Clapton, Green, Kossoff.... and now me.....
You musical style(s): Classic rock, pop, new wave, blues, mock-jazz
Reason for pickup change: The stock Gibson 498T bridge pickup lacked the classic sound and versatility I was after. Flat out and distorted it sounded great but it had too much midrange and it didn't clean up at all when you backed the volume off. For clean sounds it was just bad (too much middle again, I think). I am sure the Gibsons I owned twenty years ago sounded better!
I wanted a classic Les Paul sound. I was impressed by the range of tones Brian Robertson (ex-Thin Lizzy) gets out of his Les Paul on his "Still in Love with Blues" video. I decided I had to get a PAF-type pickup, and I chose the Duncan.
I have to say the Gibson 490R neck pickup wasn't at all bad, though perhaps a bit too thick and syrupy when distorted. However, I loved the Seymour Duncan '59 bridge pickup and changed the neck pickup mainly to have a matching pair.
It is a mystery to me why Gibson don't just put PAF-spec pickups into Standard Les Pauls. Surely most people who buy this guitar want that classic sound? Death-metal enthusiasts buy something black and pointy with a locking tremolo, don't they?

Perceived output level: Classic Gibson PAF humbucker - hotter and fatter than single coil Strat, Tele etc. but it's controllable and responsive, unlike some hotter "modern" humbuckers. Interestingly I didn't notice much of a drop in output from the 498T, but the tone was much better...
Tone: Bright (but not tinny) sounding humbucker. Well balanced. Fat and full when distorted, but cleans up as you back the volume off. Clean sounds are excellent, and it's really good for that blues thing with a valve amp where the sound is just starting to break up. Basically, it doesn't have the overwhelming midrange of the 498T, and it sounds much better!!
Sonic evaluation: I'm playing the Les Paul into a Marshall JTM60 2X12 combo. I use a Boss ME30 for Chorus, Delay etc. and for occasional EQ boost for solos. Generally all the overdrive and distortion comes from the amp/pickup. This is why I needed a more versatile pickup. See my comments on output level and tone above for further sonic evaluation.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Perfect for classic Gibson Les Paul music - blues, bluesy rock, classic rock. Also good for pop and new wave sounds. Probably not one for the satanic death metal / super widdly guys, but what are they doing buying replicas of Gibson pickups anyway? Good jazz sounds at the neck, I think, but I am not a real jazzer...

Comments: I would buy this pickup again and recommend it to anyone looking for that classic Gibson PAF sound. I've been playing for 26 years and have played a number of Gibsons, Fenders etc. The modern stock Gibson pickups seem to lack the classic tone and this is a good way of getting that tone without having to buy a vintage guitar. For that reason I say this pickup is Fantastic Value.
Gibson do their own PAF-type pickups, but I think they're more expensive than the Seymours. Personally I think Standard Les Pauls should come with PAF-spec pickups!!
One other thing - I find the look of the modern Gibson mirror-finish chrome pickup covers a bit gaudy - these open coils (mine are zebra) look much better to my eyes!
One other other thing - sorry about the two times I hit enter accidentally and submitted an unfinished form!

Pickup features: Humbucking
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Yamaha 24 fret strat style with Floyd
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Duncan Custom
Other pickups on guitar: Stock Humbucking neck, and single stack middle
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Hard Rock
Reason for pickup change: Duncan Custom was undefined and had a SHRILL to it.

Perceived output level: Medium
Tone: Ballanced,
Sonic evaluation: Routed this way-- Guitar- Moreley Bad horsie Wah- Digitech GSP 2101- Peavey 50/50 classic Tube Power amp- 4x12's with Carvin VL-12's.
Very ballanced and clear, no muddiness, not shrill, rounded highs. Many people are using this pickup in the NECK but I suggest trying it in the BRIDGE also, Works excellent!

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Very Versatile as I see it, I think It would suit MANY styles

Comments: Thinking about getting another for a different guitar of mine. I would indeed get another one if lost or destroyed.

Pickup features: Humbucking/passive
Impedence or other specs: 8k and 9k

Model of guitar or bass: Heritage H-535
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: none
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup: renaldo pissah
You musical style(s): Jazz, funk, blues, classic/prog rock fusion...man
Reason for pickup change: there was no pickup change, they were stock pickups with the ax, why do you keep asking me that?!

Perceived output level: Normal
Tone: tone is some what middle range, but that's what you get with a semi-hollow instrument, overall I'd say the pickups are balanced.
Sonic evaluation: Mesa boogie Nomad 55 is my main amp, also play a 65' blackface princeton reverb. Mesa does a decent clean, exellent overdrive, sound like a marshall plexi only more compressed, I'd say its a cross between the tone of Duane Allman and Santana(his tone on "supernatural," I like the tone, but the music is kind of gay, except for the song with Dave Matthews, anyways) With the fender, the clean is sounds wonderful, and when cranked the pickups drive it into a really nice blues sound.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Well with a semi-hollow body, i can do just about anything, but sure if you have george lynch fricken screamin demon pickups in there, it might not sound so good.

Comments: That question about stealing a set of pickups is kind of dumb, I won't answer that. I've been playing for 6 years. I'd say for a set of stock pickups, these are pretty damn good, but there is much better out there, Mccarty pickups sound very nice, but I'm not sure how they would sound in any other guitar but a PRS Mccarty. These are very average pickups I would say, the bass notes are kind of boomy, I would prefer a punchier more compressed sound. the 59's do tend to get a little muddy, I would like to switch to Fralins, but for now I think these pickups will do the trick, the guitar more than compensates for the weaknesses of the pickup.

Pickup features: Passive Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: ?

Model of guitar or bass: 1997 Les Paul Classic
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: Gibson 496R
Other pickups on guitar: Gibson 500T
Artists using this pickup: Don't know of any
You musical style(s): Blues and rock
Reason for pickup change: Stock Gibson pickup was way too muddy. I'm surprised at how loud the '59 is -- really almost as loud as the 496, but much clearer and brighter. I'd expected a major volume dropoff.

Perceived output level: Hot.
Tone: Solid bass, lots of mids and very smooth, mellow treble.
Sonic evaluation: I can finally enjoy playing my Les Paul! So far, I've only played it through my Pro Jr., but I'm going to play it through my Sovtek 50H at our next band practice. I'm extremely pleased -- I can get that sophisticated "old Paul" tone now -- like Peter Green, Mike Bloomfield, etc. The nicest surprise is how well it matches the 500T. I'd tentatively planned to replace the 500 with a bridge '59, but now I think I'll leave it like it is. The volume is nearly equal between the two pickups. I played a stock Paul with 57 Classics in both positions, and I felt the treble pickup was WAY too thin and weak. However, the '59 in the neck of my Paul nails that 57 Classic tone at about 1/2 the price.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play blues. This pickup just sings. Beautiful tone.

Comments: This is the perfect pickup for that vintage Paul neck sound. Match it with a hot bridge pickup and you're there. Can't improve on it.

Pickup features: humbucker ( passive)
Impedence or other specs: duh i think nope gone !!

Model of guitar or bass: Schecter T1
Position: middle
Pickup being replaced: duncan designed
Other pickups on guitar: dunacn designed p90
Artists using this pickup: Stesh - NoHope Wunders
You musical style(s): ska / punk
Reason for pickup change: the duncan designed had to much output and was to trebly no inspiring sound

Perceived output level: low - medium
Tone: balanced
Sonic evaluation: before the pickup change the guitar sounded to thin through my amps and bee in a jam jar tone ( to much output )
the amps i use are a mesa dual rec and a fender prosonic head both are used with my marshall 1960av 4x12 with vintage 30s
the guitar is now feels alive with great response to my finger and hands just the way i like it - i also have a gibson lp standard and a custom ( with kent armstrong custom wound pickups these are not sky pickups they were hand made for what i wanted ) and a gibson SG special which ill come to later.
what can i say the guitar just sounds great i can never understand why people want high output pickups with hi gain amps low output sounds better better to me
i would recomend this pickups to any body

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: ska punk - not suitable for metal probably !

Comments: 9 i can't give it 10 becasue only my kent armstrongs would get that if he made them in the UK anymore !!
but its still one of the best pickups ive heard !!
and i would buys it again !

Pickup features: Humbucking
Impedence or other specs: how should I know?

Model of guitar or bass: '72 Les Paul Deluxe GoldTop
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: Gibson Mini Humbucker
Other pickups on guitar: Seymour Duncan JB Bridge
Artists using this pickup: everyone, probably
You musical style(s): rock, punk, Pop
Reason for pickup change: stock Mini Humbuckers were too round and Jazzy. Not nearly enough bite or output.

Perceived output level: More than the stock Mini Humbuckers
Tone: bassy-mid but balanced goodness
Sonic evaluation: OH MY GOD! This '59 on the bridge completely destroys the mini humbuckers the Les Paul came with. The guitar tech who routed out the Les Paul said he couldn't believe how good this '59 Duncan pickup sounded. This pickup is THE SOUND I was looking for! Well worth the money. I think I'm going to trade in the JB model I had installed too for a bridge '59 model. The JB sounds too trebly to me. Duncan, you rock.

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

Comments: I wouldn't kill the guy who stole this guitar.
..at least, not at first. I'd have to get Medieval first.
I would buy another '59 in a second.This is MY SOUND. This is how a Les Paul SHOULD sound. Through my Marshall Plexi it just makes you want to cry. There... now I've gone and done it...I'm all Ferklempt...talk amongst yourselves...I'll give you a topic...Humbucking Pickup...it doens't Buck, and it isn't a Pickup..discuss.

Pickup features: humbucker--passive
Impedence or other specs: ???

Model of guitar or bass: Squire FR series (similar to the Heartfield Talon)
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: stock squire
Other pickups on guitar: duncan JB trembucker
Artists using this pickup: many
You musical style(s): rock (van halen, kiss, 70's 80's styles
Reason for pickup change: old pickup was microphonic (squeal at high gain settings) but I wanted a more versatile tone anyway

Perceived output level: the actual output I don't think is much more than the stock fender; I think it seems louder due to better tone
Tone: pretty balanced, accentuates lower mid frequencies
Sonic evaluation: my squire through a peavey ultra 410; I rarely use effects, sometimes a crybaby or a Boss metal zone. This is a good neck pickup because it gives me that airy tone that is good for neck solos (like malmsteen or Dream Theater's Pettrucci)

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: This is a very good match for rock styles. I couldn't comment on country or jazz, but I would imagine that it would work out

Comments: I'd get a 59 again in the event of some loss or damage. What I like about this pickup is it's versatility--it gets a nice clean tone, and responds well to varying amounts of distortion, from light to very high-gain.

Pickup features: Passive humbucker, coverless, four-conductor cable (this is an option... standard is single-conductor), Alnico V magnet.
Impedence or other specs: Sorry... couldn't tell you...

Model of guitar or bass: Ibanez JPM100/4
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: DiMarzio Air Norton (saved for another guitar)
Other pickups on guitar: Seymour Duncan Distortion (may replace with a Screamin' Demon or Duncan Custom)
Artists using this pickup: I am, now...
You musical style(s): Progressive hard rock
Reason for pickup change: I wanted something with a little more body & prescence than the Air Norton, which I thought would sound better in a guitar with something other than basswood... maybe something with a maple cap.

Perceived output level: The output is the same as the Air Norton. It's not an extremely high output pickup, but mid/high output.
Tone: The pickup has emphasis on prescence and lower midrange. Although I thought the Air Norton was tonally similar, the '59 is warmer and has more prescence. It's exactly what I want for this guitar and I didn't even know it!
Sonic evaluation: I am using a 5150 head/cabinet. I also have two EVH Wolfgangs, an American Standard Strat with AlnicoII single coils (Duncans) and a Deluxe Strat Plus with the stock Lace Sensors. I wanted to get a sound from the Ibanez that was similar to my Wolfgangs. While experimenting, I found something different that I liked just as much. The Duncan Distortion matches well with the '59, but I may get something like a Screamin' Demon in the future... something with an AlnicoV magnet and a little less output.
The '59 is very warm and open. It sings. The clean sounds are surprisingly good, but this is still not my guitar for clean sounds. It does sound neat in combination with my Distortion for clean tones (the JPM wiring uses the inside coils of each pickup when the toggle is in the center position). This pickup really sings. It is full, has prescence and bite all at the same time. The people at Seymour Duncan recommended it to me when I told them what I wanted and I was a little skeptical. They were right.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play progressive hard rock, but this pickup is a perfect match for my lead sound since I use it as a neck pickup. I have yet to try a bridge '59, so I can't comment on that. Jazz musicians may want to steer elsewhere... something with more highs.

Comments: I would and will absolutely use this pickup again if I have the need. I have been playing for 13 years and have only truly become comfortable with my sound in the last year or so. The only pickup to which I have compared it in the same guitar is the DiMarzio Air Norton. The '59 has roughly the same output, but is warmer, fuller and has more prescence. I think I have found my neck pickup!

Pickup features: Passive Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: 70 Les Paul Custom
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: Gibson PAF
Other pickups on guitar: JB
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): rock, hard rock and blues
Reason for pickup change: gibson pickup was terribly microphonic and lacked clarity

Perceived output level: Not overly hot, normal output
Tone: bassy, bood mids and highs. clear
Sonic evaluation: my setup is a Vox wah, Ibanez tubescreamer, Marshall Guvnor, AB box>>Peavey Classic 30 and a Vox AC 30.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Great rock and blues pickup, smooth warm and lyrical. Probably not good for balls to the wall metal but I haven't tried.

Comments: Great pickup if one wants to retain a PAF sound. Mine is a two conductor model so it can't be split but I'll live. I like the way this pickup punches through in the neck position. My initial desire was for an Alnico II pro like my Brian Moore has but when I saw the deal on this 59 I didn't hesitate to buy it.

Pickup features: Passive humbucker, 4 conductor
Impedence or other specs: Mine = 7.45k

Model of guitar or bass: Gibson Les Paul Custom
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: 490R
Other pickups on guitar: Screamin Demon
Artists using this pickup: n/a
You musical style(s): blues, rock, metal
Reason for pickup change: The 490R was crap.....muddy, unbalanced, and lacked character.

Perceived output level: Medium output, slightly higher than the 490R.
Tone: Great ! Smooth & warm clean but breaks up nicely & cuts when overdriven.
Sonic evaluation: Les Paul--Boss MT-2 or Tube Screamer--Cry Baby 535Q--Marshall JCM602 with Boss DD-3 & GE-7 EQ in effects loop. The '59 is a great neck pickup...just what I was looking for. Bright and clear with warm sweet tone. Nice bottom end without sounding muddy or muffled. Nice vintage PAF sound !!!

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Mostly blues and classic rock......sometimes metal. The '59 is a great pickup for all types of music.

Comments: I'd buy it again & recommend it to anyone looking for the classic PAF sound. It's just a well rounded, clear, balanced pickup that sounds sweet & warm.

Pickup features: Humbucking
Impedence or other specs: Alnico 5 bar high

Model of guitar or bass: Ibanez RG570
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: Stock V7
Other pickups on guitar: Duncan Custom Trembucker and Stock S1
Artists using this pickup: Alot
You musical style(s): Rock/Hard Rock/Metal and Jazz
Reason for pickup change: Needed something a bit brighter with more personality, the stock pickup was a little plain and had to much bass with no personality.

Perceived output level: Bright Vintage sound that is very distinctive
Tone: bright and balanced with low
Sonic evaluation: I use a Fender Roc Pro 1000 head with 2 1x12" cabinets and a metal zone pedal, with pandora effects box.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: This is great for jazz and blues, as well as that full sound a rock/metal band plays the slow parts of the songs before going heavy like Creed.

Comments: I give this pickup a big thumbs up, and it completes the sound I am looking for with my Ibanez. When I switch my selector the tones I get are so distinctive, and unique it is just great. I clip to the neck for Jazz, and the slow parts of rock songs, and just click back to the brige when I want to kick ass again. This SD 59 gives such a warm beutiful sound, that I can not explain how it makes you feel when you hear it. I would definately replace it if it were destroyed, and damaged.

Pickup features: Humbuckers (Passive)
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Epiphone ES 335 Dot
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: stock Epiphone pickups
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup: many i'm sure
You musical style(s): brit/modern pop (Sundays, Smiths), atmospheric rock
Reason for pickup change: stock pickups were dull and bulky sounding.

Perceived output level: std. Humbucker out put. more then the stock pickups. drives my TS-9 a lot.
Tone: great super bright treble end (true to the 335 sound), decent mids. lows can either sound muddy or nice a deep depending on your settings on the guitar and amp. it is wise to use the tone and volume knobs on this guitar to roll off extra brightness or to get the mix of the pickups right. i use both or the neck pu. not the bridge alone.
Sonic evaluation: these are in my Epiphone 335 Dot (like i said) which is running through a '67 Bassman head with 2 Eminence speakers. Good sound. Distorition pedals include the TS-9 and The Rat. i think this guitar would sound exceptional through a Fulltone Fulldrive 2 and then through an AC30. that is the stuff my band's other guitarist uses.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: this pickup is a decent match for my style of music. not clunky like stocks. i don't like to use this guitar for heavy clean rhythms period so i don't know if that would be good.

Comments: if someone stole my pickups out of my guitar? haha. anyway, i'd get these again for the same price (100 for both), but would've ratherd the Ducan Seth Lovers or the Gibson 57s

Pickup features: Passive Humbuckers
Impedence or other specs: Not a clue.

Model of guitar or bass: Fender Fat Strat, standard trem, rosewood (California Series)
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Stock TEXMEX Humbucker
Other pickups on guitar: 2 TexMex single coils
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Rock and Blues
Reason for pickup change: I didn't like the stock humbuckers, I found them too twangy, and I wanted something hotter.

Perceived output level: It's slightly more than my stock, but there's barely a difference.
Tone: The output has more bass to it, which is nice, and the mids are a bit more filled in. Still too trebly for my tastes but I'll just tone my amp down.
Sonic evaluation: I've got the Fender Fat Strat, into my TS-9 Reissue, into my Dunlop Crybaby 535Q wah, into a Peavey Express 112 (nice amp IMHO). The humbucker really drives the TubeScreamer, it's a nice tight distortion, not muddy. Distinctive crunch. Harmonics are picked up much better. It's not as hot as I wanted, but it does the job. After I got them installed I wondered if there was much of a difference. Clean, normal playing, not much difference, but distorted it sounds better, fuller.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play blues and rock mainly, and I'd say this is suitable for both.

Comments: If it were stolen (but not the guitar?!?! hehe) I don't think I would buy it again. I need something hotter but still mellower. Although I don't regret getting it, my 100$ probably could of been used better somewhere else, maybe an EQ to get my levels nice.

Pickup features: Humbucking-passive
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Epiphone Les Paul Standard Limited Edition
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: Stock Neck Pickup
Other pickups on guitar: Dimarzio Dual Sound in Bridge
Artists using this pickup: Don't Know
You musical style(s): Rock, Alternative, Blues, Punk, Grunge
Reason for pickup change: The stock pickups sucked big time

Perceived output level: pretty normal, a little less than i would've thought
Tone: good bass and treble, bright, even sounding
Sonic evaluation: Epiphone Les Paul Standard through a Laney HC25R occasionally using a Danelectro Fab Tone, Dunlop Crybaby, E-H Polychorus

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play rock, blues, alternative and everything associated with it. It is good for what i play

Comments: Been playing for 4 years and I like it. I'd buy it again if stolen or broke. I found it at a good price which helped influence my discision. I like Duncan more than Dimarzio so i might possibly change the bridge pickup