‘59 vs Little ‘59

[benny6669]

As always, please refer me to another thread if i missed it, but…

I’ve just ponied up for a Little ‘59 neck pickup, and kinda wondering what i’m in for. How does it compare to the full-size ‘59? Warmth, depth, sweetness, output? i know that a single-coil size pickup will never be exactly the same as a full humbucker, but i’m curious about how close i’m going to get. Thank you all for your thoughts!

[GuitarStv]

There's definitely a similar vibe. I feel like the full sized one has maybe a bit less in the mids . . . something I only really notice when playing clean. With gain up, they sound pretty much identical to me.

[Mincer]

There are, indeed, more mids in the Little 59. But it 'feels' the same. Both are great, though.

[benny6669]

Thank you! I’m less worried about losing a bit of lows and mids, as this guitar (27-fret Xiphos) has the “neck” pickup pushed toward the middle position - the high mids will be a bit more prominent. i’m going with the Black Winter bridge, so i’m hoping for a similar midrange response with a lower output.

[Mincer]

Thank you! I’m less worried about losing a bit of lows and mids, as this guitar (27-fret Xiphos) has the “neck” pickup pushed toward the middle position - the high mids will be a bit more prominent. i’m going with the Black Winter bridge, so i’m hoping for a similar midrange response with a lower output.

This actually sounds like a great combo! Please come back and let us know how this project works out.

[benny6669]

i will! The Black Winter is on backorder for now, so might be a bit, but i’m thinking i might record a quick before and after. i’ll let you know how they go!

[GuitarDoc]

I agree with what's been said. The Little 59 has a warmer tone, maybe less scooped (more mids) and possibly less highs than the full sized version. IMO the difference is perhaps greater than has been mentioned.