Any way to make sure this pickup is a 59 neck?

[tinyhats]

I recently bought a used set of pickups and, upon arrival, I realize that they were misrepresented. The SH-5 I thought I was getting is, in fact, a TB-5. A bit disappointed but the neck pickup is appropriately spaced. There is no sticker on this one to make sure it is actually a 59 as described. They are often paired together so I am pretty sure it is but, without a sticker, is there any way to know for sure? Pictures are below if it helps. Thanks in advance for any information!

 

[LtKojak]

Re: Any way to make sure this pickup is a 59 neck?

Measure the DC.

A '59n of that era should measure about 7.48K @ 68F° or less.

Normally, 59s don't come with 4-con leads, though.

HTH,

 

[Mincer]

Re: Any way to make sure this pickup is a 59 neck?

Welcome to the forum!

I'd be interested to know what the answer to this mystery is, too. Get out that meter and check it!

 

[tinyhats]

Re: Any way to make sure this pickup is a 59 neck?

I am measuring it to be right at 7.25K. The TB-5 is measuring about 14.26K.

 

[Johnny the Kid]

Re: Any way to make sure this pickup is a 59 neck?

I am measuring it to be right at 7.25K. The TB-5 is measuring about 14.26K.

It could very well be a 4 con 59 pickup. Those are available (for a bit higher price though) and that is within the typical +/- 10% DCR measurement of a pickup. However, another likely candidate could be the Pearly Gates, which we often see paired with the Custom as well. Your pickup is also much closer to the typical specs of the PG than a 59.

 

[beaubrummels]

Any way to make sure this pickup is a 59 neck?

My gold-covered SH-1n 59 Neck is 4-conductor and looks almost like that and measures 7.77k. But mine has a white sticker with the part number. It could be legit but it should have a sticker.

 

[LtKojak]

Re: Any way to make sure this pickup is a 59 neck?

I am measuring it to be right at 7.25K.

My '59n J measures 7.2K, so it appears to come from the same amazing batch of wire from that era.

If it's anything like mine, which the reading points out to be, be prepared to a colossal treat, as it's a TONE MONSTER.

Enjoy it in good health for a very long time to come.

Your very truly,

 

[tinyhats]

Re: Any way to make sure this pickup is a 59 neck?

My '59n J measures 7.2K, so it appears to come from the same amazing batch of wire from that era.

If it's anything like mine, which the reading points out to be, be prepared to a colossal treat, as it's a TONE MONSTER.

Enjoy it in good health for a very long time to come.

Your very truly,

Admittedly, the LP this was for has been in the closet for a bit as it was equipped with EMG-85s all around. I liked it when I was younger but not so much any more. I am trying to go and restore it a bit (hence getting the new pups). I pulled the EMGs last night and just threw the mystery pickup in and WOW. It is fantastic. Completely vitalized that guitar. I just got a new Ibanez 7 and immediately put a pegasus/sentient set in and, while it sounds great, I was still drawn to the old LP. It is so clear and crisp. Even the sentient seemed a little muddy next to it (could just be the guitar). Whatever it is, I am really glad I tried it out.

Now, I just need a bridge pickup. I usually play a bit progressive metal but this guitar is to be a bit more versatile. It is an 86' LP Custom. I was thinking about a Custom 5. If this is really a 59n, then that EQ is perfect for this guitar.

 

[jeremy]

Re: Any way to make sure this pickup is a 59 neck?

why not use the tb5? i use trembuckers in my gibsons all the time

 

[tinyhats]

Re: Any way to make sure this pickup is a 59 neck?

why not use the tb5? i use trembuckers in my gibsons all the time

The spacing is WAY off. I tried it and I can't, in good conscience, keep it in there. I'm just selling the TB-5 because this neck pickup is staying in.