Best neck humbucker to compliment to 59b

J

Johnloozer

New member
Hello all! This is my first post on this forum. I’ve tried searching this topic, but I didn’t really find anything that really answered my question.

I have a 59b in the bridge position of my 61 Reissue SG, but I’m looking for a good neck humbucker that would match it that isn’t the 59n. I’ve tried the 59n, but found it to be be too boomy. Would either the WLH neck or the APH-1 neck (Non-Slash) be a good match for it?

Additionally, if you have any other suggestions, feel free to let me know. Thanks in advance for your help!
 
Re: Best neck humbucker to compliment to 59b

For boomy bass, I think the WLH is better and still matches the 59 EQ pretty well. For me though, I just swapped in an A4 magnet for $5. It basically flattens out the EQ a little, which tames the lows. I don't notice much/any difference in the highs, but my ears are getting old. Others might see more of a difference there.


Oh, and a note on the A2P. I haven't tried that particular pickup, but I tried several A2 pickups in my SG. I think the lack of a maple top makes A2s a little too dark, though your amp/style may get different results. Derek Trucks seems to do just fine with them.

***edited b/c I'm dumb and can't read the original post
 
Last edited:
Re: Best neck humbucker to compliment to 59b

the wlh neck is a good option, sentient is another option if you want a more modern sound
 
Re: Best neck humbucker to compliment to 59b

BluesIsBlood12 said:
For boomy bass, I think the WLH is better and still matches the 59 EQ pretty well. For me though, I just swapped in an A4 magnet for $5. It basically flattens out the EQ a little, which tames the lows. I don't notice much/any difference in the highs, but my ears are getting old. Others might see more of a difference there.


Oh, and a note on the A2P. I haven't tried that particular pickup, but I tried several A2 pickups in my SG. I think the lack of a maple top makes A2s a little too dark, though your amp/style may get different results. Derek Trucks seems to do just fine with them.

***edited b/c I'm dumb and can't read the original post
Click to expand...

Thanks for the response! Do you feel the WLH would be too hot in the neck position with the 59b? I believe the DCR is about 8.2 which is the same as the 59b if I’m not mistaken. And I hadn’t thought of swapping the mag in the 59. Definitely could be a great option too.
 
Re: Best neck humbucker to compliment to 59b

I am going to go with the APH-1, because it isn't boomy at all, and sound like you just jammed a stick of butter in your guitar.
 
Re: Best neck humbucker to compliment to 59b

Mincer said:
I am going to go with the APH-1, because it isn't boomy at all, and sound like you just jammed a stick of butter in your guitar.
Click to expand...
I have never understood the term "buttery" when applied in that context.

Sent from my SM-A205U using Tapatalk
 
Re: Best neck humbucker to compliment to 59b

TheViewFromVenus said:
I have never understood the term "buttery" when applied in that context.

Sent from my SM-A205U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
For myself, it's "organic" that I can never understand in that context.

Sent from my Alcatel_5044C using Tapatalk
 
Re: Best neck humbucker to compliment to 59b

Demanic said:
For myself, it's "organic" that I can never understand in that context.

Sent from my Alcatel_5044C using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

Buttery means smooth and creamy, organic means no pesticides or artificial fertilizers were fed to the cows that the butter (milk) came from. Easy peasy!
 
Re: Best neck humbucker to compliment to 59b

Dave Locher said:
Buttery means smooth and creamy, organic means no pesticides or artificial fertilizers were fed to the cows that the butter (milk) came from. Easy peasy!
Click to expand...

This is the way I've always understood it.
 
Re: Best neck humbucker to compliment to 59b

Don't particularly care for the 59 neck pickup. No longer have either a 59 n or 59 b on hand or in any of my guitars.

If I had to match up a neck pickup with a 59 bridge, I'd go with these:

first choice would be the WLH - neck. Have a set in a 2013 SG.

Second choice Jazz - tried it previously with a 59 bridge.


From the DMZ world:

Have not tried any of these with a 59B. I'm going with my memory of the 59B and what these pickups are doing in their current guitars.

Air Classic - tried in a Epiphone LP at a local store on consignment.
PAF Master - have a set in a 1993 Batwing SG
PAF 36 Anniversary - have a set in a 2013 SG
 
Re: Best neck humbucker to compliment to 59b

Dave Locher said:
Buttery means smooth and creamy, organic means no pesticides or artificial fertilizers were fed to the cows that the butter (milk) came from. Easy peasy!
Click to expand...
The last time I had anything smooth and creamy in my ears, I had to go to Urgent Care and get antibiotics.
Not fun. And I could do without the persistent phaser effect.

Sent from my Alcatel_5044C using Tapatalk
 
Re: Best neck humbucker to compliment to 59b

I have '59s in an Epiphone SG Custom and get along fine with them, but if I wanted less bottom end from the neck pickup I would go with either of:

WLH - Like a '59 but will less bottom end and fuller mids. Love these in an LP, haven't tried them in an SG.

Jazz - Bright top end and less bottom than a '59. Very clear and articulate.
 
Re: Best neck humbucker to compliment to 59b

Johnloozer said:
Thanks for the response! Do you feel the WLH would be too hot in the neck position with the 59b? I believe the DCR is about 8.2 which is the same as the 59b if I’m not mistaken. And I hadn’t thought of swapping the mag in the 59. Definitely could be a great option too.
Click to expand...

It's been a little while since I used WLH, but I don't recall thinking they were any hotter than my other PAFs. It could be b/c it's only a slight difference, or maybe I set them a little lower than my other guitars. DCR doesn't necessarily represent output though. It's more of a guide than a rule. I do prefer WLH set to 59s, but since you already have the 59s it's cheaper/faster to experiment with magnets a little bit. Might do exactly what you want.
 
Re: Best neck humbucker to compliment to 59b

Saturday night special neck is what you are after. Less bass than the 59, almost as articulate as the jazz but not as clanky and scooped and not muddy in the low end like an aph (I'll guess that's less of an issue in an sg though). Great match output wise with a 59 bridge.
 
Last edited:
Re: Best neck humbucker to compliment to 59b

How much time did you spend fiddling around the '59 neck as far as position and screw pole adjustment? I find that stock it's not boomy at all once you carefully tweak these heights.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top