Can you help me identify this mystery humbucker?

[NBT]

Dear Forum!

A while ago, I came into the possession of a 70s Ibanez. A previous owner had removed the original Super 70 at the neck and put this zebra in instead. I've reached the end of my Google skills with this one, so I'm hoping someone around here might be able to shed some light on this.​​​​​

There are no identifying marks on it other than "USA" being stamped into the metal base plate. Peeking in through the side, one can see red and black insulated wires.

Any ideas? I'm happy to pull it out again to take further pictures if that helps …

Thanks for your attention, NBT

 

[jeremy]

i can confidently say it is not a duncan no idea what it is though, sorry

 

[switchman]

Hey - How long ago did you get it? That would help narrow it down. Can you measure the resistance?

It doesn't match anything I can think of from the 70's or even 80's or 90's. It looks like a sticker or etching was scraped off and a cover was removed.

 

[NBT]

Hi, thanks for the answers!

I'm measuring it at 7.79 from the output jack. The connecting wires are braided metal wire around something that looks like an.insulation layer of white yarn.

EDIT: I just got the guitar last year. The previous owner couldn't tell me much about it either.

 

[Masta' C]

Yeah, definitely not a Duncan. That "USA" stamp should be a dead giveaway, as it's certainly unique, but I can't place it myself

 

[NBT]

… not a DiMarzio either, from what I understand, although that would have been a popular choice back in the days (at least over here in Europe). Who else made pickups in the US?

I doubt it's an expensive boutique PU: The guitar technically is a '75 "lawsuit" Les Paul copy, but 1. it's one of the cheaper, hollow, screw-neck ones and 2. it's very much player grade in the sense that it's been played a lot but taken care of.

I bought it as a beater/backup, but it's become my go-to for band practice and that's partially because of that neck pickup. I thought it should be easy to figure out what it is, but I got nothing — which makes me even more curious.

If anybody's got any idea, or maybe advice on where else I could ask, that would be very much appreciated!

 

[Artie]

I'm measuring it at 7.79 from the output jack.

If you want a more accurate measurement, select the bridge pickup, then measure at the switch.

 

[switchman]

… not a DiMarzio either, from what I understand, although that would have been a popular choice back in the days (at least over here in Europe). Who else made pickups in the US?

When I first read your post that was my thought. Who was making electric pickups in the US in the 70's and early 80's? The companies I know of...I'm sure I've missed something...

aftermarket...
Duncan
DiMarzio
Bartolini
Bill Lawrence
EMG
Mighty Mite
Red Rhodes/Velvet Hammer
Schecter / later Tom Anderson​

the builders...
Fender
Gibson
Gretsch
Guild
Music Man
Peavey
Rickenbacker

Anyone else making guitars in the US was using pickups from one of the above. Unless its some freak one-of-a-kind all of those can be ruled out process of elimination. Either the overall design or cosmetics don't match.

 

[NBT]

When I first read your post that was my thought. Who was making electric pickups in the US in the 70's and early 80's?

I mean, It's entirely possible that the pickup is much newer than the guitar. It's been worked on quite a bit in other spots too. Some finish work that's long been covered in new scratches, new nut, someone put in a TonePros bridge and tailpiece …

Thanks for the list of what it's not, though, that already helps.

 

[switchman]

Once you get into this century (ha!) that's the boutique replacement parts explosion. There's been dozens maybe hundreds of small to medium volume US pickup winders many who've come and gone. Even some well known players like Benedetto or Barden changed ownership or names. Not that it looks like a Barden just an example of how it becomes a needle in a haystack search...

 

[NBT]

Alright, probably time to give up then. Thanks everyone!

 

[jeremy]

at the end of the day, it doesnt matter what it is. how does it sound?

 

[NBT]

No, it doesn't really matter, I'm just super curious.

To be honest, I don't have any other guitars with a humbucker at the neck position right now, so not much to compare it to. It works very well with the remaining Super 70 at the bridge, though. Nice and clear, not too hot … I'm loving it so far.

 

[jeremy]

then keep rockin that thing and dont worry about it :headbang: