Chime in SH-1 '59 Model Users

ErikH

ErikH

Well-known member
A guy local to me has an unopened Vintage Blues set (59 neck and bridge) for sale at a good price. I have not used either in years and honestly not sure what they sound like, it's been that long.

So, for those that do use them, what's the consensus on them in a Les Paul? Looking for them to go in my Goldtop. Do you have problems with too much low end from the neck or too much top end from the bridge? Are they really as scooped as some say they are? FTR, I usually find the graphical representation of a pickup's EQ to be inaccurate on the Duncan site.
 
i think a set of 59s sound great in a les paul. they sound like some version of a paf. they also take mag swaps very well.
 
I haven't used the '59 neck in a Les Paul ever. My guess is yeah, I think it would be bassy.

As far as the '59B, yes. It's scoopy compared to, say, a JB. But it's not that scoopy compared to something like a Strat single coil. The thing about the '59B is its scoopiness leans more towards lack of low-mid mud and emphasis on treble twang and attack (as opposed to something like the Custom 5 which leans a bit more towards low-end boominess, IMO). So it really translates into clarity and lots of sensitivity to strong/soft pick attack.

For me, the '59B is the nicest PAF-type for the bridge because of its broad EQ, treble detail, and strong output (for a PAF-type). I kinda like it being relatively scoopy, personally. If I wanted mid-focused, I'd look into something with a higher DCR and higher output, personally.
 
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I've used them in an LP (and an LP-shaped semi hollow), and they aren't bassy. They sound like good PAFs...once balanced with pickup height, they work for many types of music, except maybe extreme metal with a lot of preamp gain.
 
I like them in a 335 style semi-hollow. I don't find them particularly bassy if you've adjusted height properly. The neck particularly can get really nice almost acoustic sounds when clean.
 
59s are a great set. Perfect vintage PAF tone to my ears. I had a set in my SG for the longest time. AC/DC all day long.

I only recently swapped out the 59B for a Custom 5, because I wanted more output. I was looking for a better pup for stoner/sludge metal, and the C5 fit the bill.

But I fully plan to put the 59B into something else. It's such a good pickup.
 
Not really answering your specific questions. But. IMO they are the most well rounded, balanced and useful for many applications pickups possibly on the planet. I really don't think you can ever go wrong with a 59 set.
 
ErikH said:
A guy local to me has an unopened Vintage Blues set (59 neck and bridge) for sale at a good price. I have not used either in years and honestly not sure what they sound like, it's been that long.

So, for those that do use them, what's the consensus on them in a Les Paul? Looking for them to go in my Goldtop. Do you have problems with too much low end from the neck or too much top end from the bridge? Are they really as scooped as some say they are? FTR, I usually find the graphical representation of a pickup's EQ to be inaccurate on the Duncan site.
Click to expand...

I have generally always liked the 59 in the bridge. Not so much in the neck. Too much low end. You can wire the neck in parallel. that works well. Or try something like a jazz or PG neck.
 
I have 59n in double black. It sits in a drawer but when I used it, it was perfectly fine. My guitars are usually alder or swamp ash so the low end in manageable. I had a gold-covered 59 set in an Epiphone LP several years ago. They made that guitar sound incredible.
 
First time I tried them in my LP, I thought they should be the default set in all Gibsons. Over time, with different amps and setups, I felt the neck, while good and somewhat 'Fendery' in some ways, needed the bass end of it tamed. If I had known they were originally designed with A2s and modeled on Jeff Beck's Les Paul, I would have tried that before taking them out.
 
I think it's just the neck pickup where the bass is problematic, honestly. The bridge pickup is perfect, and it's not a bassy pickup whatsoever. It's very broad, open, and airy.

I bet the set with the stock A5 in the bridge and A2, 3, or 4 in the neck would be killer.

My favorite vintage output set (when I was in my PAF-y craze) was '59B/PAF 36th Anni.
 
I don't think the neck pickup has a problem at all if it is adjusted correctly, and if you aren't doing super high gainy stuff.
 
I appreciate all the feedback. I'm meeting the seller today to buy them. There's a good chance they will get installed tonight. I don't mind that they are double-black. That's a great look on a Goldtop.
 
I haver had 59's in a Les Paul for a hot minute, but not in recent history, so I'll answer the questions directly

1. It's a solid PAF set choice for a Les Paul. See as DMZ PAF's would be, except slightly different.
2. For a Goldtop, you need chrome/nickel covers, or double cream. I have a double cream 59 neck. Your mileage may vary...
3. Not too much low end for neck. Will it have bass? Yes. That said, a Les Paul can be boomy/woofy with anything. It's the guitar, not the pickup, and not every Les Paul. Not most.
4. Not too much high end either, but a distinct and present high end.
5. Scoop-ish is more like it to my ears. Present, but not the mid punch of many other pickups. Again, a Les Paul IS a mid punch guitar.


I have different tastes, but have a guitar that might end up with 59's. I just prefer PG's. But a 59 loaded Les Paul should be nice. Great all-arounder set for whatever.

That said, mixing and matching 59/PG's/A2P's can yield some awesome results.

Might I suggest PG neck, 59 bridge...
 
Securb said:
I have never touched '59s because I hate Gibson's 57s with a passion. Are they similar?
Click to expand...

'57 Classics are A2
'59s are A5

Until I get the '59s installed and play the guitar for a bit, that's all I can say.

Edit: What I can say is that the '57 Classics have some characteristics of both A2 and A5. How that compares to the '59s, I'll have an idea later. My Trad Pro has a '57 Classic in the neck.
 
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