Help me confirm if this is a Duncan '59 from the '70s?

[hgus]

I bought a used Duncan '59, expecting it to be a modern four-conductor pickup, but it turned out to be quite old. For identification, this is what it looks like: two conductor with braided wire, double black bobbins (it was covered when I got it, but it was either not original or had been removed and replaced). On the back are four philips brass screws holding the bobbins and a small white sticker with "59B" printed in purple text, typewriter style and way off the center of the little sticker. Traces of wax on the back also, but that's it. No logo, no name apart from the sticker. If this really is a Duncan it's gotta be pretty old? It measures 8.35 kohms. I'll report on the sound once it has replaced the 498T in the bridge of my '92 Gibson Les Paul. Can't wait! []

If anybody has one like this, do you like it? Compared it to a modern '59?

I'll get back with pics and sounds if anybody's curious.


Cheers!

*edit* I just noticed that the spacer is wood, if that helps...

 

[Zerberus]

Re: Help me confirm if this is a Duncan '59 from the '70s?

It´s an older one, but probably not ´70s vintage, I think more likely late 80s/ early 90s... the real old ones ahd a large sticker on them that said "´59 model" IIRC

 

[Travis]

Re: Help me confirm if this is a Duncan '59 from the '70s?

I've got an older 59 as well that sounds really nice. The 59 seems to be one of the most consistent sounding pickups I've had experience with. I have a feeling you'll like it quite a bit in your Les Paul.

BTW, welcome.

 

[ErikH]

Re: Help me confirm if this is a Duncan '59 from the '70s?

New ones still come with 2-conductor wire standard, 4-conductor option is available though. They don't come with covers standard either, also an option so yours either was ordered that way or added later on.

Good pickup. You won't be disappointed. And welcome to the forum.

 

[BachToRock]

Re: Help me confirm if this is a Duncan '59 from the '70s?

I have a number of late 70's and early 80's Duncans... that is exactly what you have!
The early ones generally had the 59B or 59N designation on the bottom... the models that did not have a neck and bridge version sometimes had "The JB Model" or "The Custom" on the bottom.

 

[thucydides]

Re: Help me confirm if this is a Duncan '59 from the '70s?

Wasn't there a SD '58 before the '59?

 

[hgus]

Re: Help me confirm if this is a Duncan '59 from the '70s?

Very cool guys, thanks!

I popped it into the bridge of my dear Lester this morning, and I think I like it a lot! The problem with the 498 was it's lack of clarity, too much mids and just plain muddiness. The '59 sounds great, even though the difference was less than I expected. More clarity, definition and wood while retaining the (dark) character of the instrument. I'm very tempted to get a '59 neck now...