How to identify pickup year?

[m0b1liz3]

I have a 77 Les Paul that has Seymour Duncans from around the same era. The neck says just 59N with a sticker (no SD logo) the bridge says "The JB" on a sticker as well with no SD logo. I mean no logo on the top or the baseplate. They look like just 2 wire pickups if that is possible.

If someone can let me know how to post pics I will try to put some up later.

Are the old SD pickups considered collectable or desirable?

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: How to identify pickup year?

Welcome to the forum.

Early Duncans are what you have got. (Shout loudly enough and somebody on SDUGF will make you an offer for them.) Single conductor + braided shield cable is what those older pickups should have. Leave 'em as they are and enjoy them to the max.

 

[hamerfan]

Re: How to identify pickup year?

Hi,

These are my best guesses:

1. no backlogo, small tag without winder initial from late 70 up to about 1980
2. no backlogo, small tag with winder initial from about 1980 to 1983
3. big backlogo without MiA, small tag with winder from at least 1983 to 1988
4. small backlogo with MiA, small tag with winder from 1988 to 2002
5. small backlogo with MiA, large tag with SN and Model from 2002 to ?
6. small backlogo with MiA, large tag with date from ? to now

(I'm still waiting for someone to refine that!)

That would make it a end 70ies to 80, i read about pup from 81 with the winder initials on the tag. To answer your question: they are not collectible nor more desirable - they are just nice to have.

 

[Invader09]

Re: How to identify pickup year?

Yes, not worth more. (because after a pickup ages so long it goes bad). They are worth about the same. But as hamerfan said, they are nice to have.

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: How to identify pickup year?

after a pickup ages so long, it goes bad.

Holy mackerel. If the vintage P. A. F. collector fraternity gets to hear about this, it would kill the market off overnight! :naughty::cool2:

 

[m0b1liz3]

Re: How to identify pickup year?

Wow, thanks Hamerfan. That fits in. I think the previous owner mentioned having the guitar professionally routed (was a Deluxe) and the pickups replaced shortly after buying the guitar sometime in 77 or 78.

I hadn't planned on getting rid of them but had contemplated a magnet change since I find them a little muddy in the bass. I have heard of people doing magnet changes but still can't seem to find a cheap place to order from. (Even more of a hassle since I am in Canada for a couple of weeks and then moving back to Australia).