OLD (?) 59 ID help

[freddarl82]

I tried to do my research on the Duncan website and searching these forums, but cannot seem to find anything conclusive. I am trying to date the following pickup:

The D.C. resistance measures 8.5K. From what I have found, the "59B" on the label indicates it is a 59 and the "J" is likely the initial of the winder. What year is this likely from? When the label chart on the Duncan website refers to "no logo," are they referring to the silkscreened logo on the top of the bobbins or the stamped logo on the bottom plate? I found one thread that put this pickup roughtly between 1983-1987. Anyone care to chime in?

Also, I read in a few places that the early 59's were really awesome pickups (some of this from the mouths of preesent-day boutique winders), but they went downhill later on. I've also heard they have improved again. Does anyone else have any experience with this? I am no "newbie" to the 59 bridge pups - I've got them in three other guitars (all newer 4-conductor models), and I am overall satisfied with them. I just happened to stumble upon this "oldster" recently, so I'm looking for info on it.

Thanks in advance for any info!!

 

[DrNewcenstein]

Re: OLD (?) 59 ID help

Pre-2002 Bridge model wound by Maricela Juarez. That's when they stopped using that sticker format.

'83-'87 is as close as you'll get.


And everyone says that about old stuff, even though nothing changed except the sticker. People swear the smallest change had a monumental effect on tone. Pfft.