Vintage Pickups ID

[nfenster]

Hi everyone,
I’m looking for some help definitively identifying and dating this set of vintage Seymour Duncan pickups.

The Details:

• Model: These are the single wide-blade design, which I believe identifies them as STK-S2 Hot Stacks.
• Construction: These have the "Clear/White Bobbin" look—the amber resin and copper windings are visible through the bottom (see photos).
• Covers: Original black covers with the raised "S" logo.
• Wiring: 4-conductor leads with the black outer jacket.

The Labels:

• Bridge: 2B-S
• Middle: 2N-S
• Neck: J2N

My Questions:

1. Since the "J" is a prefix on the J2N (rather than a suffix), and considering the clear/white bobbins, does this point to the Janice Salazar era (pre-'83), the early MJ era, or a specific mid-80s production run?
2. Does the "S" suffix on the 2B and 2N labels simply confirm the "Stack" model, or does it have another meaning in this era?
3. Is it common to see the "J" at the start of the code like this on early 80s Stacks?

Any insight from the Duncan experts on the exact year or rarity of this set would be great. Thanks!

 

[idsnowdog]

They look like hot stacks.

 

[nfenster]

Yes, I am pretty sure they are Hot Stacks but I am curious from when, and what the markings mean.

 

[jeremy]

hot stacks, one bridge model, two neck models. im not sure about the year

 

[nfenster]

Quick follow-up, I also reached out to Seymour Duncan support and they checked with MJ and the Custom Shop.

They said these are mid-1980s STK-S2 Hot Stacks.

The 2B-S and 2N-S were wound by Jenny Salar, and the J2N was wound by MJ (Maricela Juarez). The “J” prefix apparently wasn’t anything special, it was just how MJ happened to stamp the label that day (as a prefix instead of a suffix).

So it sounds like it’s just a mid-80s set with two neck models and one bridge, wound by two different Duncan winders.

Thought I’d share the info here in case it helps anyone else trying to decode the older labels.

 

[jeremy]

glad you got confirmation!

 

[Mincer]

Yes, it does help other people to know this in case it comes up again. Thanks for coming back and posting!