The ’59 bridge model (SH-1) is a vintage output humbucker that’s great for rock, blues, and more. Its vintage-inspired coils give it an airy quality that is firmly in the P.A.F. family, and the alnico 5 bar magnet and vacuum wax potting make it compatible with lighter guitar strings and louder amplifiers than were ever used in the 1950s. The result is a pickup with tons of old-school tonal character, but with a brighter top end, and a slightly more compressed sound.
The ’59 neck model is one of the most popular pickups because it’s so versatile. Like its bridge-position sibling, the ’59 neck is designed in the spirit of the original P.A.F. humbuckers of the 1950s, with sweet sustain, and a warm, full sound that still possesses a clear attack. Few refinements were made to slightly modernise the design and make it more adaptable to different styles.
The high end is slightly boosted for improved pick-attack clarity and the mids are a little scooped for an open, smooth sound that’s great for preserving the clarity of the individual notes in a chord. The ’59 neck was born to accompany the ’59 bridge, but countless players pair it with a high output bridge humbucker, such as a JB or Custom. It’s also a popular choice for humbucker-routed Telecasters.
Features
- Delivers classic P.A.F. tone with modern construction
- Vintage output humbucker pickup
- Open, detailed sound
- Sweet top end
- Ideal for rock and blues genres