Seymour Duncan is celebrating a monumental milestone in the guitar world: a half-century of relentlessly chasing the ultimate tone. To commemorate 50 years of pickup building, the legendary brand has announced a highly anticipated, limited-edition release that will undoubtedly thrill PAF enthusiasts and collectors alike: the Seymour Duncan Custom Shop ’59 Model Limited Edition 50th Anniversary Set.
Designed to honor the original vision that made the brand a global institution, this single-production run promises to recapture the open, airy, and dynamic magic of the 1970s originals.
50 Years of Tone Chasing
The story of Seymour Duncan began when a 12-year-old boy first encountered an electric guitar, sparking a lifelong obsession with tone. Through decades of relentless tinkering, modifications, and hands-on experimentation, Seymour mastered the heart of the guitar—the pickup. In 1976, Seymour and his wife, Cathy Carter Duncan, founded the company that would become the first choice for everyone from garage-band dreamers to stadium-packing legends.
When Seymour first designed the ’59 Model humbucker in the 1970s, his mission was clear: craft the perfect PAF-style pickup. Today, this 50th-anniversary set celebrates that exact vision, shaped by decades of hands-on experience and a deep appreciation for the legendary voices that defined rock and roll.
Vintage Appointments and Custom Shop Craftsmanship
Manufactured as a strictly limited-edition, single-release run, each ’59 Model 50th Anniversary Set is painstakingly hand-wound by the elite Custom Shop team in Santa Barbara, California.
To recapture the three-dimensional harmonics, smooth sustain, and crystalline clarity of the original ’59s, the Custom Shop team returned to the original construction specs. This includes:
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Butyrate bobbins
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Long-leg baseplates
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Single-conductor wiring
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Maple spacers
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Rough-cast Alnico V magnets
Adding to its immense collector appeal, the set features lightly aged styling, original replica “Seymourized” and model name stickers, and arrives in exclusive commemorative packaging. To seal the deal, every set bears the signatures of founder Seymour W. Duncan and legendary Custom Shop Team Lead Maricela “MJ” Juarez.
Key Features at a Glance
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Authentic PAF-Style Voicing: Delivers the open, dynamic, and airy tone beloved by players across all genres.
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Period-Correct Construction: Built using original specs, including butyrate bobbins, maple spacers, and long-leg baseplates.
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Premium Magnets: Powered by rough-cast Alnico V magnets for warmth and iconic attack.
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Custom Shop Quality: Hand-wound by the elite team in Santa Barbara, CA.
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Collector’s Details: Signed by Seymour W. Duncan and Maricela “MJ” Juarez.
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Vintage Aesthetics: Lightly aged styling with replica “Seymourized” stickers.
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Availability: A strict single-production limited run, available in Black or Zebra finishes.
FAQ
Q: Are these pickups a regular production item?
A: No. The 50th Anniversary ’59 Model Custom Shop Set is a single-production, limited-run release. Once they are gone, they are officially part of guitar history.
Q: What kind of tone can I expect from the 50th Anniversary ’59 Set?
A: You can expect a quintessential PAF-style tone. The combination of vintage construction and rough-cast Alnico V magnets delivers crystalline clarity, warm attack, smooth sustain, and three-dimensional harmonics.
Q: What colors are available for the 50th Anniversary Set?
A: The set is available in two classic options: Black and Zebra.
Q: Who actually wound and signed these pickups?
A: The pickups are hand-wound by the Seymour Duncan Custom Shop team. Each set is personally signed by Seymour W. Duncan and Custom Shop Team Lead Maricela “MJ” Juarez.
The Verdict
Score: 4.5/5
The Seymour Duncan Custom Shop ’59 Model Limited Edition 50th Anniversary Set is an absolute triumph for tone purists and collectors. By faithfully utilizing original construction materials like butyrate bobbins and rough-cast Alnico V magnets, Seymour Duncan has managed to bottle the lightning of their 1970s golden era.
The added touches—from the light aging and replica stickers to the dual signatures of Seymour and MJ—make this an incredibly special release. If you are chasing the ultimate PAF tone or looking to own a tangible piece of guitar history, this set is a must-buy.
Price & Availability
Available at Sweetwater priced $375 – Zebra and in Black
More Information
#Seymour Duncan #Custom Shop ’59 Model Limited Edition
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