As a guitarist, you want to make sure that your guitar sounds as good as possible.
One of the key components of your guitar’s sound is the pickups you use.
The right pickups can make your guitar sound amazing, while the wrong pickups can make it sound terrible.
Two popular pickups are the Seymour Duncan 59 and the Pearly Gates.
In this article, we will compare and contrast these two pickups to help you decide which one is right for you.
Overview of Seymour Duncan 59 and Pearly Gates
Before we dive into the specifics of each pickup, let’s start with an overview of what they are and what they do.
Seymour Duncan 59
The Seymour Duncan 59 is a humbucking pickup that was first introduced in the late 1970s. It was designed to recreate the sound of the Gibson PAF pickups from the 1950s. The Seymour Duncan 59 is known for its warm, full sound that is perfect for classic rock and blues.
Pearly Gates
The Pearly Gates is another humbucking pickup that was designed by Seymour Duncan. It was created in collaboration with Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top. The Pearly Gates is known for its hot, aggressive sound that is perfect for hard rock and heavy metal.
Comparison of Seymour Duncan 59 and Pearly Gates
Now that we have a basic understanding of what each pickup is, let’s compare them in more detail.
Sound
The most important factor when it comes to pickups is the sound. The Seymour Duncan 59 has a warm, full sound that is perfect for classic rock and blues. It has a slightly scooped mid-range that gives it a smooth, creamy tone.
On the other hand, the Pearly Gates has a hot, aggressive sound that is perfect for hard rock and heavy metal. It has a stronger mid-range that gives it a more cutting, aggressive tone.
Output
The output of a pickup refers to how much signal it produces. The Seymour Duncan 59 has a lower output than the Pearly Gates. This means that it is better suited for clean and slightly overdriven tones.
The Pearly Gates, on the other hand, has a higher output. This makes it better suited for high-gain tones and heavy distortion.
Magnet Type
Both pickups use Alnico magnets, but they use different types of Alnico magnets. The Seymour Duncan 59 uses Alnico 5 magnets, while the Pearly Gates uses Alnico 2 magnets.
Alnico 5 magnets have a higher output and a brighter, more focused sound. Alnico 2 magnets have a softer, more compressed sound with a slightly lower output.
Versatility
While both pickups have their own distinct sound, the Seymour Duncan 59 is more versatile than the Pearly Gates. It can be used for a wide range of genres, from classic rock to blues to jazz.
The Pearly Gates, on the other hand, is more specialized. It is best suited for hard rock and heavy metal, but it may not work as well for other genres.
Conclusion
So which pickup reigns supreme? The answer is that it depends on what you’re looking for.
If you want a warm, full sound that is perfect for classic rock and blues, then the Seymour Duncan 59 is the way to go.
But if you want a hot, aggressive sound that is perfect for hard rock and heavy metal, then the Pearly Gates is the better choice.
Ultimately, the best way to decide which pickup is right for you is to try them both out and see which one you prefer.
FAQs
- What is the difference between a humbucking pickup and a single-coil pickup?
A humbucking pickup is essentially two single-coil pickups that are wired together. The two coils are wired out of phase with each other, which cancels out any unwanted hum or noise that single-coil pickups are known for. Single-coil pickups are known for their bright, clear sound, but they can be noisy in certain situations.
- Can I install these pickups myself, or do I need to take my guitar to a professional?
Installing pickups can be a complicated process, especially if you’re not familiar with guitar electronics. It’s always a good idea to take your guitar to a professional if you’re not sure what you’re doing. However, if you have experience with guitar electronics, you may be able to install the pickups yourself with some basic tools and knowledge.
- Are these pickups suitable for both rhythm and lead playing?
Both pickups can be used for both rhythm and lead playing. However, the Seymour Duncan 59 is better suited for rhythm playing due to its warm, full sound. The Pearly Gates is better suited for lead playing due to its hot, aggressive sound.
- Can these pickups be used with any type of guitar?
Both pickups can be used with most types of guitars, including Stratocasters, Telecasters, Les Pauls, and SGs. However, you may need to make some adjustments to your guitar’s electronics or routing to install these pickups.
- Do these pickups come with a warranty?
Yes, both pickups come with a warranty from Seymour Duncan. The exact terms and length of the warranty may vary depending on where you purchase the pickups from, so be sure to check with your dealer or Seymour Duncan for more information.