The Electra Forums

My x320 has what appears to be a Duncan 59' in the bridge position. Funny, I like the Dimarzio P.A.F in that position but think the Duncan is somewhat lacking. I figure my chances of scoring an original are pretty much moot. What is close?

I think I saw an original on ebay. I believe they wanted and arm and a leg for it. But they do pop up now and then.

On my primary x330 I have on old harmonic designs. I like it there. My original was dead when I got that guitar in the 90s, so I had to put something in. It was the "best" PAF class pickup at that time. I used the original ring from the dead pickup so it looks right except for the square poles. Back then they were unpotted but I think they are potted now. An unpotted one will give you a little "airy-ness" or brightness on top. If you have a duncan 59 they are potted and it makes a slight difference. I used to not think so, but careful listening has proven otherwise. Now I know potting slightly changes things (occasionally dramatically). I pot MMKs (and maxons too) if they get too microphonic. I don't think there is much else you can do when that happens besides rewind.

Any good unpotted PAF style pickup should get you close I think. I have had different readings on those pickups, some being higher resistance than others. But usually, they are considered classic PAF style output.

Duncan has a seth lover that is not potted, but is alnico II. It would be a good choice, and take the cover off. On the cheap, GFS might have something unpotted in a PAF class output. Toneriders sound good, but are alnico IV and are potted. I have a pair of Sheptones in a guitar and they make nice humbuckers. An old unpotted PAF would be fantastic too. I buy used 90% of the time. Look on ebay or TGP or Craigslist and you can find all kinds of things.

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Thorny

I have an original bridge humbucker pickup from a 75 Omega. I'll sell for $60.00 plus shipping.Pic available

Sent you a PM