Introduction
Pickups by Seymour Duncan have become a trusted name among guitarists and bassists all over the world, particularly when it comes to their revered AC/DC pickup models. Simply put, Seymour Duncan pickups provide a classic, clean tone with plenty of punch. That’s why so many players have chosen them for their AC/DC-inspired rigs. In this article, we’ll cover the history of Seymour Duncan, explain the features and benefits of their pickups, and provide some examples of notable musicians who use them.
The History of Seymour Duncan
Seymour Duncan was born in 1945 in Philadelphia, and began playing guitar as a teen. He started making pickups and electronics in the early 1970s, slowly gaining a reputation as one of the premier pickup makers in the business. He founded his namesake company in 1976, and opened it’s doors in the same year to begin handcrafting pickups for guitarists and bassists all over the world. Seymour Duncan has brought dozens of pickups to the market over the years, and has earned a name as an industry leader in the fields of design and sound quality.
Features and Benefits of Seymour Duncan AC/DC Pickups
Seymour Duncan AC/DC pickups are designed for maximum performance. They feature high-output ceramic magnets, which provide superior tone, clarity, and sustain when combined with humbucking coils. They also come with an adjustable pole piece that allows you to fine-tune the pickup for the perfect sound and playing experience. Overall, these pickups provide a dynamic range of tones that are well suited to different styles of music.
Notable Musicians Using Seymour Duncan AC/DC Pickups
Many top musicians have chosen Seymour Duncan AC/DC pickups for their guitars. Eddie Van Halen is one of the most notable guitarists to use Seymour Duncan pickups, and is said to have used them on all of his signature guitars. Slash of Guns N’ Roses fame has also used them on his signature Les Paul and remains a huge endorsement for Seymour Duncan pickups. AC/DC frontman Angus Young made his own signature Seymour Duncan pickup, which is now considered a collector’s item.
Seymour Duncan and Smaller Brands
Seymour Duncan pickups have become a go-to choice for many smaller guitar builders. In the boutique guitar market, Seymour Duncan pickups remain popular due to their high quality and reliable performance. The company also produces some world-class pickups under their own name, such as the JB, 59, Jazz, and the legendary Alnico II Pro.
The Legacy of Seymour Duncan Pickups
It’s no surprise that Seymour Duncan pickups have earned such a laudable legacy. The company has been meticulously crafting pickups since 1976, and they have continued to set the standard for sound quality and performance ever since. Nowadays, their AC/DC pickup models can be found in the rigs of some of the world’s greatest guitarists – a testament to their devotion to traditional and modern design, and a promise of quality when it comes to Seymour Duncan pickups.
Advances in Pickup Technology
As technology advances, Seymour Duncan pickup designs have kept pace. The pickups now come with advanced electronics and advanced shaping features that make them more dynamic than ever before. The company has also kept up with the changing needs of the modern musician, offering unique pickups for specialized applications like multi-scale and left-handed instruments.
Seymour Duncan Pickups and Bassists
Seymour Duncan pickups offer bassists options as well. The company offers a wide range of pickups, including active pickups, as well as pickups for both four- and five-string basses. Many of these pickups have become staples of the bass community, with artists like John Entwistle, the man behind the legendary bass sound of The Who, being a long-time user of Seymour Duncan pickups.
Reviews and Recommendations
Seymour Duncan pickups have earned their place in the world of guitar and bass, offering reliable options and superior sound quality. Many major guitar magazines have praised their pickups, and with so many famous musicians in their corner, there’s no doubt that they will remain a trusted name in the industry for years to come. If you’re in the market for a great pickup, Seymour Duncan’s AC/DC model is always a solid choice.
Materials Used in Construction
Seymour Duncan pickups are made with high-quality materials to ensure optimal sound quality and performance. The magnets are made with Alnico II or ceramic magnets, depending on the model. The humbucking coils are made with precision winding technology to provide a full, rich tone. The pickup housing is also sealed for a secure fit and to help preserve the pickups longevity.
Usability and Versatility
Seymour Duncan Ac/DC pickups are incredibly versatile, allowing you to get a vast range of tones from clean and clear to dirty and aggressive. These pickups are also very easy to install and can be used in a variety of scenarios. This makes them a great choice for any guitarist looking to expand their arsenal.
Seymour Duncan vs. Other Brands
Seymour Duncan pickups provide a ton of bang for their buck, offering high-end sound without the high-end price tag. When it comes to sound quality and reliability, they are hard to beat. Many other companies have tried to replicate their pickups, but none have come close to the original. Seymour Duncan is a trusted name among guitarists, and it’s no wonder why their pickups continue to stand the test of time.