Seth Lover vs Duncan59s on a Heritage 575

This video is comparing Seth Lover vs Duncan 59s guitar pick ups.

[@tomcoryell]

I’m a Seth Lover fan. I’m back a year later to say I was rude by not saying anything about how well you play. Beautiful playing sir!

[@jcroopjr]

Oh my God you're playing is just beautiful! Your tone is exquisite and your touch is from Heaven man. It's not often that you see somebody demo something on KZbin that just floors you. Thank you so much for the post and showing us your lovely guitar and letting us hear your wonderful playing! As to the pickups I don't really care either way they both sound great I'd rather just listen to you play!

[@RichSeversonGuitar]

How nice thank you!

[@larrydering1598]

Wow, both have that incredible tone plus Rich is a masterful player. I admire his skills and knowledge.

[@ramencurry6672]

Both pickups are good but the Seth Lover has that extra beefy tone from the Alnico 2 magnets inside which I prefer. The 59 has Alnico 5 magnets which is also good and will give a lighter sound if that’s your preference

[@petelucchini1168]

My uncle was a Jazz guitar player way back when.. When i was a little kid he would play for us at our house, when he played Moon River it would make me get all choked up, even to this day some 57 years later. It sounded so personal.

[@farkasgabor3491]

Seth Lovers have higher inductance due to long alnico 2 , resonance peak frequency is lower.Therefore basses are softer and has less highs. 59 has alnico 5 (stronger magnet) with more conductivity i.e. eddy currents resulting less mids, overall tighter lows and a bit more sparkling. Although the difference is just slightly audible, possibly influenced by the different guitar and strings. Both sound very good under your fingers.

[@maurizioferegalli6850]

I agree: given the material used, the difference is only technical, but the result is pickups of great excellence. PS) obviously such a good musician can only make you love them both.

[@ramencurry6672]

Both are great. Personally I would own both pick ups

[@steverolfeca]

My dad was a classical violinist turned jazz guitarist. He had a number of fine guitars, but his favourite by far was a blond ES-175. Watching and listening to you play that Heritage with the Seth Lovers was a wonderful trip down memory lane. Thank you and God bless you for Keeping those beautiful, liquid tones alive!

[@SrDeMaFp]

Jesus. I did not expect that playing! Wow...Fantastic tone and phrasing! That guitar is gorgeous too! As far as the pups go? Those Seths take the cake for me. Hands down.

[@RichSeversonGuitar]

Thank You!

[@edwardmonsariste4050]

I use Duncan 59’s for rock, blues, and country. I’ve never heard such beautiful jazz style on a 59er! Very nice!

[@X-boomer]

You’re a wonderful player for sure

[@autotrophical3179]

Man they both sound so great! I dig the first one slightly more, maybe because of the extra resonance you described from modifying the bridge pickup holder. Fantastic idea! Will need to try on my semi hollow. Keep up the great work, your playing, phrasing and tone are out of this world!

[@jjemsnd7]

Different guitars, different strings. Both are nice. The 59s sound a little brighter the Seth Lovers sound mellower and warmer. All in all a great demo. You play beautifully!

[@mitcharney1]

Stunning playing! Any 2 guitars will sound different and it's difficult to judge side by side comparisons are different even with the same pickups.

[@williamvann4305]

From my experience, potted pickups sound flat, or 2 dimensional, while the non-potted pickups have more depth. The non-potted HBs have a microphonic element which will add the resonance from the wood. But the potted pups will not feedback as much, so they work better on a loud stage.

[@RichSeversonGuitar]

Good point

[@kowboys1180]

Beautiful playing, thank you for the useful comp. ‘59 starts at 1:31. Seth Lover at 5:45.

[@lorenzolotti6295]

Thanks for the time. He has a lot of talking in between

[@raihidara]

Wow, you are a fantastic guitarist! I came here for the pickups, but I stayed for the music. Edit: I liked the Duncans the most. They seemed to have a lighter and more nuanced tone.

[@raihidara]

@Mark Wilson whoops lol, I meant the Duncan 59s. I must have started thinking they were "Seth Lover" brand as I watched the video.

[@Jw-un8oh]

The Seths sound more suave in my opinion. 59s have a good fancy sound, reminds me of Billy Bauer at a garden party or something. I like the Seths better, they feel sophisticated like a playing music in a fancy park for free.

[@shamardaniel4819]

Can go wrong with either, but I’d personally say the 59’s. Just because they’re a tad cheaper and I prefer the potted sound(sounds smoother to me). Absolutely lovely playing!

[@bossjazzguitarplayer3052]

I like both! Both work really great I use them both on other hollow bodies. Seths are a little clearer but the 59s are darker but it depends on what we are all looking for in sound. Depth of the various hollow body’s can make the difference like a Byrdland vs an L-5. You decide. Both are my choice.

[@ekisoderqvist]

Awesome playing man! Came here to check out the difference for the purpose of finding a good upgrade to my PRS SE. Seth Lovers were on my list because I love the tone on D'Angelico deluxe models which use them. And this definitely confirmed that for me. The 59's have a world of jazzy warmth, but to my ears there's more crispness and sparkle to the Seth Lovers. Keep on making awesome videos!

[@JB-xe1nm]

On that topic: I’m interested in purchasing a hollow body centre block guitar in the range of 1 to 2 grand for soul, RnB and some Jazz and (logically?) ended up at D’angelico DC guitars. The Excel model has the USA SD 59 and the Deluxe have the SL humbuckers. Which would you argue be best for (very) clean playing with a deep warm feel?

[@ekisoderqvist]

@@JB-xe1nm This question is probably not directed at me but I'll jump in at any chance to geek out about D'Angelico guitar related stuff. I have the SL neck pickup now on my PRS SE and it sounds great exactly for RnB, soul, Neo-soul etc. I paired it with a SD pearly gates bridge pickup to get nice onedrive leads from the same guitar but, maybe surprisingly, those two work imo really well together in the middle position, and especially with a coil split and clean tone you can get pretty funky sounds too, though it doesn't quack like a strat or even tele. But yeah I can't compare with the 59 because I have no experience with it, but the SL neck pickup has a lot of warmth but also that clarity that you'd want from very clean sounds in a guitar that's not exclusively for jazz but also for soul, RnB etc. Based on the video comparisons I've seen, I might personally gravitate towards the 59 for a more exclusively old school jazz guitar and the Seth Lovers for more versatility. I could be very wrong though

[@MarcosJ-mq4lk]

Buttery smooth playing! Could listen to that all day 👍

[@hotcitysoul7144]

Alnico 2 Seth Lover are amazing 😊.

[@raulgrangeiro]

Man, the 59's were awesome

[@calnonhardy4002]

I like the fact that the room is paneled in real solid wood. Makes for a nice resonate acoustic chamber.

[@BrotherBrownMusic]

First, I have to compliment you on your playing and the fact that you enjoy it so much. Second, thank you for a great demo of the different pick ups and guitars. I've been looking into a vintage 59 and think it will fit my needs and the pkus is, that from now on I'll keep a eye out for one of those Heritage hollow bodys, as they look and sound absolutely fantastik!

[@RichSeversonGuitar]

Thanks for watching Atle!

[@whyflipoverthefrog]

Incredibly helpful video, and I loved your playing a whole lot too.

[@jazzydog]

This is what i been looking for. Thank you Rich for doing this demo. Cheers.

[@guitargod6997]

Two beautiful guitars, one fabulous guitarist! I'd take the Seth Lovers for the richness and fullness of the tone. Just a preference.

[@angusorvid8840]

Excellent playing and tone! Brings Joe Pass and Tal Farlow to mind. Those are some very nice guitars too. As for the pickups, both sets are great. But I'm so used to potted pickups that the clicking of non-potted pickups would just get on my nerves after a while so I'd go for the 59 set. I've used 59s in the neck paired with JBs, Customs or other Duncans, usually for classic rock and fusion. Looks like you're playing a Quilter amp as well. Terrific amps!

[@jameswagner5098]

They Both Sound Fantastic, and your playing is Excellent!

[@thomasd9237]

I would love to have one of those guitars with the Seth Lovers. Sounds fantastic 👍👍

[@abtappy1190]

Thank you for sharing. Very usefull to me. Like the 59s.

[@RichSeversonGuitar]

You're Welcome, Ab Tappy! Thanks for watching my channel!

[@MarsHalekGuitar]

The touch of extra bass from the Lovers made me feel like I was hearing the "wood" and a little more depth from the hollow body, a bit more to fall in love with. The difference is subtle, though!

[@iplayloud2]

The weak alnico 2 magnet on the Seth Lover is a huge factor. An unpotted '59 would probably the ultimate pickup, or putting an Alnico 5 magnet in the SH-55.

[@fred900rr1]

This is the best video ever dealing with this subject. Sound was clear and clean thanks.

[@darryllandry9904]

In the Seth Lover, it seems I hear a bit more of the wood. Very balanced.

[@JC-11111]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@TheMusicalEvents]

Thanks for this great comparison. I love the sound of these Seymour Duncan 59 PUs... what is the exact name of the model if I want to buy them? Thanks!

[@kennethslumley]

I like both pickups, both sound great. If I had to only one set for my L/P classic it Would be the Seth lover's.

[@stratman2023]

If I am correct, the 59’s are scatter wound and the Seth Lovers are not. That affects tone as well. I have had Seth Lovers in my 335 for years and they are very good.

[@clgmafnas]

Both wonderful! Seths - air, closer to the classic sounds, 59s - tighter bass/highs, rounder tones

[@michelgiachino5887]

Seth Lover, unpotted, gives a more natural resonance of the '' box''

[@andju2hikari]

I used to own same model (Heritage 575) with only neck pick up. It looks classy and resonates better. According to some forum, "the '59 uses an Alnico-V magnet and is potted, and the Seth uses an Alnico-II magnet and isn't potted." I like Alnico-V on both pick ups and speakers.

[@andju2hikari]

I started liking Seth Lover, smooth and clear, suitable for Jazz

[@romanslegion7771]

This time,Seth Lovers are full bodied, warm, articulate but it’s a closer call than the other comparison Like your playing, because you are a smooth cat.

[@tomfarnan398]

From my observations - the tone is pretty similar - you do play beautifully. What I notice most of all is how the first 575 seems to inspire your playing more. Both really good guitars and really good sounding pickups.

[@abrahamkim2304]

Time stamps for playing comparisons: Duncan 59s: 1:32 Seth Lovers: 5:45

[@RichSeversonGuitar]

Thanks Abraham!

[@ickimadrasi8965]

For jazz tone, definitely Seth Lover, warm and classic

[@nealixd.3011]

The SD 59s sound a little fuller to my ear, but the deader strings on the H575 with Seth Lovers could be a factor, for sure. I had two of The Heritage H535s, beautiful guitars. If you want the old school, real deal Gibson ES styles, get The Heritage, no doubt! I know, because I had a late 1950s Gibson ES-335 in Cherry when I was 14, and later in life The Heritage H535 I had in antique natural really gave me that Gibson old school feeling and tone again.

[@nealixd.3011]

Yes, that Quilter Micropro Mach 2 1x8" Combo sounds very good.

[@IanLamMusic]

Hi pray tell is the Duncan 59 pickup the same as the SH-1? It sounds beautiful. Just listening to your playing here makes me want to go and get a pair of it, but im worried i'd buy the wrong one

[@Steve-cs8nd]

The Seymour’s Sh-1s beyond any doubt. So much so, I pulled the harness out of mine and grabbed a nickel neck and am waiting for the Bridge one now. Mesh shielded rollback cloth cable, .022uf Orange drop capacitors tin glued into that 50’s joyous women tone necking pup. I can’t wait. You have those uncle Bill three note voicings doing some beautiful meandering there dear chap. It made the 59 decision an easy one. I can’t wait. I agree regarding those trapeze tail pieces that were on the early 175s. The big solid brass on the later 175s seems to aid the rounding off of the chime. I could not actually see your lower bout well with my crumby phone but what ever you have, there is nothing wrong with that north puppy tone at all. Your tone superlative. The Sh-1s might be the finest jazz pick up of all time to my ears I kid you not. And with an old Fender type valve amp there is as much magic as an AER or Henrikson.

[@39MercFlathead]

The first guitar is gorgeous. I love the finger tail pieces, always my favorite. But if I bought it and could still afford to change the pickups, I'd put the Seth Lovers in. They define my kind of jazz. I have a Johnny Smith on the end of the neck of my carved top guitar and the Seth Lovers are pretty close. The second guitar is a guitar, sounds nice, but doesn't trip my visual trigger. You inspired me. I'm logging out of youtube and going down stairs to practice.

[@MrJonahWhaler]

thank you! I like the crispness of 59, I had single-sized Little 59 in one of my solid bodies and though it was a bit weak it also hand pronounced character on the brighter side. Seth sounds more creamy and to my taste a bit more like 'generalized jazz tone'. Also I noticed that the lines that you played on Seth at the end of your demonstration sounded a bit ... flat, like the tone had less dimensions.

[@fastlanemagic]

That was fantastic! Do you by chance have Rheumatoid or Psoriatic arthritis? Even more impressive to see you play so beautifully.

[@Chinedu104]

For your wonderful music, the Seth Lover best flatters. I personally prefer the 59 or even more the pearly gates.

[@aliZoso]

I'm not really into jazz but I can tell what a lovely sound you made and possibly quite nice as back ground music, anyway both pickups to me sounded very similar you'd be happy with either.

[@kendo4242]

Like them both, but the Seth Lovers have a tad more definition, especially in the midrange. I have a 575, kind of an older one, that still has the stock pu's, probably oughta switch em out. Good on you for doing your own mods, I always get someone to work on my guitars, ...don't trust myself!

[@StayHomeEatGreat]

I'm so glad I found your channel. As a new owner of a Sire Larry Carlton model 335(you should review one), I'd like to learn all things semi-hollow.

[@defh2o]

the bass note played at 1:47 and 5:58 tells the story. Seth Lover's allow the tone to shine. I love the 59's; the Seth's let it all through. could be the Alnico 2 magnets are not as strong which let the strings vibrate... but listen to the bass note at the times above

[@Mr.Wu.]

3:28 "Guitar is like eating ice cream, when you think you got it licked it drips all over you " ❤

[@yellowmagicdog3350]

Great! How would either of these pickups change the tone on an Epiphone Dot? Would it be worth it to swap out from my '57 Classics? Would anything change?

[@OzanOlguner]

Thanks for the beautiful performance... what is the amplifier that you used? I have never seen it and can't read the model from the video.

[@RichSeversonGuitar]

It is a Quilter Mach 2 Micropro. You can check them out here: www.guitarcollege.net/quilter.html Thanks for watching, Ozan!

[@lucydiamond7777]

I listened to this on my home theatre setup and the seth lovers sounded a little bit more buttery. I have a 59 in the neck ofa couple of my guitars and I never liked them until I lowered the height and raised the poles. Night and day....both sound and feel.

[@neiltosolini2465]

Thanks Rich, I'm currently playing a Yamaha SA 2200 which I like but looking to upgrade to a Heritage. Appreciate any recommendations you may have. I love that Birdland style your playing just wonder if the width is too large compared to the Heritage 535. Best, Neil

[@SteadyRolling]

If anything, the Seth Lover's, under KZbin compression, seem to have more clarity or fidelity, which can translate into less warmth, for better or worse.

[@gddunlap54]

Your sound playing that way you do, it was hard to tell cause you made them both sound beautiful but the 55 lovers were nice

[@chzzyg2698]

I feel like the Seth has a little more punch and bass, and the 59 has a little more mid-range and body.

[@billbettencourt7053]

Beautiful and sounds great. Still haven’t decided which pup sounds better.

[@colinroymonettemusic]

Heritage make beautiful guitars and both those pickups sound great, I do think the Seth Lover sounds a little warmer more wood tone, could be the guitar too. Beautiful playing and enviable Jazz Tone. I’m seeing more and more of those Quilters. Glad I have one too, I usually use the mic/vocal channel it’s an excellent mini pa.

[@benlloyd3155]

This playing is what I hope to hear outside of the pearly gates (assuming I get there). Both pickups sound great.

[@icecreamforcrowhurst]

Instead of dying why not just buy the Pearly Gates pickups instead?

[@rolfsimonsson2295]

They were very close but I liked the Eth Lover a little more. Such a nice sounding guitar (played by the Master himself!) and a charm to look at too. That’s what dreams are made of!

[@gutbucket260]

I like Seth's for overdriven stuff. Low winding un potted Alnico 2 pickups sound sweet when they're pushed thru an overdriven amp. I put a set in my 335 and they're never coming out.

[@kjatexas3679]

My 335 has ‘57 Classics. Would the Seth Lover’s be noticeably better/different?

[@richardfinney8784]

Thank you Mr.Severson I loved your style and smooth articulation, could you tell me where you purchased the tail piece on the first 575 with the Duncan's?. Again thank you great demo it's obvious you've played many years.

[@lesa8020]

Thoroughly enjoyed your playing that I almost forgot I came here to watch a review after checking out some of the reviews of the D'Angelico Deluxe Atlantic guitar (w/Seth Lovers A4). In my case, not much of a significant difference between the two pickups. Considering I play in a tropical hotel resort lounge/lobby environment that starts off quiet in the first hour and gradually gets noisy as heck by the end of the night once we start playing dance music, I can live with any of the two, or whichever is cheaper.. Must say, listening through quality headphones, that the Seths did seem like they would cut through better based on whatever factors/settings of each of the guitars. Thanks for the review!

[@NortonNice]

My simple opinion is that the 59's had real sweet treble tones, and the SL has lovely warm, round bass notes. Both sets sound great.

[@csharpminorseven]

Thanks Rich - subjectively it's the Seth Lovers for me, they 'speak' a little more to me with that jazzy 'conversation' you make on the guitar - but lovely either way: there's more in your fingers than the difference between the pickups! By the way, biggest guitar sale mistake I made was selling my Heritage 575, just back then didn't know what I had...maybe another day another 575.........

[@RichSeversonGuitar]

I hear that I've sold many I wish I kept, but you can't keep them all

[@stevem7]

LOVE your playing...and yeah great choice in guitar AND tailpiece. Definitely upgraded tailpiece which looks perfect for that guitar.

[@suebevell4347]

Bought two used Duncan neck humbuckers for my Ibanez AM-93, the one with quilt maple yellow burst. Has pretty poor Custom 58's on it. So, putting in a Duncan Saturday Night Special in the neck position because I need the clarity there that the AL4 mag gives, and will put the Seth Lover in the bridge, though it has a slightly lower DCR than the SNS. Like turning the pickup covers around so that there's not as much difference between the neck and bridge humbuckers, as well as having similar output. Love your playing, btw. Have a H-550 with a CC pickup, as well, so appreciate the Heritage comparison on this video.- Charles Bevell

[@4gcole]

I prefer the Duncan 59'S but it is close ;)

[@daglar64]

Seth has jazz. Hands down excellent.

[@djffe8597]

Seth's sound more "open" yet still full.. I guess you could accomplish that with a little EQ too but... definitely had some Wes sound there.

[@donarmando916]

Today i received my SD Seth Lovers and the impression from the Video is coming up exactly the same, although i have a Heritage H-150 solidbody Les Paul. The 59 is the winner in my opinion. It's more musical, and smoother with more low mids. Seth Lovers are more trebly, thinner sounding and they have a different voicing. That's pretty much all i can tell about them. They are not bad pickups ofcourse, but compared to the 59s.. they do not hold up on my guitar. So for me i will continue with the 59s.

[@lydmo8287]

Close, but I like the Seth Lovers just a little bit better, tad bit smoother highs and a nice "tubular-ish" clean bass strings.

[@antoniodalfonso]

you are amazing player, thank you for the video. Still wondering with the purchase...

[@RichSeversonGuitar]

Thanks for watching and commenting, Antonio!

[@daglar64]

In this type of guitar they sound close. I have them in solid body. Seth Lovers are hands down spectacular. 59s are ok.

[@donarmando916]

On this 1st. Heritage guitar the 59s are sounding amazing. No need to change anything in my opinion. The Seth Lovers are sounding thinner with basses being almost absent, but it's a different guitar. Tomorrow i'll get my Seths and then i'll know how they sound on my guitar.

[@CustomTele52RI]

Thanks, and nice touch on the guitar. I definitely hear a difference but it could be microphone response - sounds to me like the '59s are hotter (louder). No buyer's remorse on having ordered Seymour Duncan '59 neck humbucker for my 1952 Reissue Tele. Pairing it with SD Jerry Donahue single coil on the bridge so Seth Lover would probably be closer in output, possibly with a more balanced tone in the middle switch position. Best not to overthink these things; the Dude abides :o)

[@rsaathoff]

The seth lover to my ear bring out more of the acoustic properties of the guitar.

[@pierreg8562]

amazing playing, which strings did you use? how would these compare to Ibanez Super 58? i currently have that in my guitar (ibanez archtop) and get a very metallic kind of high end ringing, i really don't like the sound i am getting but not sure it's the strings (TI BB111) or something with the guitar, or the pick up..

[@bmoraga01]

I prefer the warmth of the Duncan 59s. While the SL's have a greater range and would no doubt cut through and stand out better in an ensemble setting, but for solo guitar, I think the clicks from the non-potted PU's are a distraction. IMO noise is noise whether it's string noise or clicks. Elegant playing, Rich.

[@gscgold]

I mean...so close in comparison but I think I like the seth better..great guitars and great playing. Cheers.

[@39MercFlathead]

I noticed the difference in the first bar. By the 3rd bar I knew I preferred the Seth Lovers. That surprised me. My steel string jazz guitar has a 25.5 inch scale carved spruce top and maple back and a Johnny Smith pickup. So I can understand why the Seth Lovers appeal to me more. But I wish Heritage would put a floating pickup on one of their top end models instead of cutting holes in the tops of all of them.

[@lorenzopetrocca]

beautiful palying rich...grazie!

[@donarmando916]

I now have the SD 59 on my Heritage H-150 and i really like it but they have a lot of low end, probably too much for a PAF. The Seth Lovers seem to be more balanced. I love them both but i have now ordered the Seth Lovers to compare it with the 59s on my guitar.

[@MacedonianGrace]

Ooh man fantastic sounds and amazing playing.

[@fuzzmountain7583]

Love the playing, cheers man!

[@richardwhitehead4684]

Honestly had a hard time telling the difference. Both sounded great, as did your wonderful playing!

[@doubletakevapes5076]

incredible playing as always sir. From your comment during the video is the first guitar with the duncans for sale?

[@michaelrevell6463]

How much would the blonde heritage with nickel or chrome tailpiece be that would make it stunning?

[@pitufoperonista8731]

Graet video, thanks for sharing.

[@56davidwright]

I was wondering if you have washed your shirt lately and which detergent you used ...I use only organic with aloe because I find it reduces elbow sqeek and face abrasion noise.... subtle... but it's there.

[@Jack-b7g8j]

So sweet the sound I crave

[@billbettencourt7053]

Hi Rich, what is your philosophy on pickup settings? For instance, using the neck pup rolling off some high end only at the pickup for warm rich mellow jazz tones, OR, keeping pickups fully on and adjusting tone on the amp for warm mellow lush jazz tones. Thanks - you always sound GREAT!!!

[@RichSeversonGuitar]

I turn the volume down a couple of numbers till you hear the highs roll off

[@billbettencourt7053]

So, do you keep your tone at ‘full’ on the guitar, and only roll off the volume, and then do some tone adjustments at the amp?

[@RichSeversonGuitar]

@@billbettencourt7053 I roll the tone knob on the guitar down a bit as well

[@shallyshal1]

You would be terrific to study with. I am 74 and act half my age. Love the way you cut thru the b.s. wish you were close by. Shally