WTB 1990s HB1s 4-wire

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mavuser

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i would say that prior to Fender calling them the "SD-1" in 1999, that pickup was never called the SD-1. it was an SH-1 inside an HB-1 cover and plate, just like Ken Nash describes it on his website.
It seems like when the Duncan people caught wind of the "SD-1" handle, they started to refer to both the 97-98, as well as the 99s, as "SD-1's"
 

mavuser

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this is also the reason that for years, decades, it was reported online that the 97-98 version was a hair smaller than vintage HB-1, however, that is not the case, as they are the same size- but the 1999+ is the slighly smaller version, and that is the one that was originally called the SD-1, hence the confusion on why some people insist the 97-98 verision is smaller than vintage, when it is in fact identical...again...the 1999 version is the "SD" 1 because it is smaller than an HB-1, so to convince someone that a 97-98 is the same size as a vintage HB-1, if u are referring to that 97-98 as a "SD-1," would be...incorrect...even though it isn't...
 

SFIV1967

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Ah, I see, well, it was not an interview it was a discussion on the SD Forum back in July 2012 and Evan Skopp, who used to be SD's VP Business Development & Artist Relations was a member there and had answered a question about the SD-1 pickups there. I think the question even came from a LTG member there. That's what GAD quoted and I also had quoted parts of the disussion a few times here.


Ralf
 
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SFIV1967

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"SD-1" had nothing to do with the new end of the 90ies FMIC made pickups! Calling the FMIC made version a SD-1 is wrong as nothing from SD was in the FMIC based pickup.

I also think Evan Skopp said nothing wrong. It all fits what he said.

You said above: "i would say that prior to Fender calling them the "SD-1" in 1999, that pickup was never called the SD-1."

The literature shows different... Yes, the July 1995 price list still shows HB-1. But Guild used the name SD-1 starting with the September 1996 pricelist and subsequent catalogs.

1627049763898.png

In the July-Dec 1999 Guild Gallery that continued, interesting enough the X-150 used "Guild humbuckers"! I guess the continued use of the name SD-1 in the first half of 1999 was logical, as most catalogs were edited long before they went into print. So I can see where some people got confused seeing SD-1 in the catalog but already getting new FMIC made pickups.

1627049391522.png 1627049413868.png

And only the year 2000 catalog went back to "Guild Humbucking pickups" and SD-1 disappered as name. So FMIC's marketing department did not use "HB-1" for the FMIC pickups as far as I can find but used correctly "Guild Humbucking pickups". Also after Westerly closed they continued saying "Guild Humbucking pickups" in the Frontline catalogs. Never HB-1. It was us using "Fender HB-1" to describe the pickups as from a distant view the metal casing looked like a typical older HB-1.

1627050020941.png


for years, decades, it was reported online that the 97-98 version was a hair smaller than vintage HB-1, however, that is not the case, as they are the same size-
"A hair smaller". Length and width are clear. But looking from a different view, do we know the true height inside? Maybe the SH-1 bobbins did not fit inside a HB-1 case due to lower height of the inside dimensions of the HB-1 housing? That would make a lot of sense to me. Also the pole pieces might have been on slightly different positions, I would need to measure a SH-1 in my Bluesbird against a HB-1 to find out. But I have no open versions.

Ralf
 
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HeyMikey

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Thanks fellas. I edited my post #4 so hopefully it is at least to the point where y’all understand what I’m looking for.
 

mavuser

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thanks Ralf, I stand corrected on the SD-1 naming!

when i said a hair smaller or the same size as a vintage HB-1, i did not mean the height, I meant the LxW, as in how it would fit in a route.
 

GAD

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Don't forget there is also this model, which is possibly the one Ken has:

1627062096220.png

The cover is the HB1 double-hump cover. I call these "Seymour Duncans with Guild Covers" on my site.
 

mavuser

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the 96-98 neck "SD-1" pickup with the "NL" sticker is the best sounding Duncan pickup i've heard as of yet. Have heard another report or 2 of similar opinion. All from Starfire 2-3's that didnt even have the coils split. Mike i'd try to snag that one from Nash. hopefully he doesn't plan to retire off of it, but those are really tough to find. I found a NOS set once online. was the score to end all scores...they went to a very worthy cause, I promise...

Mike his 59 sets look like a very nice deal as well, I would not hesitate to grab a pair of those as well as the single NL/SD-1. Then use the matched Duncans until u find a suitable match for the NL. Maybe buying all 3 local for cash face to face will get u the best price?
 

S100

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I’m looking for a pair of 1990’s 4-conn /4-wire HB1s for a Guild electric I’m looking to purchase. Cosmetic condition is not important. Thanks,
I may have a set. I’ll get back to you.
 

Prince of Darkness

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GAD

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S100

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Sorry, guys. I do not have what you’re looking for. Are these the pickups that would have been found in the earliest 90s S-100s?
 

HeyMikey

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Roughly 1994+- according to GAD.
 
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