SEYMOUR DUNCAN, MUSICIAN
Seymour W. Duncan, a legend in the guitar world, is a member and lead guitarist of THE STONE AGE INSTITUTE Band. Seymour has been affiliated with CRAFT and THE STONE AGE INSTITUTE since 1993, and serves on the Advisory Board as well.
He is perhaps best known as the man behind the Seymour Duncan Company, the world’s leading manufacturer of guitar and bass pickups. A good portion of Seymour’s life has been devoted to studying, and helping to create some of the world’s most identifiable guitar tones.
Originally from New Jersey, Seymour’s passion for guitars was ignited by a great uncle who introduced him to the music of Charlie Christian, Chet Atkins and Les Paul. Seymour began to play guitar in clubs as a teenager, and eventually had the opportunity to spend time with music legends Les Paul and Roy Buchanan. During this time, Seymour continued to develop his musicianship as a guitar player, but he also began his lifelong fascination with the engineering and accoustics of the guitar, with special attention to pickups.
In the late 60’s, Seymour went to England at Les Paul’s suggestion. While there, Seymour worked at the Fender Soundhouse in London in the Repair and R&D Departments. His expertise allowed him to make repairs and rewinds for rock n’roll celebrities, such as Jimmy Page, George Harrison, Eric Clapton, David Gilmour, Pete Townsend, Jimi Hendrix, Peter Frampton, and Jeff Beck, his guitar hero. Seymour sharpened his pickup winding skills while working with Jeff Beck’s guitars. This resulted in some of Seymour’s first signature pickup tones, which can be heard on Jeff Beck’s early solo ablums. His guitar genius earned him a strong following.
Seymour returned to the United States, and in 1976 started the Seymour Duncan Company with his former wife Cathy Carter Duncan. The Seymour Duncan Company is based in California and has been successfully manufacturing guitar pickups. The company recently began to also manufacture guitar effects pedals. The latest in the Seymour Duncan line of pickups is the Antiquity and Antiquity II Series, which are hand wound and aged pickups. These produce the quintessential sound and vibe of pickups made in the ’50s and ’60s.
Today, musicians seeking to achieve the tone that sets them apart still go to Seymour Duncan. In turn, Seymour regularly attends conventions and clinics to share his expertise and knowledge. It’s not surprising that Seymour has made pickups for most of today’s most discerning and diverse musicians.
For more information about Seymour Duncan, his products, and artist news, please visit his website at https://www.seymourduncan.com/.
