Seymour Duncan AHB-1S Original Blackouts Neck/Bridge Pickup Set Black
Description
Seymour Duncan AHB-1S Original Blackouts Neck/Bridge Pickup Set Black Cover
The AHB-1S Original Blackouts deliver thick, articulate aggression that defined modern metal and hard rock for nearly two decades. These active humbuckers respond to your picking dynamics with precision and snap, giving you everything from creamy, singing leads to tight, percussive rhythmic attacks. The neck pickup balances clarity for complex chord work alongside the bridge model's crushing midrange punch and controlled sustain that cuts through any mix without sacrificing definition.
Tone & Electronics
The neck pickup operates at a 750 Hz resonant frequency with 0.65 Volts RMS average output and 16 dB preamp gain, ideal for balanced, articulate voicing. The bridge pickup sits at 530 Hz resonance with 2.00 Volts RMS average output and 18 dB preamp gain, delivering aggressive midrange presence. Both pickups share a 2.60 Volts RMS maximum output, discrete hybrid differential FET-input preamp topology, and .003% THD at 1V, ensuring clean, responsive amplification across the full dynamic range.
Active Pickup Design & Build
Each pickup uses blade magnets suitable for both humbucker and Trembucker string spacings, with the neck employing an alnico magnet and the bridge a ceramic magnet for tonal contrast. The set includes all necessary components: pots, hardware, quick-connector cables, capacitor, output jack, battery clip, and wire. Drawing only 350 micro-amperes per pickup, the system delivers 1420 hours of battery life on a standard 9-volt cell, with -97dBV noise floor (neck) and -96dBV (bridge) and 1K Ohm output impedance on both models.
Key Features
- 9-volt active humbucker design with discrete hybrid differential FET-input preamp
- Neck pickup: 750 Hz resonant frequency, 0.65V RMS average output, 16 dB gain
- Bridge pickup: 530 Hz resonant frequency, 2.00V RMS average output, 18 dB gain
- Maximum output voltage: 2.60 Volts RMS (both pickups)
- Neck pickup uses alnico magnet; bridge pickup uses ceramic magnet
- Blade magnets compatible with both humbucker and Trembucker spacing
- Noise floor: -97dBV (neck), -96dBV (bridge)
- THD: .003% at 1V on both pickups
- Output impedance: 1K Ohm per pickup
- Current consumption: 350 micro-amperes per pickup
- Battery life: 1420 hours on standard 9V cell
- Includes all hardware, cables, pots, capacitor, jack, battery clip, and wire
The original Blackouts remain the uncompromising choice for players who demand professional-grade output, reliability, and the aggressive tonal foundation that rewards both rhythmic precision and expressive lead work.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Country of Manufacture | United States |
Reviews
At a Glance
The Seymour Duncan AHB-1S Original Blackouts are active humbuckers built for metal and hard rock, delivering thick, articulate aggression with a crushing midrange punch that cuts through any mix. The neck pickup offers balanced clarity for complex chords while the bridge model provides tight, percussive rhythm attack and creamy lead sustain—proven workhorses that have defined modern metal for nearly two decades. Built with discrete hybrid preamp topology, ultra-low noise, and 1420 hours of battery life per 9V cell, these pickups reward both rhythmic precision and expressive playing on the road and in the studio.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Drop Tunings
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Folk
- – Worship
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What pickup configurations do these work with?
The blade magnets in both the neck and bridge pickups are compatible with standard humbucker and Trembucker string spacings, so they fit most modern guitars designed for active electronics.
How long does the 9V battery last?
Each pickup draws only 350 micro-amperes, delivering approximately 1420 hours of battery life per standard 9V cell—roughly 2 months of regular playing before replacement.
What's the difference between the neck and bridge pickup?
The neck pickup uses an alnico magnet with a 750 Hz resonant frequency and 0.65V RMS output for balanced, articulate voicing; the bridge uses a ceramic magnet with a 530 Hz frequency and 2.00V RMS output for aggressive midrange punch and sustained aggression.
Are these suitable for genres outside metal and hard rock?
These pickups are voiced specifically for metal and hard rock with aggressive midrange and tight articulation; they are not designed for jazz, folk, or worship applications where warmer, smoother tones are preferred.
What comes in the box?
The set includes both pickups, pots, hardware, quick-connector cables, a capacitor, output jack, battery clip, and wire—everything needed for installation.