11034-61 vs 11101-21-Nc — Compare
Seymour Duncan Antiquity Soapbar P-90 Neck Pickup (Black) vs Seymour Duncan Humbucker SH-55B Seth Lover Model Bridge Pickup Nickel Cover
The Antiquity Soapbar P-90 is a single-coil P-90 neck pickup ideal for vintage warmth across multiple genres, while the SH-55B is a true humbucker designed for classic jazz, blues, and country with authentic 1955 P.A.F. character. Choose the P-90 if you want a versatile, warm single-coil; pick the SH-55B if you're committed to period-correct humbucker tone and don't need extreme output.
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Seymour Duncan Antiquity Soapbar P-90 Neck Pickup (Black)
Seymour Duncan Humbucker SH-55B Seth Lover Model Bridge Pickup Nickel Cover
Specs side by side
| Seymour Duncan Antiquity Soapbar P-90 Neck Pickup (Black) | Seymour Duncan Humbucker SH-55B Seth Lover Model Bridge Pickup Nickel Cover | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $139.00 | $139.00 |
| Brand | Seymour Duncan | Seymour Duncan |
| Pickup Type | Neck | Bridge |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Seymour Duncan Antiquity Soapbar P-90 Neck Pickup (Black)
- ✓ Works well across blues, rock, indie, and jazz with one design philosophy
- ✓ Warm, fat midrange with smooth highs suits beginner through professional players
- ✓ Soapbar form factor fits various guitar styles and routing options
Why choose Seymour Duncan Humbucker SH-55B Seth Lover Model Bridge Pickup Nickel Cover
- ✓ Authentically recreated 1955 P.A.F. design with correct materials: Alnico 2, nickel silver cover, wooden spacer
- ✓ Low-output, slightly microphonic tone perfect for vintage jazz, blues, and country purists
- ✓ Unpotted construction delivers genuine honky character of original humbuckers
Frequently asked questions
What's the main tone difference between these two?
The P-90 offers a warm, creamy single-coil character with fat midrange, while the SH-55B delivers vintage humbucker tone with woody, slightly microphonic quality true to 1955 P.A.F.s. The SH-55B has lower output and less gain.
Which pickup works better for metal and heavy rock?
Neither is ideal for metal. The P-90 is marked not ideal for metal and thrash; the SH-55B is not recommended for use with ultra high-gain tube amps over 50 watts. Both are voiced for vintage, not high-gain applications.
Can a beginner use the SH-55B, or is it professional-only?
The SH-55B is rated for intermediate, advanced, and professional players only, suggesting it rewards experienced ears and setup knowledge. The P-90 explicitly suits beginners through professionals.
What does unpotted mean, and does it matter?
Unpotted means the coil is not sealed in wax, allowing it to vibrate slightly and produce the slightly microphonic tone heard in original 1955 P.A.F.s. This gives character but can be microphonic if too much feedback exists.