11101-10 vs 11102-33 — Compare
Seymour Duncan SM-1B Vintage Mini Humbucker 1-Conductor Bridge Pickup vs Seymour Duncan SM-2N Custom Mini Humbucker 4-Conductor Neck Pickup
The SM-1B is a vintage-voiced bridge pickup with bright, single-coil-like character and Alnico 5 magnets, while the SM-2N is a higher-output neck pickup with ceramic magnets emphasizing articulate midrange and note separation. The SM-1B suits players seeking classic Firebird tone for leads and solos; the SM-2N is designed for balanced neck-position clarity in jazz and studio contexts.
No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.
Seymour Duncan SM-1B Vintage Mini Humbucker 1-Conductor Bridge Pickup
Seymour Duncan SM-2N Custom Mini Humbucker 4-Conductor Neck Pickup
Specs side by side
| Seymour Duncan SM-1B Vintage Mini Humbucker 1-Conductor Bridge Pickup | Seymour Duncan SM-2N Custom Mini Humbucker 4-Conductor Neck Pickup | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $125.00 | $125.00 |
| Brand | Seymour Duncan | Seymour Duncan |
| Pickup Type | Bridge | Neck |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Seymour Duncan SM-1B Vintage Mini Humbucker 1-Conductor Bridge Pickup
- ✓ Vintage Firebird tone with bright, lively bell character
- ✓ Alnico 5 magnet provides warm, classic voicing
- ✓ Single-conductor cable keeps wiring simple
- ✓ Excellent for blues, jazz, and classic rock applications
Why choose Seymour Duncan SM-2N Custom Mini Humbucker 4-Conductor Neck Pickup
- ✓ 4-conductor cable enables series, parallel, or split-coil wiring
- ✓ Ceramic magnet and higher output (8.52 kΩ) for cleaner articulation
- ✓ Vacuum wax potting eliminates microphonic squealing
- ✓ Optimized for neck position with articulate midrange and note separation
Frequently asked questions
Can these pickups be used together in the same guitar?
Yes. The SM-1B is specifically designed as a bridge pickup, and Seymour Duncan recommends pairing the Vintage bridge version with the SM-2 Custom or SM-3 Seymourized in the neck position. The SM-2N is a dedicated neck pickup, making it compatible with an SM-1B bridge pickup.
What is the practical difference between the Alnico 5 and ceramic magnet designs?
The SM-1B's Alnico 5 magnet delivers warmer, more vintage tone with a single-coil-like brightness. The SM-2N's ceramic magnet paired with higher DC resistance (8.52 kΩ) produces more articulate midrange and cleaner note separation suitable for neck position definition.
Why does the SM-2N have a 4-conductor cable while the SM-1B has single-conductor?
The SM-1B is a bridge pickup designed for straightforward use and vintage authenticity. The SM-2N's 4-conductor design is standard for neck pickups because it allows players to configure series, parallel, or split-coil wiring modes, offering tonal versatility and the ability to switch between different voicings.
Which pickup is better for metal or high-gain genres?
Neither pickup is ideal for metal or djent styles. Both are designed for jazz, blues, and classic rock. For high-gain applications, you would need higher-output humbuckers specifically voiced for aggression and sustain.