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Seymour Duncan SH-55b Seth Lover Model Gold Pickup vs Seymour Duncan SH-18b Whole Lotta Humbucker Bridge Nickel Cover Pickup
The SH-55b Seth Lover emphasizes vintage articulation and organic breakup with unpotted construction for touch sensitivity, while the SH-18b Whole Lotta focuses on thick midrange punch and volume clarity with wax potting for feedback-free performance. Choose the SH-55b for blues, jazz, and studio nuance; choose the SH-18b for hard rock, live performance, and cut-through clarity.
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Seymour Duncan SH-55b Seth Lover Model Gold Pickup
Seymour Duncan SH-18b Whole Lotta Humbucker Bridge Nickel Cover Pickup
Specs side by side
| Seymour Duncan SH-55b Seth Lover Model Gold Pickup | Seymour Duncan SH-18b Whole Lotta Humbucker Bridge Nickel Cover Pickup | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149.00 | $149.00 |
| Brand | Seymour Duncan | Seymour Duncan |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Seymour Duncan SH-55b Seth Lover Model Gold Pickup
- ✓ Unpotted design preserves natural microphonic response and touch sensitivity
- ✓ Alnico 2 magnet with 5.9 kHz resonant peak emphasizes articulation and single-coil character
- ✓ Lower DC resistance (8.1k ohms) pairs seamlessly with vintage-style and modern tube amps
- ✓ Organic harmonic complexity and natural breakup without excessive gain
Why choose Seymour Duncan SH-18b Whole Lotta Humbucker Bridge Nickel Cover Pickup
- ✓ Wax potted construction eliminates feedback and squealing in any setting
- ✓ Alnico V magnet and unique winding pattern deliver thick, midrange-forward tone that cuts at volume
- ✓ Four-conductor cable enables coil-tapping and split-coil wiring flexibility
- ✓ Balanced gain structure works equally well for rhythm and lead in hard rock and blues
Frequently asked questions
Which pickup is better for live performance?
The SH-18b Whole Lotta is better for live settings because wax potting eliminates microphonic feedback, its thick midrange cuts through a live mix, and four-conductor wiring supports coil-tapping for tonal flexibility. The SH-55b's unpotted design prioritizes studio articulation and touch sensitivity over gigging reliability.
Which pickup works better in jazz and clean tones?
The SH-55b Seth Lover excels in jazz because its Alnico 2 magnet, unpotted construction, and lower DC resistance (8.1k ohms) deliver articulate, organic harmonic complexity and natural breakup. The SH-18b is voiced for hard rock and is not ideal for jazz.
What is the main difference in construction?
The SH-55b is unpotted, preserving microphonic response and natural resonance but requiring careful handling to avoid feedback. The SH-18b is wax potted, eliminating microphonic squeal but reducing the pickup's natural resonance and tonal complexity.
Do these pickups have different output levels?
Yes. The SH-55b produces 8.1k ohms of vintage-output resistance designed for balanced response across amps. The SH-18b has moderate output at 8.78k ohms with an Alnico V magnet that generates thicker, more aggressive tone suited to hard rock and volume playing.