11102-106-Gc vs 11104-08-BNc — Compare

Seymour Duncan Hades Gates Gold Pickup Set vs Seymour Duncan APH-2s Slash Alnico II Pro Humbucker Black Nickel Cover, SET Pickup

The Hades Gates Gold is engineered specifically for modern metal and djent with maximum tonal articulation, while the APH-2s Slash is a versatile rock-focused set that balances blues expressiveness with metal capability. Choose Hades Gates Gold if you play primarily aggressive, high-gain styles where note definition is paramount; choose APH-2s Slash if you want a more rounded tone that works equally well for blues-rock, classic rock, and metal.

No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.

Seymour Duncan Hades Gates Gold Pickup Set

$318.00
View Seymour Duncan Hades Gates Gold Pickup Set

Seymour Duncan APH-2s Slash Alnico II Pro Humbucker Black Nickel Cover, SET Pickup

$318.00
View Seymour Duncan APH-2s Slash Alnico II Pro Humbucker Black Nickel Cover, SET Pickup

Specs side by side

Seymour Duncan Hades Gates Gold Pickup SetSeymour Duncan APH-2s Slash Alnico II Pro Humbucker Black Nickel Cover, SET Pickup
Price$318.00$318.00
BrandSeymour DuncanSeymour Duncan
ConditionNewNew

Why choose Seymour Duncan Hades Gates Gold Pickup Set

  • 4-conductor wiring enables flexible coil-splitting and series/parallel configurations
  • Slightly tighter output balance (8.06K neck, 8.8K bridge) optimized for sustained aggression
  • Short mounting legs simplify installation in most modern guitar cavities
  • Handmade in Santa Barbara with included 4-conductor cable

Why choose Seymour Duncan APH-2s Slash Alnico II Pro Humbucker Black Nickel Cover, SET Pickup

  • Single-conductor wiring with braided shield provides excellent noise rejection
  • Long-legged base plates offer secure mounting and enhanced tonal coupling to the instrument
  • Warmer neck pickup (8.3K) makes this set more versatile across blues, rock, and metal genres
  • Iconic Slash signature tone with proven track record on classic recordings
Bottom line: Metal and djent players prioritizing maximum articulation and configuration flexibility should choose the Hades Gates Gold. Rock and blues-rock players wanting a single versatile set that handles multiple genres should pick the APH-2s Slash.

Frequently asked questions

Which pickup set is better for blues playing?

The APH-2s Slash is better suited for blues. Its warmer neck pickup (8.3K) and midrange presence make it more expressive for blues-rock styles. The Hades Gates Gold is voiced for modern metal and djent, prioritizing articulation over warmth.

Can either set be modified after installation?

The Hades Gates Gold's 4-conductor wiring allows post-installation coil-splitting and series/parallel rewiring. The APH-2s Slash uses single-conductor wiring, which limits reconfiguration options without rewiring the entire set.

What's the actual output difference between these sets?

Both are high-output Alnico II designs with similar total output. The Hades Gates Gold has a slightly asymmetrical resistance ratio (8.06K neck, 8.8K bridge), while the APH-2s Slash is more balanced (8.3K neck, 8.9K bridge). The difference in feel is more about voicing than raw output level.

Which installation is simpler?

The Hades Gates Gold's short mounting legs fit most modern cavities without modification. The APH-2s Slash has long-legged base plates requiring secure mounting but offering enhanced tonal coupling. Both are professional-grade; installation difficulty is roughly equivalent.

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