11102-106-Nc vs 11104-08-Nc — Compare
Seymour Duncan Hades Gates Nickel Pickup Set vs Seymour Duncan APH-2s Slash Alnico II Pro Humbucker Nickel Cover, SET Pickup
Both are high-output Alnico II metal pickups in the budget tier, but the Hades Gates emphasizes articulate clarity and tight punch across frequencies, while the APH-2s Slash prioritizes thick midrange and vocal sustain with treble roll-off. Choose Hades Gates for modern metal requiring maximum note definition; choose APH-2s Slash for classic hard rock and thrash metal tone.
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Seymour Duncan Hades Gates Nickel Pickup Set
Seymour Duncan APH-2s Slash Alnico II Pro Humbucker Nickel Cover, SET Pickup
Specs side by side
| Seymour Duncan Hades Gates Nickel Pickup Set | Seymour Duncan APH-2s Slash Alnico II Pro Humbucker Nickel Cover, SET Pickup | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $298.00 | $298.00 |
| Brand | Seymour Duncan | Seymour Duncan |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Seymour Duncan Hades Gates Nickel Pickup Set
- ✓ Tighter, more articulate punch ideal for drop tunings and progressive metal
- ✓ Balanced gain response maintains clarity even at extreme distortion levels
- ✓ Four-conductor wiring enables flexible coil-splitting without rewiring
- ✓ Slightly lower neck resistance (8.06k) for responsive dynamics
Why choose Seymour Duncan APH-2s Slash Alnico II Pro Humbucker Nickel Cover, SET Pickup
- ✓ Thicker, more vocal midrange cuts through dense band mixes
- ✓ Classic hard rock and thrash metal voicing with proven sustain
- ✓ Wooden spacer and nickel silver base plate add harmonic richness
- ✓ Vacuum wax potting reduces microphonic feedback at high gain
Frequently asked questions
Which handles drop tunings better?
The Hades Gates excels in drop tunings due to its tight punch and refined articulation, which prevents low frequencies from becoming muddy. The APH-2s Slash works well too, but its thicker midrange leans more toward classic hard rock voicing than ultra-tight modern metal definition.
What's the main tonal difference?
Hades Gates delivers articulate aggression with balanced clarity across frequencies. APH-2s Slash emphasizes vocal midrange warmth with a smooth treble roll-off, making it sound warmer and rounder rather than sharp and defined.
Are the output levels comparable?
Yes—both sit at high-output (bridge around 8.8-8.9k ohms), so both handle heavy gain and driven amp settings equally well. The difference is tonal character, not raw power.
Which offers more wiring flexibility?
The Hades Gates uses four-conductor wiring, enabling coil-splitting options without modification. The APH-2s Slash uses single-conductor wiring, so coil-splitting would require a complete rewire if desired.