11102-17-B vs 11102-21-B — Compare
Seymour Duncan SH-5 Duncan Custom Black Pickup vs Seymour Duncan SH-6b Duncan Distortion Black Pickup
The SH-5 Duncan Custom is a medium-output pickup emphasizing articulation and note separation, while the SH-6b Duncan Distortion is a higher-output design built for thick aggression and cut-through presence. Choose the SH-5 for clarity-focused lead work and balanced rhythm playing; choose the SH-6b for maximum sustain and punch in modern metal and djent.
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Seymour Duncan SH-5 Duncan Custom Black Pickup
Seymour Duncan SH-6b Duncan Distortion Black Pickup
Specs side by side
| Seymour Duncan SH-5 Duncan Custom Black Pickup | Seymour Duncan SH-6b Duncan Distortion Black Pickup | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.00 | $99.00 |
| Brand | Seymour Duncan | Seymour Duncan |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Seymour Duncan SH-5 Duncan Custom Black Pickup
- ✓ Medium output (14.41k ohms) avoids compression for natural breakup
- ✓ Elevated treble response (9/10) cuts through mixes with articulation
- ✓ Excels at single-note definition and chord clarity
- ✓ Ceramic bar magnet maintains harmonic depth at high gain
Why choose Seymour Duncan SH-6b Duncan Distortion Black Pickup
- ✓ High output (16.6k ohms) delivers raw power and sustained aggression
- ✓ 5.5kHz resonant peak engineered specifically for metal and djent frequencies
- ✓ Thick midrange presence cuts through dense, compressed amp settings
- ✓ Four-conductor wiring supports coil-splitting and maximum tonal flexibility
Frequently asked questions
What's the main output difference between these two pickups?
The SH-5 Duncan Custom has 14.41k ohms DC resistance (medium output), while the SH-6b Duncan Distortion measures 16.6k ohms (high output). The higher output SH-6b produces more sustain and aggression; the SH-5 maintains natural breakup without compression.
Which pickup has better clarity and note definition?
The SH-5 Duncan Custom emphasizes a 9/10 treble response and articulate midrange specifically designed for single-note passages and chord separation. The SH-6b prioritizes thick midrange and a 5.5kHz peak optimized for rhythm work in heavily compressed settings, sacrificing some note separation.
Are both pickups suitable for metal and hard rock?
Yes, both are listed for metal and hard rock. The SH-5 excels at high-gain lead work with harmonic depth; the SH-6b is engineered specifically for modern metal and djent with maximum sustain and aggressive character.
Do both pickups have hum-canceling construction?
Both feature full hum-canceling humbucker construction and four-conductor wiring for noise-free operation and flexible wiring options. The SH-6b is explicitly noted for reliable performance in noisy high-gain environments.