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Seymour Duncan SH-14 Custom 5 Black Pickup vs Seymour Duncan TB-59 '59 Trembucker Black Pickup
The SH-14 Custom 5 is a high-output metal-focused pickup with aggressive scooped mids and punchy lows, while the TB-59 '59 Trembucker is a balanced, vintage-voiced pickup designed for blues and rock with tremolo systems. Choose the SH-14 for modern metal and djent; choose the TB-59 for classic rock tones and guitars with wide-spaced bridges.
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Seymour Duncan TB-59 '59 Trembucker Black Pickup
Specs side by side
| Seymour Duncan SH-14 Custom 5 Black Pickup | Seymour Duncan TB-59 '59 Trembucker Black Pickup | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.00 | $99.00 |
| Brand | Seymour Duncan | Seymour Duncan |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Seymour Duncan SH-14 Custom 5 Black Pickup
- ✓ High 14.4 kΩ output ideal for extreme distortion and high-gain contexts
- ✓ Scooped midrange EQ (6/3/8) creates modern metal aggression
- ✓ 5.4 kHz resonant peak ensures clarity and articulation under heavy processing
- ✓ Nickel silver bottom plate enhances magnetic response for defined attack
Why choose Seymour Duncan TB-59 '59 Trembucker Black Pickup
- ✓ Lower 8.13 kΩ resistance provides controlled, touch-sensitive response
- ✓ Trembucker pole spacing fits guitars with tremolo systems and wide-spaced bridges
- ✓ 6 kHz resonant peak with 6/3/8 EQ emphasizes treble clarity without muddiness
- ✓ Vintage construction with braided lead wire preserves classic tonal character
Frequently asked questions
Which pickup works better with tremolo systems?
The TB-59 '59 Trembucker is specifically designed with wider pole piece spacing for guitars with tremolo systems or wide-spaced bridges, ensuring balanced magnetic alignment across all strings. The SH-14 is a standard humbucker bridge pickup and does not accommodate tremolo-specific bridge configurations.
Can I use these pickups with heavy distortion and metal?
The SH-14 Custom 5 is engineered specifically for high-gain metal and djent with its scooped mids and 14.4 kΩ output. The TB-59 '59, with lower output (8.13 kΩ) and vintage voicing, is not designed for extreme gain and will break up differently, making it less suited to modern metal applications.
What is the main tonal difference between these pickups?
The SH-14 has a scooped midrange (3 on the mid EQ) that emphasizes lows and highs for aggression, while the TB-59 maintains presence in the mids and treble (both at 3 and 8 respectively) for articulate, vintage clarity. The SH-14 is darker and punchier; the TB-59 is brighter and more balanced.
Do both pickups support coil-splitting?
Yes, both the SH-14 Custom 5 and TB-59 '59 include four-conductor cables that enable coil-splitting and series/parallel switching in compatible instruments, expanding your tonal options.