11102-89-B vs 11402-35 — Compare
Seymour Duncan SH-18S Whole Lotta Humbucker Set vs Seymour Duncan SMB-5S 5-String Ceramic Magnet Pickup & 3-Band Tone Circuits For Music Man
The SH-18S is a standard guitar humbucker set for general rock and metal use, while the SMB-5S is a specialized bass pickup designed specifically for Music Man basses. Choose the SH-18S if you're upgrading guitar pickups; choose the SMB-5S only if you own a compatible Music Man bass.
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Seymour Duncan SH-18S Whole Lotta Humbucker Set
Seymour Duncan SMB-5S 5-String Ceramic Magnet Pickup & 3-Band Tone Circuits For Music Man
Specs side by side
| Seymour Duncan SH-18S Whole Lotta Humbucker Set | Seymour Duncan SMB-5S 5-String Ceramic Magnet Pickup & 3-Band Tone Circuits For Music Man | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $258.00 | $250.00 |
| Brand | Seymour Duncan | Seymour Duncan |
| Pickup Type | Set | Set |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Seymour Duncan SH-18S Whole Lotta Humbucker Set
- ✓ High-output design cuts through in hard rock and metal contexts
- ✓ Thick midrange and warm sustain suit blues and rock equally well
- ✓ Works with any standard guitar—no instrument compatibility concerns
Why choose Seymour Duncan SMB-5S 5-String Ceramic Magnet Pickup & 3-Band Tone Circuits For Music Man
- ✓ Alnico magnets deliver warmer lows and more detailed highs than ceramic alternatives
- ✓ Vintage 1976-voiced character ideal for blues, funk, and classic rock
- ✓ Includes 3-band tone circuits for comprehensive tonal shaping on bass
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the SMB-5S in a guitar?
No. The SMB-5S is engineered exclusively for Music Man bass guitars and includes bass-specific tone circuits. It will not fit or function in standard guitar cavities.
Which handles metal better?
The SH-18S. It is explicitly designed for metal with high output and punchy attack. The SMB-5S is not suitable for metal and is optimized for blues and classic rock instead.
Do these come fully wired and ready to install?
The SH-18S comes as a pickup set with standard hookup. The SMB-5S includes four-conductor cable and logo cover, plus references to pairing with STC-3M3 and -3M4 tone circuits, suggesting modular wiring requirements specific to Music Man basses.
What's the tonal difference between the two?
The SH-18S emphasizes thick mids and balanced lows for punch. The SMB-5S uses Alnico magnets for extended frequency response: warmer bass and more detailed treble with a vintage character suited to funk and soul.