11104-07-BNc vs 11104-07-Gc — Compare
Seymour Duncan APH-2b Slash Alnico II Pro Humbucker Black Nickel Cover Pickup vs Seymour Duncan APH-2b Slash Alnico II Pro Humbucker Gold Cover Pickup
Both are Seymour Duncan Slash APH-2b bridge humbuckers with nearly identical construction, but they differ in cover finish and subtle tonal tuning. The Black Nickel version emphasizes treble and articulation (6 kHz peak, 7/5/8 EQ), while the Gold version targets a warmer, more midrange-focused character (8.9k ohms vs 8.53k). Choose Black Nickel for cutting, high-gain clarity; choose Gold for thicker, more vocal sustain in rock and blues.
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Seymour Duncan APH-2b Slash Alnico II Pro Humbucker Black Nickel Cover Pickup
Seymour Duncan APH-2b Slash Alnico II Pro Humbucker Gold Cover Pickup
Specs side by side
| Seymour Duncan APH-2b Slash Alnico II Pro Humbucker Black Nickel Cover Pickup | Seymour Duncan APH-2b Slash Alnico II Pro Humbucker Gold Cover Pickup | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $159.00 | $159.00 |
| Brand | Seymour Duncan | Seymour Duncan |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Seymour Duncan APH-2b Slash Alnico II Pro Humbucker Black Nickel Cover Pickup
- ✓ Treble-emphasized tone cuts through dense mixes and high-gain amp settings
- ✓ Lean midrange design reduces mud in heavy riffing
- ✓ Higher articulation and harmonic richness for lead work
- ✓ Stated 6 kHz resonant peak optimized for clarity
Why choose Seymour Duncan APH-2b Slash Alnico II Pro Humbucker Gold Cover Pickup
- ✓ Slightly higher output (8.9k vs 8.53k ohms) for tighter low-end response
- ✓ Vocal midrange presence sits better in classic rock and blues contexts
- ✓ Warmer Alnico II character with less emphasis on extreme treble
- ✓ Gold cover offers distinctive aesthetic appeal
Frequently asked questions
Are these pickups otherwise identical?
Both use Alnico II magnets, wax potting, wooden spacers, and long-legged base plates. Main differences are cover finish (aesthetic), DC resistance (8.53k vs 8.9k ohms), and stated tonal character—Black Nickel leans treble-forward with lean mids; Gold emphasizes midrange warmth.
Which is better for high-gain metal?
The Black Nickel APH-2b is better for metal—its treble emphasis and midrange lean prevent muddiness under distortion and make articulate picking attack clearer. The Gold version works too but favors a warmer, less scooped character.
Can I use either in neck position?
Both are bridge-position-specific designs. You could install either in the neck, but they are voiced and resistance-rated for bridge duty. Doing so would dramatically brighten the neck pickup and may feel unbalanced with a standard bridge pickup.
Which suits blues better?
The Gold APH-2b is the stronger choice for blues—its vocal midrange, warm Alnico II character, and full sustain naturally sit well in blues-rock. The Black Nickel works but prioritizes modern clarity over the singing, soulful tone blues players typically seek.