11106-30-B vs 11302-16-NC — Compare
Seymour Duncan AHB-1N Original Blackouts Neck Pickup Black Cover vs Seymour Duncan SPH90-1B Phat Cat Bridge Pickup(Nickel Cover)
The Blackouts are high-output active pickups built for metal and aggressive heavy music, while the Phat Cat is a passive P-90-voiced pickup designed for blues, jazz, and classic rock. Choose Blackouts for drop-tuned heavy styles; choose Phat Cat for warm, vintage-toned genres.
No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.
Seymour Duncan AHB-1N Original Blackouts Neck Pickup Black Cover
Seymour Duncan SPH90-1B Phat Cat Bridge Pickup(Nickel Cover)
Specs side by side
| Seymour Duncan AHB-1N Original Blackouts Neck Pickup Black Cover | Seymour Duncan SPH90-1B Phat Cat Bridge Pickup(Nickel Cover) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $115.00 | $115.00 |
| Brand | Seymour Duncan | Seymour Duncan |
| Pickup Type | Neck | Bridge |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Seymour Duncan AHB-1N Original Blackouts Neck Pickup Black Cover
- ✓ High output and aggressive tone ideal for metal, thrash, and drop tunings
- ✓ Balanced input design delivers 12-14dB less noise than competing active pickups
- ✓ Extended lows and highs with reduced hum from active electronics
Why choose Seymour Duncan SPH90-1B Phat Cat Bridge Pickup(Nickel Cover)
- ✓ Authentic P-90 character with warm, big, fat tone in humbucker-sized form
- ✓ Soft attack and sustained notes perfect for blues, jazz, and classic rock
- ✓ Alnico 2 magnets and metal covers provide natural shielding without active circuitry
Frequently asked questions
Do these pickups work in the same guitar?
Yes, both fit any humbucker-equipped guitar. The Blackouts use balanced inputs with 9-volt active preamps, while the Phat Cat is a passive P-90 in humbucker size, so they have different electrical requirements but physical compatibility.
Which is better for noise reduction?
The Blackouts reduce hum through balanced input active circuitry (12-14dB less noise). The Phat Cat uses Alnico 2 magnets and metal covers for passive noise shielding. Active designs typically excel in high-gain applications; passive designs work better in clean, low-gain contexts.
Can a beginner use either pickup?
The Phat Cat suits beginners through professionals across multiple genres. The Blackouts are listed for intermediate to professional players, though that reflects their aggressive tuning and style focus rather than installation difficulty.
What tone character differs most between them?
Blackouts deliver extended highs and lows with balanced, aggressive output for modern heavy music. Phat Cat delivers soft attack, warm sustain, and fat P-90 character for vintage and blues-based styles—fundamentally opposite sonic philosophies.