11106-31-Nc vs 11106-33-B-7Str — Compare
Seymour Duncan AHB-1B Original Blackouts Bridge Pickup Nickel Cover vs Seymour Duncan AHB-1N Blackouts 7-String Neck Pickup
The AHB-1B is a bridge pickup engineered for aggressive articulation and upper-midrange punch, while the AHB-1N is a neck pickup voiced for extended-range (7-string) instruments with tight low-end control. Choose the AHB-1B if you need a bridge position pickup for standard or drop-tuned guitars in high-gain contexts; choose the AHB-1N if you play 7-string guitar and want a neck pickup that maintains clarity on lower strings.
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Seymour Duncan AHB-1B Original Blackouts Bridge Pickup Nickel Cover
Seymour Duncan AHB-1N Blackouts 7-String Neck Pickup
Specs side by side
| Seymour Duncan AHB-1B Original Blackouts Bridge Pickup Nickel Cover | Seymour Duncan AHB-1N Blackouts 7-String Neck Pickup | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $135.00 | $135.00 |
| Brand | Seymour Duncan | Seymour Duncan |
| Pickup Type | Bridge | Neck |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Seymour Duncan AHB-1B Original Blackouts Bridge Pickup Nickel Cover
- ✓ Bridge-position voicing with emphasized upper midrange and high-end clarity
- ✓ Ceramic magnet with 530 KHz resonant peak for aggressive, cutting tone
- ✓ 2.00V RMS output with punchy attack optimized for lead work and solos
- ✓ Approximately 1420 hours battery life per 9V cell
Why choose Seymour Duncan AHB-1N Blackouts 7-String Neck Pickup
- ✓ Neck-position design specifically tuned for 7-string guitars and extended-range instruments
- ✓ Alnico 5 magnet for focused, articulate midrange on lower strings
- ✓ 12-14 dB active noise reduction with balanced inputs for long cable runs
- ✓ Simplified integration into modern rigs regardless of cable capacitance
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the AHB-1N in a standard 6-string guitar?
The AHB-1N is specifically voiced for 7-string neck position with an Alnico 5 magnet tuned for extended-range tonal demands. While it could physically fit a 6-string neck slot, its voicing is optimized for the frequency demands of lower 7-string pitches and may not deliver the intended tonal character in standard tuning.
What's the main tonal difference between these two pickups?
The AHB-1B emphasizes upper-midrange and high-end clarity with a 530 KHz resonant peak, designed for bridge position aggression and lead articulation. The AHB-1N focuses on tight, articulate midrange with controlled low-end response, voiced for the neck position of extended-range instruments where low-string clarity is critical.
Do both pickups require battery replacement at the same interval?
The AHB-1B specifications list approximately 1420 hours of battery life per 9V cell. The AHB-1N description does not specify battery life, so typical active pickup longevity may apply, though comparable 9V active designs usually offer similar duration.
Which is better for studio recording?
Both are studio-capable high-output active pickups with low noise floors. The AHB-1B's emphasis on upper-midrange clarity suits punchy, articulate bridge tones; the AHB-1N's balanced inputs and noise rejection excel on 7-string instruments where complex chord definition matters.