11106-32-Nc vs 11108-18-Z — Compare

Seymour Duncan AHB-1S Original Blackouts Neck/Bridge Pickup Set Nickel Cover vs Seymour Duncan Set, Mustaine Thrash Factor Zebra Pickup

The AHB-1S Blackouts are active pickups with 14dB less noise and a ceramic/Alnico magnet split for modern aggression, while the Mustaine Thrash Factor is a passive set pairing a classic '59 neck with a high-output Alnico V bridge for thrash-focused punch. Choose Blackouts for noise-free high-gain djent and drop tunings; choose Thrash Factor for traditional thrash metal tone with hand-wound character and coil-split versatility.

No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.

Seymour Duncan AHB-1S Original Blackouts Neck/Bridge Pickup Set Nickel Cover

$269.00
View Seymour Duncan AHB-1S Original Blackouts Neck/Bridge Pickup Set Nickel Cover

Seymour Duncan Set, Mustaine Thrash Factor Zebra Pickup

$258.00
View Seymour Duncan Set, Mustaine Thrash Factor Zebra Pickup

Specs side by side

Seymour Duncan AHB-1S Original Blackouts Neck/Bridge Pickup Set Nickel CoverSeymour Duncan Set, Mustaine Thrash Factor Zebra Pickup
Price$269.00$258.00
BrandSeymour DuncanSeymour Duncan
Pickup TypeSet
ConditionNewNew

Why choose Seymour Duncan AHB-1S Original Blackouts Neck/Bridge Pickup Set Nickel Cover

  • Active design runs 14dB quieter than competitor active pickups—critical for high-gain metal without hum
  • Self-contained electronics require no external preamp enclosure, simplifying installation
  • Asymmetrical magnet pairing (ceramic bridge, Alnico neck) prevents muddiness while maintaining warmth
  • Integrated potentiometers, capacitor, and output jack included in set

Why choose Seymour Duncan Set, Mustaine Thrash Factor Zebra Pickup

  • Hand-built in Santa Barbara with consistent quality and Mustaine signature on covers
  • Four-conductor wiring enables coil-splitting and flexible wiring options for tonal variety
  • Pairing of classic SH-1n '59 neck with aggressive Thrash Factor bridge balances articulation and intensity
  • Passive design requires no battery maintenance or replacement
Bottom line: Metal players prioritizing noise elimination and modern, articulate aggression in drop tunings should pick the Blackouts; thrash players who value hand-wound character, coil-split flexibility, and traditional high-output tone should choose the Thrash Factor.

Frequently asked questions

Do these pickups require a battery?

The AHB-1S Blackouts are active and powered by a single 9-volt battery lasting months between changes. The Mustaine Thrash Factor is passive and requires no battery.

Which sounds better for djent and modern metal?

The AHB-1S Blackouts are explicitly designed for djent and drop tunings with tight lows, articulate highs, and 14dB noise reduction ideal for high-gain clarity. The Thrash Factor leans toward classic thrash aggression rather than modern djent aesthetics.

Can I coil-split either set?

The Thrash Factor features four-conductor wiring enabling coil-splitting options. The Blackouts are active humbuckers and do not support standard coil-splitting.

What's the magnet difference and why does it matter?

The Blackouts use ceramic in the bridge for cutting clarity and Alnico in the neck for warmth. The Thrash Factor uses Alnico V in both pickups (one bar magnet) for consistent aggressive character across the neck and bridge.

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