11107-17-7Str vs 11302-15-NC — Compare
Seymour Duncan Humbucker SH-5 7-String Duncan Custom Pickup vs Seymour Duncan SPH90-1N Phat Cat Neck Pickup(Nickel Cover)
The SH-5 is a high-output ceramic humbucker built for aggressive genres and dropped tunings, while the SPH90-1N is a warm, articulate single-coil designed for neck position in blues and jazz contexts. Choose the SH-5 if you play metal or hard rock; choose the Phat Cat if you want classic single-coil character with hum rejection in a neck position.
No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.
Seymour Duncan Humbucker SH-5 7-String Duncan Custom Pickup
Seymour Duncan SPH90-1N Phat Cat Neck Pickup(Nickel Cover)
Specs side by side
| Seymour Duncan Humbucker SH-5 7-String Duncan Custom Pickup | Seymour Duncan SPH90-1N Phat Cat Neck Pickup(Nickel Cover) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $115.00 | $115.00 |
| Brand | Seymour Duncan | Seymour Duncan |
| Pickup Type | Bridge | Neck |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Seymour Duncan Humbucker SH-5 7-String Duncan Custom Pickup
- ✓ Ceramic magnet delivers aggressive high-end attack and punchy bass ideal for metal and drop tunings
- ✓ 7-string configuration specifically voiced to handle lower tunings without loss of clarity
- ✓ Bridge-position focused with powerful sustain and enhanced harmonic structure
- ✓ Beefed-up P.A.F.-inspired tone cuts through dense mixes in hard rock and funk
Why choose Seymour Duncan SPH90-1N Phat Cat Neck Pickup(Nickel Cover)
- ✓ True single-coil warmth and articulation with built-in hum rejection via nickel-silver cover
- ✓ Alnico 2 magnets and short flat bobbins reduce unwanted resonance and microphonic feedback
- ✓ Reverse wind/reverse polarity (RW/RP) configuration pairs seamlessly with bridge pickups for noiseless operation
- ✓ Smooth midrange and focused highs suit neck position in blues, jazz, and studio work
Frequently asked questions
What is the key construction difference between these pickups?
The SH-5 is a dual-coil humbucker with a ceramic magnet, while the Phat Cat is a true single-coil design with two Alnico 2 magnets. The SH-5 delivers higher output and aggression; the Phat Cat provides articulate, warm single-coil character with hum rejection.
Can I use either pickup in both bridge and neck positions?
The SH-5 is bridge-position focused and designed for lower tunings in aggressive styles. The Phat Cat is engineered as a neck-position specialist and uses RW/RP configuration to pair with a bridge pickup for hum cancellation.
Which pickup is better for jazz or blues?
The SPH90-1N Phat Cat is the clear choice for jazz and blues, featuring warm articulation, smooth midrange, and focused highs that define classic single-coil tone. The SH-5 is not recommended for these genres.
Are these pickups suitable for metal and drop tunings?
The SH-5 7-String is specifically engineered for metal and drop tunings with ceramic-driven aggression and punchy bass that prevents muddiness in lower registers. The Phat Cat is not ideal for metal applications.