11202-05 vs 11202-08 — Compare
Seymour Duncan Humbucker SSL-5 Custom Staggered For Strat Pickup vs Seymour Duncan Humbucker SSL-6 Custom Flat For Strat Pickup
The SSL-5 is overwound for maximum aggression and upper-midrange punch, ideal for metal and hard rock; the SSL-6 offers dual-mode flexibility with a flatter EQ profile and flat-radius optimization, better suited for players needing tonal variety across rock and blues. Choose the SSL-5 for pure high-gain cutting power, or the SSL-6 if you want switchable output and play a modern flat-radius Strat.
No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.
Seymour Duncan Humbucker SSL-5 Custom Staggered For Strat Pickup
Seymour Duncan Humbucker SSL-6 Custom Flat For Strat Pickup
Specs side by side
| Seymour Duncan Humbucker SSL-5 Custom Staggered For Strat Pickup | Seymour Duncan Humbucker SSL-6 Custom Flat For Strat Pickup | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $79.00 | $79.00 |
| Brand | Seymour Duncan | Seymour Duncan |
| Series | Seymour Duncan Stag Mag | Seymour Duncan Strat Single-Coils |
| Pickup Type | Any Position | Any Position |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Seymour Duncan Humbucker SSL-5 Custom Staggered For Strat Pickup
- ✓ Higher output (13.3 kΩ) cuts through dense mixes with pronounced attack
- ✓ Overwound design emphasizes treble and upper-midrange for aggressive lead tone
- ✓ Staggered poles match vintage Stratocaster string spacing
- ✓ Simpler single-mode operation—no switching complexity
Why choose Seymour Duncan Humbucker SSL-6 Custom Flat For Strat Pickup
- ✓ Dual-mode tapping (6.6k tapped / 13.0k full) adapts between single-coil snap and fuller humbucker voice
- ✓ Equal-length pole pieces optimized specifically for modern flat-radius fretboards
- ✓ Controlled output without sacrificing dynamic responsiveness across genres
- ✓ Direct signal path with no hum-canceling circuitry for uncolored tone
Frequently asked questions
Which pickup suits a player transitioning between genres?
The SSL-6 Custom Flat excels here due to its dual-mode tap capability—tapped mode delivers single-coil snap for blues and clean tones, while full mode provides fuller humbucker body for rock and progressive contexts. The SSL-5 is single-mode and optimized specifically for high-gain aggression.
What's the key difference in pole piece design?
The SSL-5 uses staggered poles to accommodate traditional Stratocaster spacing, while the SSL-6 employs equal-length poles optimized for modern flat-radius fretboards. If your Strat has a flat radius (as most modern guitars do), the SSL-6 ensures consistent response across all strings.
How do output levels compare for cutting through a band mix?
The SSL-5 delivers higher overall output at 13.3 kΩ resistance with pronounced upper-midrange emphasis, making it more aggressive and forward-leaning. The SSL-6 in full mode reaches 13.0 kΩ but with a warmer resonant peak (4.8 kHz vs. SSL-5's designed focus), trading some treble bite for body and warmth.
Which is better for classic rock and blues?
The SSL-6 Custom Flat is more versatile for these genres because its tapped mode (6.6 kΩ) provides traditional single-coil snap ideal for blues, while full mode adds body for classic rock rhythm work. The SSL-5's aggressive, treble-heavy character is less suited to the warmth blues and classic rock typically demand.