11204-01-L vs 11204-08 — Compare
Seymour Duncan Humbucker APS-1L Alinco 2 Pro Staggered Pickup(Left Handed) vs Seymour Duncan Humbucker APS-2 Alinco 2 Pro Flat Pickup
The APS-1L is a left-handed staggered pickup for southpaw players, while the APS-2 is a standard right-handed flat-pole design for conventional Stratocasters. Choose the APS-1L only if you play left-handed; otherwise, the APS-2 is the correct spec.
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Seymour Duncan Humbucker APS-1L Alinco 2 Pro Staggered Pickup(Left Handed)
Seymour Duncan Humbucker APS-2 Alinco 2 Pro Flat Pickup
Specs side by side
| Seymour Duncan Humbucker APS-1L Alinco 2 Pro Staggered Pickup(Left Handed) | Seymour Duncan Humbucker APS-2 Alinco 2 Pro Flat Pickup | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $89.00 | $89.00 |
| Brand | Seymour Duncan | Seymour Duncan |
| Pickup Type | Any Position | Any Position |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Seymour Duncan Humbucker APS-1L Alinco 2 Pro Staggered Pickup(Left Handed)
- ✓ Engineered specifically for left-handed guitars with staggered pole pieces
- ✓ Identical tonal character (Alnico II, 9 kHz peak, 6.4 kΩ) to the APS-2
- ✓ Same budget price tier and vintage-informed warmth with articulate midrange
Why choose Seymour Duncan Humbucker APS-2 Alinco 2 Pro Flat Pickup
- ✓ Standard right-handed configuration for conventional Stratocasters
- ✓ Flat pole piece design sits flush with pickguard for clean aesthetic
- ✓ Identical tonal specs (Alnico II, 9 kHz, 6.4 kΩ) and vintage '50s-'60s character
Frequently asked questions
What's the actual tonal difference between these two pickups?
There is no meaningful tonal difference. Both use Alnico II magnets, share a 9 kHz resonant peak, identical 6.4 kΩ resistance, and the same 5/4/7 EQ curve. The APS-1L's staggered poles are compensated for left-handed string gauge differences; the APS-2's flat poles are standard Strat spec. Tone character is virtually identical.
Can I use the APS-2 on a left-handed guitar?
No. The APS-1L's staggered pole-piece heights are engineered for left-handed string spacing and gauge. Using a right-handed pickup on a left-handed instrument will result in uneven string-to-magnet distance and poor tonal balance.
Are these pickups suitable for beginners?
Yes. Both are rated for beginner through professional skill levels and deliver responsive, forgiving tone across clean and driven settings. Their balanced EQ (5 bass / 4 mid / 7 treble) suits diverse genres and amp combinations without requiring advanced technique to sound good.
Why are these not ideal for metal or djent?
Both pickups are single-coil designs with warm, vintage-informed character optimized for blues, rock, and jazz. Metal and djent typically require higher-output humbuckers or pickups with aggressive, scooped EQ. These Alnico IIs lack the output and presence peak needed for those genres.