Seymour Duncan 78 Model Neck Black Pickup
Share
- Brand new in original box
- Full Seymour Duncan manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- 11104-12-B
Description
Seymour Duncan '78 Model Neck Black Pickup
The '78 Model neck pickup delivers articulate, balanced midrange with vintage character that cuts through live without competing with your bridge pickup. This medium-output humbucker excels at clean tones and driven rhythms, responding faithfully to your pick attack and vibrato—essential when you're reading a crowd and adjusting on the fly. Built with time-tested construction methods, it's the go-to for players who want authentic vintage voice that stays controlled under stage pressure.
Tone & Output Character
The Alnico 2 magnet and 42-gauge plain enamel wire produce a warm, slightly compressed response that favors midrange presence and smooth sustain. Medium output keeps the pickup responsive to your playing dynamics while delivering enough signal for slight breakup and overdrive without harsh peaks—crucial for consistency across different amp settings and venue acoustics.
Wiring & Construction
4-conductor wiring plus shield enables coil-tapping and series/parallel switching for expanded tonal flexibility on the gig. Hand-calibrated construction ensures consistent performance night to night, and black bobbins in standard spacing guarantee direct compatibility with most 6-string electric guitar neck cavities.
Key Features
- Standard-sized passive humbucker for 6-string electric guitar
- Designed for neck position
- Medium output level
- Alnico 2 magnet
- 42-gauge plain enamel wire
- Hand-calibrated winding
- 4-conductor wiring plus shield
- Black bobbins, standard spacing
- No power requirements (passive design)
The Seymour Duncan '78 Model combines vintage-voiced warmth with practical wiring flexibility, making it a reliable choice for neck position applications across multiple genres and live settings.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The Seymour Duncan '78 Model is a medium-output neck humbucker with warm, articulate midrange and vintage character that sits perfectly in a mix without fighting your bridge pickup. Built with Alnico 2 magnets and hand-calibrated construction, it excels at clean tones and driven rhythms while staying responsive to your pick attack and dynamics. The 4-conductor wiring opens up coil-tapping and series/parallel switching, giving you tonal flexibility for blues, rock, and jazz without the extremes that suit metal styles.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Blues
- ✓ Rock
- ✓ Jazz
- ✓ Studio Sessions
Not the best pick for
- – Metal
- – Thrash Metal
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of guitar does this fit?
This is a standard-sized passive humbucker for 6-string electric guitars, designed for the neck position. The black bobbins and standard spacing ensure direct compatibility with most modern and vintage 6-string neck cavities.
Is this pickup good for genres like metal or thrash?
No, the '78 Model is voiced for blues, rock, jazz, and studio sessions with warm, slightly compressed midrange and medium output. High-gain metal and thrash styles benefit from hotter, more aggressive pickups.
What does the 4-conductor wiring allow me to do?
The 4-conductor wiring plus shield supports coil-tapping and series/parallel switching, giving you the ability to expand your tonal palette within the same pickup. This adds flexibility for capturing different voicings without swapping hardware.
How does this compare to the Seymour Duncan '59 Model?
Both are vintage-voiced Seymour Duncan humbuckers, but the '78 Model delivers slightly more balanced midrange presence and articulation, while the '59 offers a warmer, slightly higher-output character. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize clarity or warmth in your mix.
Does this pickup need a battery or power supply?
No, this is a fully passive humbucker with no power requirements. It works in any guitar with standard wiring and does not require batteries or external electronics.
Do I pay sales tax on this order?
We collect sales tax only on orders shipped to California. Orders shipped to any other US state are charged $0 sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. Marketplaces such as eBay, Reverb and Amazon collect sales tax in nearly every state as marketplace facilitators no matter who the seller is, so the same item at the same price costs less bought direct. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included. Some states ask buyers to self-report use tax on out-of-state purchases.
Compare With
Similar Gear
Complete the Rig
Gear that pairs well with this.
✨ For You
Based on what you've been looking at.