Seymour Duncan APH-1b Alnico II Pro Black Cover Pickup
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- Brand new in original box
- Full Seymour Duncan manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- 11104-05-Bc
Description
Seymour Duncan APH-1b Alnico II Pro Black Cover Pickup
The APH-1b Alnico II Pro delivers the articulate, vintage-forward character that defined '50s and '60s Gibson humbuckers, with enough output and clarity to cut through in modern mix settings. This is a refined, touch-responsive pickup that rewards precise playing while maintaining the harmonic complexity serious players demand. Hand-crafted in Santa Barbara, it's built to the exacting standards Seymour Duncan has maintained for decades.
Tone & Performance
Voiced with an Alnico 2 bar magnet and nickel silver bottom plate, this pickup produces a warm, woody fundamental with excellent note definition and natural breakup. The 6.7 kHz resonant peak and 7/4/8 EQ voicing (bass/mid/treble) emphasize upper-midrange clarity without sacrificing low-end depth—ideal for both clean articulation and sustained, singing lead tones. DC resistance of 7.85 kΩ positions it between vintage and hot modern specs, making it versatile across gain stages and amp settings.
On Stage & in the Studio
Wax potting eliminates microphonic squeal, ensuring rock-solid reliability under stage conditions or studio heat. The four-conductor lead wire enables coil-splitting and series/parallel wiring configurations, expanding tonal flexibility for different venues and setups. Available in both standard humbucker and Trembucker spacing, it integrates seamlessly into most guitar platforms without modification headaches.
Key Features
- Alnico 2 bar magnet for warm, vintage-forward tone
- Nickel silver bottom plate
- Four-conductor lead wire for wiring flexibility
- DC Resistance: 7.85 kΩ
- Resonant Peak (bridge): 6.7 kHz
- EQ voicing: 7 Bass / 4 Midrange / 8 Treble
- Wax potted for squeal-free, noise-free operation
- Handcrafted in Santa Barbara, California
- Four-conductor hookup cable included
- Available in standard humbucker or Trembucker spacing
- Black cover finish
The APH-1b Alnico II Pro strikes the balance between authenticity and modern playability, making it a dependable upgrade for gigging musicians and players who prioritize tonal nuance and hands-on control.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The Seymour Duncan APH-1b Alnico II Pro is a hand-crafted humbucker that delivers warm, articulate '50s and '60s Gibson tone with enough clarity and output to cut through modern mix settings and stage volumes. Built with an Alnico 2 magnet and touch-responsive voicing, it rewards precise playing with singing sustain and harmonic complexity—ideal for blues, jazz, and rock players who demand both vintage character and dependable live reliability. The four-conductor wiring and wax potting make it versatile for custom configurations while staying squeal-free under any condition.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Blues
- ✓ Jazz
- ✓ Rock
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Gigging
Not the best pick for
- – Metal
- – Djent
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between the APH-1b and other vintage-style humbuckers like the Gibson 57 Classic?
The APH-1b uses an Alnico 2 magnet with a 7.85 kΩ DC resistance and a resonant peak of 6.7 kHz, positioning it between pure vintage specs and modern output levels. This balance gives it excellent note definition and clarity without sacrificing the warm, woody fundamental that defines '50s and '60s Gibson tone, making it more versatile across cleaner and higher-gain settings.
Can I coil-split this pickup, and does it come with wiring instructions?
Yes, the four-conductor lead wire enables coil-splitting and series/parallel wiring configurations. A four-conductor hookup cable is included, though you may need to consult a tech or wiring guide to set up custom configurations depending on your guitar's existing hardware.
Does this pickup work in both standard and Trembucker guitars?
The APH-1b is available in both standard humbucker and Trembucker spacing, so you can choose the version that matches your guitar's pickup cavity. Confirm your guitar's spacing before ordering to ensure a proper fit.
Is this pickup good for high-gain metal or djent?
No, the APH-1b is voiced for blues, jazz, rock, and studio work—it prioritizes articulation, touch response, and vintage character over the aggressive, saturated output required for metal and djent styles. For those genres, a higher-output pickup would be a better choice.
What does wax potting do, and why does it matter?
Wax potting encapsulates the coil and magnet assembly to eliminate microphonic squeal and feedback, ensuring noise-free operation under stage heat, humidity, and high-volume conditions. This makes the pickup rock-solid reliable for live gigging and studio recording sessions.
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. On this item that is roughly $10 less out the door than the same listed price at a national retailer or on a marketplace. 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.
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