Seymour Duncan SH-14 Custom 5 Black 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
- 11102-84-B
Description
Seymour Duncan SH-14 Custom 5 Black Humbucker Bridge Pickup
The SH-14 Custom 5 is a high-output bridge humbucker built for aggressive, cutting tone that punches through a dense mix without losing definition. Hand-built in Santa Barbara using time-tested construction methods, this pickup delivers the scooped-mid character and focused response that define modern metal and hard rock—reliable night after night on any stage.
Tone & Output Character
With a 14.4 kΩ DC resistance and Alnico V magnet, the SH-14 produces robust, defined output that cuts through live volume and stacks well into high-gain rigs. The EQ curve—6 bass, 3 mid, 8 treble—creates a scooped midrange with even low-end punch and articulate highs, while the 5.4 KHz resonant peak ensures every note stays clear even at extreme distortion levels and through venue PA systems.
Construction & Wiring
This pickup is vacuum wax potted for microphonic feedback elimination and built with a nickel silver bottom plate to enhance magnetic response and long-term stability. The four-conductor cable allows flexible wiring configurations for coil-splitting and series/parallel switching in compatible instruments, giving you tonal flexibility on your board.
Key Features
- Humbucker bridge pickup with high output design
- Alnico V bar magnet for aggressive, defined tone
- 14.4 kΩ DC resistance
- 5.4 KHz resonant peak frequency
- EQ: 6 bass / 3 mid / 8 treble (scooped-mid voicing)
- Vacuum wax potted construction
- Nickel silver bottom plate
- Four-conductor cable
- Hand built in Santa Barbara, California
The SH-14 Custom 5 combines proven Seymour Duncan engineering with a tonal signature built for gigging musicians who need a workhorse bridge pickup.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
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At a Glance
The Seymour Duncan SH-14 Custom 5 is a hand-built, high-output bridge humbucker engineered for metal, hard rock, and djent—delivering scooped mids, punchy lows, and articulate highs that cut through extreme distortion without muddiness. Built with Alnico V magnets and vacuum wax potting, it's designed for intermediate to professional players who demand clarity and aggression in drop-tuned and high-gain contexts. Choose this pickup for reliable, road-tested performance that stays articulate under heavy processing and delivers the defined tone modern metal demands.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Djent
- ✓ Drop Tunings
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Blues
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What skill level do I need to install and dial in the SH-14 Custom 5?
The SH-14 is suited for intermediate, advanced, and professional players. Installation requires basic soldering and wiring knowledge; the four-conductor cable supports coil-splitting and series/parallel switching in compatible guitars, giving experienced players more tonal flexibility.
Is this pickup good for blues or jazz?
No. The SH-14 is engineered for metal, hard rock, djent, and drop-tuning applications. Its scooped-mid voicing and high-output character are optimized for high-gain contexts and are not recommended for blues or jazz playing styles.
What does 'vacuum wax potted' mean, and why does it matter?
Vacuum wax potting is a construction method that eliminates microphonic feedback and noise—important when playing at high volumes with aggressive distortion. This makes the SH-14 reliable for live gigging and studio sessions where feedback control is critical.
How does the SH-14 Custom 5 compare to other high-output pickups like the EMG 81 or DiMarzio D-Activator?
The SH-14 offers a similar high-output character and metal-focused voicing as the EMG 81/85 and DiMarzio D-Activator, but with hand-built construction in Santa Barbara and a slightly different EQ curve (scooped mids, articulate highs). Comparison depends on your specific guitar and amp—try all three if possible.
What's the DC resistance, and does that affect tone?
The SH-14 has 14.4 kΩ DC resistance, which contributes to its high output and aggressive tone character. Higher resistance generally yields more output and sustain—important for the clarity and punch this pickup is designed to deliver in high-gain playing.
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