Seymour Duncan SH-3 Staggered Mag Zebra 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
- 11102-09-Z
Description
Seymour Duncan SH-3 Staggered Mag Zebra Pickup
The SH-3 is a medium-output bridge humbucker engineered for articulate, balanced punch without sacrificing clarity in the high end. Its staggered magnet design and Alnico 2 construction deliver responsive dynamics that track pick attack accurately while maintaining a controlled low end. Hand-built in Seymour Duncan's Santa Barbara Custom Shop, this pickup excels in both high-gain and moderate-gain applications where definition matters—a reliable choice for gigging musicians and studio work alike.
Tone & Electronics
The SH-3 produces medium output with a DC resistance of 16.6K, positioning it between vintage and modern specifications for versatile gain staging across different amp types. Vacuum wax potting eliminates microphonic squeal while preserving the natural resonance of its Alnico 2 rod magnets, resulting in a pickup that stays articulate even at volume—essential for live performance where feedback control matters.
Design & Build
Hand-built construction and a nickel silver bottom plate ensure reliable magnetic coupling and consistent performance over time, tour after tour. The 4-conductor lead wire enables series, parallel, split, and other custom wiring configurations, providing flexibility for future modifications or coil-tap integration on your preferred setup.
Key Features
- Bridge position humbucker for 6-string guitar
- Alnico 2 rod magnets for responsive, articulate tone
- Medium output (16.6K DC resistance)
- Staggered magnet design for balanced string response
- Nickel silver bottom plate
- Vacuum wax potted for squeal-free performance
- 4-conductor lead wire for multiple wiring options
- Hand-built in Seymour Duncan's Santa Barbara Custom Shop
- Zebra finish (Creme and Black)
- Humbucker mount type
- Made in United States
The SH-3 combines proven Seymour Duncan craftsmanship with a sonic character that bridges vintage warmth and modern clarity—a workhorse bridge pickup built for players who need definition, reliability, and stage-ready performance without excess gain.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The Seymour Duncan SH-3 is a medium-output bridge humbucker hand-built with Alnico 2 magnets and a staggered design that delivers articulate punch and high-end clarity without muddiness—essential for rock, hard rock, and metal players who need pick definition and controlled low end even at high volumes. Its responsive dynamics track your attack accurately while vacuum wax potting eliminates feedback, making it a reliable workhorse for both high-gain and moderate-gain amp setups on stage. The 4-conductor lead wire opens the door to future coil-tap or split configurations, giving you room to explore your tone as your rig evolves.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Rock
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Progressive
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the SH-3 different from other Seymour Duncan bridge pickups like the SH-2?
The SH-3 sits in the middle ground between vintage and modern output (16.6K DC resistance) with a staggered magnet design that prioritizes articulation and high-end clarity over raw gain. It excels in high-gain settings where definition matters, whereas the SH-2 leans more toward vintage warmth.
Will this pickup work in my current guitar, and can I modify it later?
The SH-3 is a standard humbucker mount for 6-string guitars and includes a 4-conductor lead wire that supports series, parallel, split, and coil-tap wiring. If your guitar has standard humbucker cavities, it installs without routing; the 4-conductor design lets you add splits or taps down the road.
Is the SH-3 suitable for high-gain metal and hard rock?
Yes—the SH-3 is engineered specifically for high-gain and moderate-gain applications in rock, hard rock, and metal, delivering controlled low end and responsive dynamics that keep your playing definition intact even at volume.
What does vacuum wax potting do, and why does it matter?
Vacuum wax potting eliminates microphonic squeal (feedback) that can occur in unpotted pickups, while preserving the natural resonance of the Alnico 2 magnets. This means you stay articulate and squeal-free during recording, live performance, or high-gain tracking.
Is this pickup hand-built, and where?
Yes—the SH-3 is hand-built in Seymour Duncan's Santa Barbara Custom Shop and made in the United States, ensuring consistent quality and reliable performance over time.
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.
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