Seymour Duncan SH-5 Duncan Custom 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
- 11102-17-Bc
Description
Seymour Duncan SH-5 Duncan Custom Black Cover Pickup
The SH-5 Duncan Custom is a medium-output humbucker built for players who demand articulate aggression without sacrificing musicality on stage. Hand-crafted in Santa Barbara with a small ceramic bar magnet, this pickup punches hard in the bridge position while maintaining definition across the frequency spectrum. The vacuum wax potting locks in rock-solid stability with zero squeal—critical reliability when you're pushing gain in a live setting.
Tonal Character & Output
Its 7/6/9 frequency curve balances a punchy low end, scooped midrange, and bright treble response, delivering natural clarity even at extreme gain settings. At 14.41k ohms impedance, the medium output sits perfectly between vintage warmth and modern crunch, cutting through a mix in hard rock, metal, and alternative contexts without losing harmonic definition or getting lost in a dense band mix.
Design & Versatility
The 4-conductor lead wire opens up multiple wiring configurations for players who want options, and the splittable design lets you roll back aggression mid-set if the arrangement calls for it. Installation is straightforward with included screws, springs, and wiring diagram, while the 49mm pole-spacing ensures tight string-to-magnet coupling and focused output that projects on stage.
Key Features
- Small ceramic bar magnet with nickel silver bottom plate
- 14.41k ohms impedance for medium output
- 7/6/9 (Bass/Mid/Treble) frequency response curve
- 49mm pole-spacing for focused magnetic alignment
- 4-conductor lead wire for multiple wiring options
- Vacuum wax potted for squeal-free, stable performance
- Splittable design with included wiring diagram
- Hand built in Santa Barbara, CA
- Recommended for bridge position
- Includes screws and springs for installation
The SH-5 is built for gigging musicians—professional-grade aggression backed by meticulous Santa Barbara craftsmanship and real tonal versatility that translates to the stage.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The Seymour Duncan SH-5 Duncan Custom is a medium-output humbucker built for aggressive tones—punchy lows, scooped mids, and bright treble—that cut through high-gain setups without losing clarity or definition. Hand-crafted in Santa Barbara with vacuum wax potting for rock-solid stability, it excels in metal, hard rock, and alternative styles, particularly in bridge position on guitars tuned down or played with extreme gain. The splittable design and 4-conductor wiring give you tonal flexibility on stage or in the studio, backed by dependable construction that won't squeal under pressure.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Alternative
- ✓ Drop Tunings
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Blues
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the SH-5 Duncan Custom a good fit for metal and hard rock?
Yes—the SH-5 is specifically designed for metal, hard rock, alternative, and drop-tuned styles. Its punchy low end, scooped midrange, and bright treble create articulate aggression at extreme gain levels while keeping harmonic definition intact. The medium 14.41k ohms output sits between vintage warmth and modern crunch, suiting both styles without muddiness.
What does vacuum wax potting do, and why does it matter?
Vacuum wax potting eliminates microphonic feedback and squeal by solidifying the coil windings, keeping the pickup stable and quiet under high-gain conditions. This ensures zero unwanted noise when you're pushing gain hard in live or studio settings.
Can the SH-5 be split, and what comes in the box?
Yes—the 4-conductor lead wire allows splittable wiring and multiple configuration options via the included wiring diagram. The pickup ships with screws, springs, and all hardware needed for installation, making setup straightforward.
What is the 49mm pole-spacing, and how does it affect tone?
Pole-spacing refers to the distance between the magnetic poles; 49mm is tight coupling that ensures focused, direct string-to-magnet alignment. This creates tight, articulate output and reduces unwanted resonance, keeping your tone clean and defined.
Is the SH-5 good for jazz, blues, or folk?
No—the SH-5 is voiced for aggressive styles (metal, hard rock, alternative) and is not recommended for jazz, blues, or folk, where warmer, less scooped tones are typically preferred.
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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