Seymour Duncan SH-5 Duncan Custom White Pickup

Seymour Duncan SH-5 Duncan Custom White Pickup

The SH-5 Duncan Custom is a medium-output bridge humbucker that delivers aggressive articulation without sacrificing note definition. Hand-built in Santa Barbara, this pickup pairs ceramic bite with carefully voiced midrange presence, making it equally at home driving high-gain rhythms or cutting through a dense mix with lead work.

Tone & Performance Character

A 6 kHz resonant peak combined with bright treble voicing (9) and balanced midrange (6) gives the SH-5 its signature presence and punch. The 14.1 kΩ DC resistance positions it as a bridge specialist—aggressive enough for modern rock and metal, yet controlled enough to articulate complex chord voicings without muddiness. On stage, this pickup cuts through loud band mixes and delivers consistent response night after night.

Design & Construction

Vacuum wax potting eliminates microphonic feedback for squeal-free operation at high volumes—critical for live settings where feedback can derail a performance. The 4-conductor lead wire opens up multiple wiring configurations, while the nickel silver bottom plate contributes to the pickup's tonal clarity and structural integrity. Road-tested construction ensures reliable performance in the gigging musician's rig.

Key Features

• Medium output humbucker with small ceramic bar magnet
• 14.1 kΩ DC resistance
• 6 kHz resonant peak for focused midrange projection
• EQ voicing: 7 bass / 6 midrange / 9 treble
• 4-conductor lead wire for flexible wiring options
• Nickel silver bottom plate
• Vacuum wax potted construction for feedback-free performance
• Hand built in Santa Barbara, CA
• Designed for bridge position installation

The Duncan Custom SH-5 remains a workhorse bridge pickup for gigging musicians who demand cut and clarity without excessive noise—a trusted choice for players who rely on their gear in demanding live and studio environments.