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Seymour Duncan SH-55b Seth Lover Model Gold Pickup vs Seymour Duncan Hades Gates Neck Nickel Pickup
The SH-55b Seth Lover Model Gold prioritizes vintage warmth and touch sensitivity for blues, jazz, and classic rock, while the Hades Gates Neck is an overwound aggressive humbucker built for metal and hard rock. Choose the Seth Lover for organic, articulate vintage tones; choose the Hades Gates for thick, cutting high-gain aggression.
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Seymour Duncan SH-55b Seth Lover Model Gold Pickup
Seymour Duncan Hades Gates Neck Nickel Pickup
Specs side by side
| Seymour Duncan SH-55b Seth Lover Model Gold Pickup | Seymour Duncan Hades Gates Neck Nickel Pickup | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149.00 | $149.00 |
| Brand | Seymour Duncan | Seymour Duncan |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Seymour Duncan SH-55b Seth Lover Model Gold Pickup
- ✓ Unpotted construction preserves natural microphonic response and touch sensitivity
- ✓ Warm, articulate midrange with smooth high-end ideal for blues and jazz
- ✓ 8.1k ohm output balances vintage character with modern amp compatibility
- ✓ Handbuilt with premium materials including Alnico 2 magnet and custom spacers
Why choose Seymour Duncan Hades Gates Neck Nickel Pickup
- ✓ Overwound design delivers thick sustain and aggressive output for metal and hard rock
- ✓ 4-conductor wiring enables coil-tapping and phase-switching experiments
- ✓ Cutting highs and present mids maintain clarity even at high gain settings
- ✓ Nickel cover adds vintage aesthetic with short mounting legs for easy installation
Frequently asked questions
Which pickup works better for metal and high-gain playing?
The Hades Gates Neck is purpose-built for metal with its overwound construction, aggressive output at 8.06k ohms, and cutting high-end response designed to cut through heavy distortion. The Seth Lover Model Gold is voiced for vintage warmth and natural breakup, making it unsuitable for modern metal applications.
Are both pickups hand-built in the same location?
Yes, both are handbuilt in Santa Barbara, California by Seymour Duncan. Quality construction is consistent between them; the difference is entirely in voicing and overwinding philosophy.
What is the practical difference between unpotted and potted construction?
The SH-55b is unpotted, preserving natural resonance and microphonic response for touch sensitivity and organic complexity. The Hades Gates is potted (implied by its design for high-gain), reducing feedback and microphonics for stable, aggressive tones. Unpotted suits vintage players; potted suits high-output applications.
Can the Hades Gates be used in other positions besides neck?
The Hades Gates is specifically designed and labeled as a neck pickup. Its thick, commanding presence is engineered for anchoring the neck position in heavy styles. For bridge use, Seymour Duncan offers different models in their Hades line.