11102-09-W vs 11102-17-RZ — Compare
Seymour Duncan SH-3 Staggered Mag White Pickup vs Seymour Duncan SH-5 Duncan Custom Reverse Zebra Pickup
The SH-3 is a balanced, articulate pickup suited for traditional rock and progressive styles where clarity and midrange presence matter; the SH-5 is a high-output, aggressive pickup built for metal and djent where cut-through and tight lows dominate. Choose the SH-3 for versatility and definition, the SH-5 for maximum gain and modern heaviness.
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Seymour Duncan SH-3 Staggered Mag White Pickup
Seymour Duncan SH-5 Duncan Custom Reverse Zebra Pickup
Specs side by side
| Seymour Duncan SH-3 Staggered Mag White Pickup | Seymour Duncan SH-5 Duncan Custom Reverse Zebra Pickup | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.00 | $99.00 |
| Brand | Seymour Duncan | Seymour Duncan |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Seymour Duncan SH-3 Staggered Mag White Pickup
- ✓ Lower output (16.2k ohms) preserves note definition and clarity in high-gain setups
- ✓ Alnico II magnets deliver warm, musical tone with articulate highs and focused mids
- ✓ Staggered pole pieces ensure balanced response across all strings
- ✓ Versatile EQ profile (4/3/6) cuts through without harshness, works in traditional and modern rigs
Why choose Seymour Duncan SH-5 Duncan Custom Reverse Zebra Pickup
- ✓ High output (14.1k ohms) delivers aggressive attack and tight, controlled sustain for metal
- ✓ Ceramic magnet provides bright snap and cut-through in dense, heavy mixes
- ✓ Wax-potted construction eliminates microphonic feedback under extreme gain
- ✓ Uncovered Reverse Zebra design looks distinctive and performs identically to covered versions
Frequently asked questions
Which pickup has higher output?
The SH-5 has higher output at 14.1k ohms DCR versus the SH-3 at 16.2k ohms DCR. Higher output in the SH-5 drives harder tone and more sustain, while the SH-3's lower resistance preserves string clarity.
What magnet type does each use and how does it affect tone?
The SH-3 uses Alnico II rod magnets for warm, articulate tone with musical midrange emphasis. The SH-5 uses ceramic magnets for bright, aggressive snap and tight lows ideal for metal and extreme gain settings.
Are these pickups good for playing at bedroom volumes or do they only work in bands?
Both work at any volume thanks to 4-conductor wiring allowing coil-splitting to lower output. The SH-3's lower output and balanced EQ make it more forgiving at low volumes; the SH-5 benefits more from coil-splitting to tame its aggression in quiet settings.
Which pickup is better for covering classic rock and metal styles?
The SH-3 excels at classic and traditional rock due to its balanced tone and Alnico II warmth, while the SH-5 is purpose-built for modern and extreme metal. The SH-3 is more versatile across genre lines.