11102-09-Z vs 11102-17-W — Compare
Seymour Duncan SH-3 Staggered Mag Zebra Pickup vs Seymour Duncan SH-5 Duncan Custom White Pickup
The SH-3 is a balanced, articulate medium-output humbucker with Alnico 2 magnets that maintains clarity across gain levels, while the SH-5 is a ceramic-based pickup with aggressive midrange presence and bright treble tuning designed to cut through high-gain mixes. The SH-3 suits players seeking versatility across moderate and high-gain tones, while the SH-5 is purpose-built for metal and modern rock players who prioritize aggressive articulation and presence.
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Seymour Duncan SH-3 Staggered Mag Zebra Pickup
Seymour Duncan SH-5 Duncan Custom White Pickup
Specs side by side
| Seymour Duncan SH-3 Staggered Mag Zebra Pickup | Seymour Duncan SH-5 Duncan Custom White Pickup | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.00 | $99.00 |
| Brand | Seymour Duncan | Seymour Duncan |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Seymour Duncan SH-3 Staggered Mag Zebra Pickup
- ✓ Alnico 2 construction delivers responsive dynamics and natural resonance
- ✓ Lower DC resistance (16.6K) offers more versatile gain staging across different amps
- ✓ Balanced high-end clarity suited for both high-gain and moderate-gain applications
- ✓ Staggered magnet design ensures even string response
Why choose Seymour Duncan SH-5 Duncan Custom White Pickup
- ✓ Ceramic magnet delivers aggressive bite and cutting presence for metal and hard rock
- ✓ 6 kHz resonant peak with bright treble voicing (9) cuts through dense mixes
- ✓ Higher DC resistance (14.1K) maximizes bridge position punch and aggression
- ✓ Purpose-engineered EQ voicing optimized for high-gain lead and rhythm work
Frequently asked questions
Which pickup is better for metal?
Both work for metal, but the SH-5 is purpose-engineered for the genre with its ceramic magnet, aggressive midrange peak at 6 kHz, and bright treble voicing that cuts through high-gain tones. The SH-3 is more versatile if you also play moderate-gain styles.
What's the main tonal difference between Alnico 2 and ceramic magnets?
Alnico 2 (SH-3) produces warmer, more responsive dynamics with natural resonance and clarity across the spectrum. Ceramic (SH-5) delivers a brighter, more aggressive character with pronounced midrange bite ideal for cutting presence in dense mixes.
Which pickup has more output?
The SH-5 has slightly higher output at 14.1K DC resistance compared to the SH-3's 16.6K; however, both are medium-output pickups. The SH-5's output is more aggressively voiced for metal, while the SH-3's is more balanced across gain applications.
Can either pickup be rewired or modified?
Yes, both include 4-conductor lead wires that support series, parallel, split, and other custom wiring configurations, making them flexible for future modifications like coil taps or phase switching.