11102-106-Gc vs 11406-06 — Compare

Seymour Duncan Hades Gates Gold Pickup Set vs Seymour Duncan APJ-2 Lightin' Rods For P-Bass Neck/Bridge Pickup

These are pickups for completely different instruments: the Hades Gates Gold is a guitar humbucker set designed for metal and heavy styles, while the APJ-2 Lightnin' Rods are active bass pickups built for jazz, funk, and studio work. Choose the Hades Gates Gold if you play electric guitar and want aggressive, high-output tone; choose the APJ-2 if you play precision bass and need articulate, hum-free vintage character.

No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.

Seymour Duncan Hades Gates Gold Pickup Set

$318.00
View Seymour Duncan Hades Gates Gold Pickup Set

Seymour Duncan APJ-2 Lightin' Rods For P-Bass Neck/Bridge Pickup

$314.00
View Seymour Duncan APJ-2 Lightin' Rods For P-Bass Neck/Bridge Pickup

Specs side by side

Seymour Duncan Hades Gates Gold Pickup SetSeymour Duncan APJ-2 Lightin' Rods For P-Bass Neck/Bridge Pickup
Price$318.00$314.00
BrandSeymour DuncanSeymour Duncan
Pickup TypeAny Position
ConditionNewNew

Why choose Seymour Duncan Hades Gates Gold Pickup Set

  • Overwound Alnico 2 design delivers substantial output and aggression ideal for metal and djent
  • 4-conductor wiring enables coil-splitting and series/parallel configuration flexibility
  • Balanced neck and bridge resistance (8.06K/8.8K) maintains clarity and note separation at high gain

Why choose Seymour Duncan APJ-2 Lightin' Rods For P-Bass Neck/Bridge Pickup

  • Active electronics with 2,000-hour battery life keep your bass powered through extended touring
  • Hum-cancelling split-coil design eliminates noise while preserving warm, vintage tone
  • Drop-in Fender P and J route compatibility simplifies installation on most bass bodies
Bottom line: Buy the Hades Gates Gold if you own an electric guitar and play heavy music where precision matters. Buy the APJ-2 Lightnin' Rods if you own a precision or jazz bass and need studio-ready, vintage-voiced active pickups.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use these pickups interchangeably?

No. The Hades Gates Gold is a guitar humbucker set; the APJ-2 is a bass pickup set. They fit different instruments and serve different sonic purposes.

Which is better for beginners?

Both are rated for intermediate and advanced players. The Hades Gates Gold suits guitarists comfortable with high-output, aggressive tones; the APJ-2 suits bassists seeking vintage character and studio clarity.

What are the main tonal differences?

The Hades Gates Gold delivers tight, articulate aggression with substantial sustain for metal and djent. The APJ-2 Lightnin' Rods provide warm, punchy vintage tone with hum-cancelling clarity suited to jazz and funk.

Are these pickups hand-built?

Yes, both sets are hand-built in Santa Barbara, California by Seymour Duncan, reflecting the same commitment to craftsmanship.

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