11102-13-Bc vs 11102-13-RNBc-TS — Compare
Seymour Duncan SH-4 JB Model Black Cover Pickup vs Seymour Duncan SH-4 JB Model Raw Nickel Bdr TShell Pickup
Both are high-output Seymour Duncan SH-4 JB humbuckers with nearly identical specs (Alnico 5, vacuum potted, 4-conductor wiring), but differ in cover finish and tonal character description. The Black Cover emphasizes piercing treble and cutting brightness for extreme metal and djent, while the Raw Nickel model balances aggression with controlled treble and articulation for versatile hard rock and studio work.
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Seymour Duncan SH-4 JB Model Black Cover Pickup
Seymour Duncan SH-4 JB Model Raw Nickel Bdr TShell Pickup
Specs side by side
| Seymour Duncan SH-4 JB Model Black Cover Pickup | Seymour Duncan SH-4 JB Model Raw Nickel Bdr TShell Pickup | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $135.00 | $135.00 |
| Brand | Seymour Duncan | Seymour Duncan |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Seymour Duncan SH-4 JB Model Black Cover Pickup
- ✓ Piercing treble and bright cutting tone cuts through dense distorted mixes
- ✓ Black cover finish offers classic metal aesthetics
- ✓ Specifically voiced for djent and extreme metal applications
- ✓ 16.60-ohm DC resistance provides maximum output
Why choose Seymour Duncan SH-4 JB Model Raw Nickel Bdr TShell Pickup
- ✓ Hand-built in Santa Barbara facility with emphasis on quality control
- ✓ Controlled treble prevents harshness in clean and moderate gain settings
- ✓ Raw nickel cover provides vintage visual appeal
- ✓ Better for studio sessions and live performance across varied amp settings
Frequently asked questions
What's the actual difference in output between these two?
The Black Cover has 16.60 ohms while the Raw Nickel has 16.4k ohms (likely 16.4 ohms, as 16.4k would be extremely high and inconsistent with the description). Both are high-output designs; the difference is negligible and both suit metal and hard rock equally.
Can I use either pickup for blues or jazz?
Both are rated as not ideal for jazz and blues due to their aggressive midrange and high-output character. These are purpose-built for rock and metal genres where articulation at extreme gain is the priority, not the smooth, warm response blues and jazz require.
Do both support split-coil and parallel wiring?
Yes. Both come with 4-conductor shielded cable that supports series, parallel, and split-coil configurations, giving you equivalent wiring flexibility.
Which is better for cutting through a live mix?
The Black Cover's piercing treble is specifically described for cutting through dense mixes, making it ideal for band settings. The Raw Nickel is also effective in live performance but with more controlled treble, so it depends whether you prioritize extreme brightness or balanced articulation.