11102-17-Bc vs 11102-17-RNBc-TS — Compare
Seymour Duncan SH-5 Duncan Custom Black Cover Pickup vs Seymour Duncan SH-5 Duncan Custom Raw Nickel Bdr TShell Pickup
Both are SH-5 Duncan Custom bridge pickups with identical core components (ceramic magnet, nickel-silver plate, 4-conductor lead), but the Black Cover emphasizes scooped mids and bright treble for tonal versatility, while the Raw Nickel emphasizes a 6 kHz peak for articulation and cutting presence in high-gain contexts. Choose the Black Cover for balanced aggression across genres; pick the Raw Nickel if you prioritize modern metal clarity and cutting through dense mixes.
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Seymour Duncan SH-5 Duncan Custom Black Cover Pickup
Seymour Duncan SH-5 Duncan Custom Raw Nickel Bdr TShell Pickup
Specs side by side
| Seymour Duncan SH-5 Duncan Custom Black Cover Pickup | Seymour Duncan SH-5 Duncan Custom Raw Nickel Bdr TShell Pickup | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $135.00 | $135.00 |
| Brand | Seymour Duncan | Seymour Duncan |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Seymour Duncan SH-5 Duncan Custom Black Cover Pickup
- ✓ Scooped midrange reduces harshness in sustained high-gain passages
- ✓ Bright treble response adds articulation without excessive presence peak
- ✓ More versatile tonal shaping for hard rock and alternative styles
- ✓ Black cover offers classic aesthetic appeal
Why choose Seymour Duncan SH-5 Duncan Custom Raw Nickel Bdr TShell Pickup
- ✓ Prominent 6 kHz peak delivers superior cut and articulation for lead work
- ✓ Aggressive output with tighter low end maximizes modern metal clarity
- ✓ Raw nickel and tortoiseshell finish provides distinctive visual character
- ✓ Better suited for fast, complex passages in high-saturation settings
Frequently asked questions
What is the main tonal difference between these two pickups?
The Black Cover uses a 7/6/9 frequency curve with scooped mids and bright treble for balanced aggression. The Raw Nickel emphasizes a prominent 6 kHz resonant peak for articulation and cutting through dense mixes. Both have identical core magnets and impedance.
Which pickup is better for metal?
The Raw Nickel is engineered specifically for modern metal with its aggressive output and 6 kHz peak delivering clarity at high saturation. The Black Cover works well for metal too but offers more tonal versatility across hard rock and alternative.
Are the output levels the same?
Both use identical small ceramic magnets and nickel-silver plates, but the Raw Nickel is described as having aggressive output while the Black Cover delivers medium output. The Raw Nickel will respond more aggressively to gain.
Can either pickup be split or coil-tapped?
Yes, both feature 4-conductor lead wires that support coil-splitting and series-parallel configurations in compatible wiring schemes, offering flexibility for tone shaping.