11102-17-Z vs 11102-25-RZ — Compare
Seymour Duncan SH-5 Duncan Custom Zebra Pickup vs Seymour Duncan SH-6n Duncan Distortion Rev. Zebra Pickup
The SH-5 Duncan Custom is a versatile bridge or neck pickup with articulate midrange and moderate-to-high output suited for rock and alternative, while the SH-6n Duncan Distortion is a high-output neck humbucker engineered specifically for metal and djent with aggressive sustain and midrange emphasis. Choose the SH-5 for balanced tone across multiple genres; choose the SH-6n if you play heavy music and want maximum output and aggression from a neck position.
No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.
Seymour Duncan SH-5 Duncan Custom Zebra Pickup
Seymour Duncan SH-6n Duncan Distortion Rev. Zebra Pickup
Specs side by side
| Seymour Duncan SH-5 Duncan Custom Zebra Pickup | Seymour Duncan SH-6n Duncan Distortion Rev. Zebra Pickup | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.00 | $99.00 |
| Brand | Seymour Duncan | Seymour Duncan |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Seymour Duncan SH-5 Duncan Custom Zebra Pickup
- ✓ Lower resistance (14.1k) gives cleaner signal with less compression
- ✓ Bridges vintage warmth and modern aggression for broader genre appeal
- ✓ 4-wire connectivity and nickel silver plate enhance tonal clarity and flexibility
- ✓ Works equally well as bridge or neck pickup
Why choose Seymour Duncan SH-6n Duncan Distortion Rev. Zebra Pickup
- ✓ Higher output (12.7k resistance) delivers maximum signal drive for high-gain rigs
- ✓ 6.5kHz resonant peak emphasizes aggressive midrange cut and percussive attack
- ✓ Specifically voiced for neck position with controlled sustain and tight lows
- ✓ Reverse Zebra aesthetic with ceramic bar magnet for noise rejection in heavy applications
Frequently asked questions
Can both pickups work in bridge and neck positions?
The SH-5 Duncan Custom is positioned as a versatile humbucker suitable for either bridge or neck. The SH-6n Duncan Distortion is specifically designed and voiced for neck position, making it less ideal for bridge duty where its high output and resonant peak may become too aggressive.
Which has higher output?
The SH-6n Duncan Distortion (12.7k resistance) is classified as high-output, while the SH-5 Duncan Custom (14.1k resistance) is moderate-to-high output. Despite the SH-5's slightly higher resistance number, the SH-6n's design and ceramic bar magnet configuration delivers more aggressive signal drive intended for distortion-heavy playing.
Which pickup is better for metal?
The SH-6n Duncan Distortion is engineered specifically for metal and djent with its 6.5kHz resonant peak and aggressive voicing. The SH-5 Duncan Custom works in heavy rock and hard rock but leans more toward clarity and articulation than pure aggression.
Do both pickups support coil-splitting and wiring mods?
Both pickups offer 4-wire connectivity, allowing series/parallel switching and coil-splitting if your guitar's electronics support it. This gives equivalent wiring flexibility on both models.