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Seymour Duncan SH-6n Duncan Distortion Zebra Pickup vs Seymour Duncan SH-14 Custom 5 Reverse Zebra Pickup
The SH-6n Duncan Distortion is a ceramic-magnet neck pickup optimized for extreme gain and sustain with aggressive midrange cut, while the SH-14 Custom 5 is an Alnico 5 bridge pickup offering more balanced, punchy articulation across a wider tonal range. Choose the SH-6n for players prioritizing sustain and cut in drop-tuned, high-gain metal; choose the SH-14 for those wanting versatile, full-bodied punch in rock and metal without sacrificing clarity.
No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.
Seymour Duncan SH-6n Duncan Distortion Zebra Pickup
Seymour Duncan SH-14 Custom 5 Reverse Zebra Pickup
Specs side by side
| Seymour Duncan SH-6n Duncan Distortion Zebra Pickup | Seymour Duncan SH-14 Custom 5 Reverse Zebra Pickup | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.00 | $99.00 |
| Brand | Seymour Duncan | Seymour Duncan |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Seymour Duncan SH-6n Duncan Distortion Zebra Pickup
- ✓ Ceramic magnet delivers aggressive output with natural compression ideal for tight high-gain tones
- ✓ 6.5kHz resonant peak cuts through dense mixes without muddy low-end
- ✓ Explicitly designed for neck position with sustain-focused character
- ✓ Lower DC resistance (12.7k) suits extreme gain and drop tunings
Why choose Seymour Duncan SH-14 Custom 5 Reverse Zebra Pickup
- ✓ Alnico 5 magnet provides warmer, more balanced tonal response than ceramic
- ✓ Higher DC resistance (14.10k) adds punch and articulation across frequencies
- ✓ Reverse-wound, reverse-polarity design offers hum-canceling plus full-bodied character
- ✓ 4-conductor wiring unlocks series, parallel, and split configurations for greater versatility
Frequently asked questions
Can I use either of these in both neck and bridge positions?
The SH-6n is explicitly optimized for neck position, designed to pair with a bridge humbucker for balanced output. The SH-14 Custom 5 specs reference bridge position (14.10k DC resistance). Each is voiced for its intended location, so match them accordingly for best results.
Which has more output for high-gain metal?
The SH-6n delivers more aggressive ceramic output with natural compression, making it superior for extreme gain and sustain. The SH-14 is punchy and articulate but designed for balance rather than maximum aggression.
What's the practical difference between ceramic and Alnico 5 magnets?
Ceramic magnets (SH-6n) are hotter, more aggressive, and compress tones for thick, saturated gain. Alnico 5 (SH-14) offers warmer, more linear response with better harmonic balance across frequencies and clearer note definition.
Are both hand-built with the same construction standards?
Yes, both are hand-built in the Santa Barbara factory using vacuum wax potting, nickel-silver bottom plates, and 4-conductor lead wires for consistent quality and noise-free performance under high-gain conditions.