11102-29-W vs 11102-31-B — Compare
Seymour Duncan SH-8n Invader White Pickup vs Seymour Duncan SH-8b Invader Black Pickup
The SH-8n is a neck pickup with 7.2 kΩ resistance and a midrange-focused EQ curve (7-8-4), while the SH-8b is a bridge pickup with 16.6 kΩ resistance and oversized pole pieces for maximum output and articulation. Choose the SH-8n if you're building a matched set or upgrading your neck position; choose the SH-8b if you need a high-gain bridge pickup for crunching riffs and lead definition.
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Specs side by side
| Seymour Duncan SH-8n Invader White Pickup | Seymour Duncan SH-8b Invader Black Pickup | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $115.00 | $115.00 |
| Brand | Seymour Duncan | Seymour Duncan |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Seymour Duncan SH-8n Invader White Pickup
- ✓ Neck-position voice with balanced midrange emphasis (8 kHz peak) for smooth lead work
- ✓ Lower resistance (7.2 kΩ) reduces string pull and suits standard tunings well
- ✓ Controlled treble (4 on EQ curve) prevents harshness on sustained bends and solos
- ✓ Four-conductor wiring for easy coil-split mods
Why choose Seymour Duncan SH-8b Invader Black Pickup
- ✓ Higher output (16.6 kΩ) drives amps harder and cuts through dense mixes
- ✓ Oversized metal oxide pole pieces deliver maximum articulation and focused attack
- ✓ Vacuum wax potting eliminates feedback under high-gain conditions
- ✓ Bridge-position engineering optimized for rhythm riffs and power chords
Frequently asked questions
Can I use these as a matched pair in the same guitar?
Yes—the SH-8n (neck) and SH-8b (bridge) are designed as complementary positions. The neck pickup prioritizes smooth articulation with controlled treble, while the bridge handles aggressive riffing and cuts through the mix. Together they provide balanced high-output aggression across the fretboard.
Which pickup is better for drop tunings and downtuned metal?
The SH-8b's 16.6 kΩ resistance and oversized pole pieces excel at tight low-end definition in drop tunings, making it the stronger choice for ultra-aggressive rhythm work. The SH-8n can handle drop tunings but is better suited to lead work and standard tunings.
How do the output levels compare?
The SH-8b at 16.6 kΩ is significantly hotter than the SH-8n at 7.2 kΚ. The bridge pickup will drive your amp harder and deliver more sustain and compression, while the neck pickup offers more articulation and responsiveness to picking dynamics.
What's the difference in construction between them?
Both are hand-built in Santa Barbara with ceramic magnets and black oxide screws. The SH-8b features vacuum wax potting (eliminates feedback) and oversized metal oxide pole pieces, while the SH-8n uses standard ceramic magnets with four-conductor wiring optimized for coil-splitting mods.