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Seymour Duncan SH-PG1b Prly Gates Black Cover Pickup vs Seymour Duncan SH-PG1b Prly Gates Raw Nickel Rad Gold Msh Pickup

Both are Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates bridge pickups with identical core construction, but they're voiced for different contexts: the Black Cover excels in blues, rock, and alternative with its touch-sensitive, articulate character, while the Raw Nickel is optimized for hard rock and metal with a more pronounced treble peak and defined midrange presence. Choose based on genre and whether you prioritize vintage-modern balance or cutting clarity.

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Seymour Duncan SH-PG1b Prly Gates Black Cover Pickup

$159.00
View Seymour Duncan SH-PG1b Prly Gates Black Cover Pickup

Seymour Duncan SH-PG1b Prly Gates Raw Nickel Rad Gold Msh Pickup

$159.00
View Seymour Duncan SH-PG1b Prly Gates Raw Nickel Rad Gold Msh Pickup

Specs side by side

Seymour Duncan SH-PG1b Prly Gates Black Cover PickupSeymour Duncan SH-PG1b Prly Gates Raw Nickel Rad Gold Msh Pickup
Price$159.00$159.00
BrandSeymour DuncanSeymour Duncan
ConditionNewNew

Why choose Seymour Duncan SH-PG1b Prly Gates Black Cover Pickup

  • Touch-sensitive response ideal for expressive blues and alternative playing
  • Balanced harmonic complexity bridges vintage warmth and modern clarity
  • Assertive presence without excessive aggression across rhythm and lead

Why choose Seymour Duncan SH-PG1b Prly Gates Raw Nickel Rad Gold Msh Pickup

  • Specified 8.35k ohm resistance and 6.5 kHz peak deliver cutting treble clarity for hard rock and metal
  • EQ curve (6/5/9) provides pronounced high-end definition and well-defined midrange punch
  • Raw nickel finish offers authentic vintage aesthetic with modern reliability
Bottom line: Choose the Black Cover if you play blues, rock, or alternative and value touch sensitivity and harmonic balance. Choose the Raw Nickel if you need hard rock or metal output with specified treble clarity and a more aggressive midrange presence.

Frequently asked questions

What's the main tonal difference between these two pickups?

The Black Cover emphasizes balanced warmth, articulation, and touch sensitivity across genres. The Raw Nickel is tuned with a higher treble peak (6.5 kHz) and a 6/5/9 EQ curve that prioritizes cutting clarity and defined midrange, making it louder and more aggressive for metal and hard rock.

Are both suitable for metal and djent?

The Raw Nickel is better suited for metal and hard rock due to its specified higher output and treble clarity. The Black Cover is explicitly noted as not ideal for metal and djent, as its balanced character lacks the aggression those genres demand.

Do both pickups have the same construction?

Yes—both use Alnico 2 bar magnets, vacuum wax potting, 4-conductor leads, nickel silver bottom plates, and are hand-built using Seymour Duncan's original Leesona winding machine. The Raw Nickel provides specified electrical specs (8.35k ohms, 6.5 kHz), while the Black Cover emphasizes subjective voicing characteristics.

Which is better for studio recording?

The Raw Nickel is recommended for studio sessions and offers more predictable, specified tonal characteristics. The Black Cover works in studios too but is geared toward live gigging versatility across blues, rock, and alternative styles.

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