11102-65-MBc-8STR vs 11993-20 — Compare
Seymour Duncan Holcomb Scarlet Neck 8St Black Cover Pickup vs Seymour Duncan STC-3PSB Fundamental 3-Band Tone Circuit For Passive Pickups
The Holcomb Scarlet is a purpose-built 8-string neck pickup optimized for metal clarity and articulation, while the STC-3PSB is an active preamp circuit that enhances any passive pickup system with tone-shaping control. Choose the Holcomb if you need a specialized pickup for extended-range metal; choose the STC-3PSB if you want to upgrade your existing passive pickups' responsiveness across any genre.
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Seymour Duncan Holcomb Scarlet Neck 8St Black Cover Pickup
Seymour Duncan STC-3PSB Fundamental 3-Band Tone Circuit For Passive Pickups
Specs side by side
| Seymour Duncan Holcomb Scarlet Neck 8St Black Cover Pickup | Seymour Duncan STC-3PSB Fundamental 3-Band Tone Circuit For Passive Pickups | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $195.00 | $195.00 |
| Brand | Seymour Duncan | Seymour Duncan |
| Pickup Type | — | Any Position |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Seymour Duncan Holcomb Scarlet Neck 8St Black Cover Pickup
- ✓ Purpose-designed for 8-string extended-range guitars with ceramic magnet bite
- ✓ Coil-split capable via 4-conductor wire for expanded tonal range
- ✓ Articulate, note-separated tone ideal for high-output modern metal applications
- ✓ Passive design requires no batteries or preamp infrastructure
Why choose Seymour Duncan STC-3PSB Fundamental 3-Band Tone Circuit For Passive Pickups
- ✓ Works with any passive pickup system—no need to replace pickups
- ✓ 3-band active EQ provides surgical, independent bass/mid/treble shaping
- ✓ High headroom and low-noise performance across full frequency range
- ✓ Optional dual 9V battery wiring increases headroom for high-output applications
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the Holcomb Scarlet on a standard 6-string guitar?
No. The Holcomb Scarlet is specifically engineered as an 8-string neck-position pickup. It is designed for extended-range applications and would not fit or function properly on standard 6-string instruments.
Will the STC-3PSB work with the Holcomb Scarlet pickup?
Yes. The STC-3PSB is designed for passive pickups, and the Holcomb Scarlet is a passive pickup. Together they would provide active tone shaping on top of the pickup's ceramic bite, adding flexibility beyond the passive-only voice.
Which option is better for jazz or blues?
Neither product is ideally suited for jazz or blues. The Holcomb Scarlet is explicitly designed for metal and aggressive extended-range playing. The STC-3PSB is genre-agnostic and would enhance existing pickups, but it would not address the fundamental voiced character of these products away from high-gain, articulate applications.
What's the power requirement difference?
The Holcomb Scarlet is passive and requires no power or batteries. The STC-3PSB requires a single 9V battery, with the option to wire two 9V batteries in series for increased headroom in high-output situations.