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Seymour Duncan SH-11 Custom Custom Black Pickup vs Seymour Duncan SH-16 59/Custom Hybrid, Black Pickup
The SH-11 Custom Custom is hotter (14.4k ohms) with Alnico II for maximum punch and definition in high-gain metal, while the SH-16 '59/Custom Hybrid is lower-output (11.5k ohms) with Alnico V and a coil-split design that blends vintage warmth with modern bite for versatile hard rock and metal. Choose the SH-11 for raw aggression and clarity; choose the SH-16 for tonal flexibility and classic-meets-modern character.
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Seymour Duncan SH-11 Custom Custom Black Pickup
Seymour Duncan SH-16 59/Custom Hybrid, Black Pickup
Specs side by side
| Seymour Duncan SH-11 Custom Custom Black Pickup | Seymour Duncan SH-16 59/Custom Hybrid, Black Pickup | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $115.00 | $115.00 |
| Brand | Seymour Duncan | Seymour Duncan |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Seymour Duncan SH-11 Custom Custom Black Pickup
- ✓ Higher output (14.4k ohms) for more aggressive front-end drive and sustain in high-gain rigs
- ✓ Alnico II magnet delivers smooth top-end with excellent note separation for lead work
- ✓ Punchy, articulate midrange cuts through dense mixes with defined presence
- ✓ Simpler single-coil design optimized purely for bridge-position aggression
Why choose Seymour Duncan SH-16 59/Custom Hybrid, Black Pickup
- ✓ Hybrid '59/Custom coil architecture offers both vintage warmth and modern aggression in one pickup
- ✓ Lower output (11.5k ohms) remains responsive to pick dynamics and amp nuances without over-compression
- ✓ Alnico V magnet with 5.95 kHz resonant peak produces articulate highs and balanced harmonic complexity
- ✓ Four-conductor lead wire with coil-split capability enables on-the-fly tonal shaping
Frequently asked questions
Which pickup works better for drop tunings and ultra-heavy metal?
The SH-11 Custom Custom's higher output (14.4k ohms) and Alnico II design excel in extreme gain contexts where maximum punch and sustain matter most. The SH-16 remains capable but prioritizes responsiveness over raw aggression, making it better suited to balanced heavy rock rather than extreme metal.
Can I get vintage tones from either pickup?
The SH-16 '59/Custom Hybrid explicitly pairs a vintage '59 coil with a modern Custom coil, giving it built-in classic warmth alongside aggression. The SH-11 focuses on modern clarity and punch with smoother top-end character but lacks the hybrid vintage-modern blend.
Do these pickups have coil-splitting capability?
Both feature 4-conductor lead wires that support coil-splitting and series/parallel switching. The SH-16's hybrid design makes coil-split particularly versatile since the two coils have different output levels and magnets.
Which is more responsive to pick dynamics and subtle gain adjustments?
The SH-16's lower output and Alnico V magnet preserve pick dynamics better across different amp settings. The SH-11's higher output and medium-hot character can feel more compressed at moderate gains, though it excels at high-gain clarity.