11102-80-RZ vs 11102-87-B — Compare
Seymour Duncan SH-12 Screamin' Demon Reverse Zeb Pickup vs Seymour Duncan SH-18b Whole Lotta Humbucker bridge Black Pickup
The SH-12 Screamin' Demon is a medium-output pickup prioritizing articulate clarity and scooped mids for lead definition, while the SH-18b Whole Lotta is a high-output powerhouse with thick, saturated midrange for maximum aggression in high-gain rigs. Choose the SH-12 if you want note separation and versatility across gain levels; choose the SH-18b if you play heavy music and want maximum compression and presence.
No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.
Seymour Duncan SH-12 Screamin' Demon Reverse Zeb Pickup
Seymour Duncan SH-18b Whole Lotta Humbucker bridge Black Pickup
Specs side by side
| Seymour Duncan SH-12 Screamin' Demon Reverse Zeb Pickup | Seymour Duncan SH-18b Whole Lotta Humbucker bridge Black Pickup | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129.00 | $129.00 |
| Brand | Seymour Duncan | Seymour Duncan |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Seymour Duncan SH-12 Screamin' Demon Reverse Zeb Pickup
- ✓ Medium output (10.10 DCR) stays clear and defined even at extreme gain settings
- ✓ Scooped mids prevent muddiness in tight tunings and complex chord work
- ✓ Alnico 5 bar magnet with slightly overwound coils balances aggression and harmonic complexity
- ✓ Mixed pole piece design allows fine-tuned output balance across strings
Why choose Seymour Duncan SH-18b Whole Lotta Humbucker bridge Black Pickup
- ✓ High output (8.78k DCR) delivers thick, saturated tone ideal for modern metal and hard rock
- ✓ Rough cast Alnico 5 bar magnet produces punchy, well-defined articulation without losing power
- ✓ Controlled feedback response engineered specifically for high-gain amplifiers and overdrive circuits
- ✓ Present treble character cuts through dense mixes without sounding thin
Frequently asked questions
Which pickup handles lower tunings better?
The SH-18b Whole Lotta's higher output and thicker midrange provide more stability and presence in drop tunings and extended range instruments. The SH-12's scooped character can become too thin in very low tunings unless your amp adds substantial mids.
Can either pickup handle blues or classic rock?
The SH-12 Screamin' Demon is more versatile for blues and classic rock due to its medium output and controlled character. The SH-18b is designed primarily for metal and hard rock; its high output and thick tone will overdrive most blues-oriented amplifiers too aggressively.
Which has better string-to-string response?
The SH-12's mixed pole piece design with adjustable screws and Allen head screws specifically allows fine-tuned output balance between individual strings. The SH-18b uses standard dual coil construction without this customization feature.
What is the practical output difference?
The SH-18b at 8.78k DCR is approximately 13% hotter than the SH-12 at 10.10 DCR. This difference results in more preamp compression and saturation on the SH-18b, while the SH-12 remains more transparent to your amplifier's gain structure.