11102-92-B vs 11106-32-B — Compare
Seymour Duncan Black Winter, Humbucker Set Black Pickup vs Seymour Duncan AHB-1S Original Blackouts Neck/Bridge Pickup Set Black Cover
The Black Winter is a passive humbucker set with ceramic magnets throughout, offering modern high-output tone at a lower price point. The AHB-1S Original Blackouts are active humbuckers with onboard preamps, delivering thicker midrange aggression and greater dynamic response, but requiring a battery and more complex installation.
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Seymour Duncan Black Winter, Humbucker Set Black Pickup
Seymour Duncan AHB-1S Original Blackouts Neck/Bridge Pickup Set Black Cover
Specs side by side
| Seymour Duncan Black Winter, Humbucker Set Black Pickup | Seymour Duncan AHB-1S Original Blackouts Neck/Bridge Pickup Set Black Cover | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $229.00 | $229.00 |
| Brand | Seymour Duncan | Seymour Duncan |
| Pickup Type | — | Set |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Seymour Duncan Black Winter, Humbucker Set Black Pickup
- ✓ Passive design requires no battery or external power
- ✓ Hand-crafted in Santa Barbara with consistent ceramic magnet pairing
- ✓ Lower entry price for high-output metal tone
- ✓ Simpler installation without active electronics
Why choose Seymour Duncan AHB-1S Original Blackouts Neck/Bridge Pickup Set Black Cover
- ✓ Active preamps provide superior dynamic control and articulation
- ✓ Includes all installation components: pots, wiring, battery clip, output jack
- ✓ Hybrid differential FET preamp with extremely low distortion (0.003% THD)
- ✓ Neck-bridge magnet contrast (alnico/ceramic) offers tonal versatility within one set
Frequently asked questions
Do either of these work with drop-tuned guitars?
Yes, both are explicitly designed for drop tunings and metal applications. The Blackouts' active preamps handle extreme tunings slightly better due to their dynamic control, but the passive Black Winter also performs well in this context.
What's the main tone difference between them?
The Black Winter emphasizes modern clarity and articulation across all frequencies. The Blackouts deliver a thicker, midrange-focused aggression with controlled sustain and creamy lead tones, partly due to their active preamp shaping and the alnico-to-ceramic magnet pairing.
Which requires more technical skill to install?
The Black Winter is a simple drop-in passive replacement. The Blackouts require soldering the preamp circuit, routing for the battery clip, and connecting the output jack, making them more involved but still intermediate-level work.
Are these suitable for progressive metal?
The Black Winter is explicitly listed for progressive alongside metal and hard rock. The Blackouts focus on metal and hard rock but their articulate neck pickup and dynamic range support progressive playing equally well.