11103-17-W vs 11103-17-Z — Compare
Seymour Duncan TB-5 Duncan Custom Trmbkr White Pickup vs Seymour Duncan TB-5 Duncan Custom Trembkr Zebra Pickup
Both are Seymour Duncan TB-5 Trembuckers with nearly identical specs (14.8k vs 14.1k ohms), but the White version emphasizes balanced, natural breakup and versatility across rock, metal, and fusion, while the Zebra version is tuned more aggressively for high-gain metal with a brighter EQ curve (7 Bass / 6 Mid / 9 Treble) and explicit squeal-free performance. Choose the White for tonal flexibility and moderate-gain clarity; choose the Zebra for pure high-gain aggression and drop-tuning metal.
No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.
Seymour Duncan TB-5 Duncan Custom Trmbkr White Pickup
Seymour Duncan TB-5 Duncan Custom Trembkr Zebra Pickup
Specs side by side
| Seymour Duncan TB-5 Duncan Custom Trmbkr White Pickup | Seymour Duncan TB-5 Duncan Custom Trembkr Zebra Pickup | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.00 | $99.00 |
| Brand | Seymour Duncan | Seymour Duncan |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Seymour Duncan TB-5 Duncan Custom Trmbkr White Pickup
- ✓ Balanced output with natural breakup—works well at moderate to high gain without forcing aggression
- ✓ Suited for rock, metal, and fusion—broader genre range than Zebra
- ✓ Focused clarity and definition emphasize note articulation in complex passages
- ✓ Hand-built Santa Barbara construction with proven versatility across skill levels
Why choose Seymour Duncan TB-5 Duncan Custom Trembkr Zebra Pickup
- ✓ Explicitly tuned for high-gain and drop tunings with tight, controlled low end
- ✓ Brighter EQ curve (9 Treble) cuts aggressively through dense mixes and heavy riffs
- ✓ Guaranteed squeal-free performance at any volume—critical for extreme gain
- ✓ Signature zebra coil pattern with resonant peak at 6 kHz for articulate upper midrange
Frequently asked questions
What's the actual difference in output between these two pickups?
The White lists 14.8k ohms and the Zebra lists 14.1k ohms—both are medium-output designs with negligible practical difference. The Zebra's brighter EQ curve (7 Bass / 6 Mid / 9 Treble) creates the illusion of higher output through upper-midrange and treble emphasis.
Which one is better for drop tunings and very heavy music?
The Zebra TB-5 is explicitly optimized for drop tunings and high-gain metal with its tight low end and 6 kHz resonant peak. The White version is more balanced and may not cut as aggressively in the heaviest applications.
Can I use either of these for fusion or cleaner tones?
The White TB-5 is designed for rock, metal, and fusion with natural breakup at moderate gain; it handles cleaner tones well. The Zebra is tuned for aggression and high-gain, making it less ideal for fusion or anything requiring tonal subtlety.
Are both hand-built and vacuum wax potted?
Yes, both are hand-built in Santa Barbara and vacuum wax potted to eliminate microphonic noise. The Zebra explicitly advertises squeal-free performance as a key feature for extreme-gain users.