11104-05-Bc vs 11104-05-RNBc-TS — Compare
Seymour Duncan APH-1b Alnico II Pro Black Cover Pickup vs Seymour Duncan APH-1b Alnico II Pro Raw Nickel Bdr TShell Pickup
Both are Seymour Duncan APH-1b Alnico II Pro pickups voiced for classic tones, but they differ in output level, cover finish, and positioning. The Black Cover (7.85 kΩ) suits players seeking vintage warmth with versatile gain-stage compatibility, while the Raw Nickel Bridge (8.8 kΩ) targets those prioritizing pick dynamics and moderate output in classic and hard rock contexts.
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Seymour Duncan APH-1b Alnico II Pro Black Cover Pickup
Seymour Duncan APH-1b Alnico II Pro Raw Nickel Bdr TShell Pickup
Specs side by side
| Seymour Duncan APH-1b Alnico II Pro Black Cover Pickup | Seymour Duncan APH-1b Alnico II Pro Raw Nickel Bdr TShell Pickup | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $145.00 | $145.00 |
| Brand | Seymour Duncan | Seymour Duncan |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Seymour Duncan APH-1b Alnico II Pro Black Cover Pickup
- ✓ Lower DC resistance (7.85 kΩ) bridges vintage and modern specs for flexible gain staging
- ✓ Emphasis on upper-midrange clarity via 6.7 kHz resonant peak and 7/4/8 EQ voicing
- ✓ Warm, woody tone with singing sustain ideal for blues, jazz, and studio work
- ✓ Classic black cover maintains clean aesthetic
Why choose Seymour Duncan APH-1b Alnico II Pro Raw Nickel Bdr TShell Pickup
- ✓ Higher bridge output (8.8 kΩ DCR) provides more gain for overdrive and distortion
- ✓ Raw nickel cover with tortoise shell finish adds vintage visual character
- ✓ Balanced midrange captures pick dynamics and articulation without excess aggression
- ✓ Includes matching hookup cable for immediate installation
Frequently asked questions
What's the main spec difference between these two pickups?
The Black Cover has 7.85 kΩ DC resistance (neck-friendly, vintage-leaning) while the Raw Nickel Bridge has 8.8 kΩ (moderate output, bridge-voiced). Both use Alnico 2 magnets and nickel silver plates but are tuned for different positions and gain ranges.
Which is better for heavy rock or hard rock?
The Raw Nickel Bridge with its higher output (8.8 kΩ) is better suited for hard rock, providing more gain for overdrive while maintaining string definition. The Black Cover's lower resistance works better in classic rock and blues where sustain and articulation matter more than output.
Can I use either pickup in both neck and bridge positions?
The Black Cover is positioned as a general-purpose pickup compatible with both positions (available in humbucker and Trembucker spacing). The Raw Nickel Bridge is specifically voiced and DCR-rated for bridge position, where its moderate output and pick dynamics capture shine.
Are these pickups suitable for studio recording?
Yes, both are excellent for studio work. The Black Cover's articulate vintage character and touch responsiveness excel in controlled recording environments, while the Raw Nickel Bridge's balanced midrange and clean transient capture work well for classic rock and blues tracking.