11106-30-B vs 11106-31-B — Compare
Seymour Duncan AHB-1N Original Blackouts Neck Pickup Black Cover vs Seymour Duncan AHB-1B Original Blackouts Bridge Pickup Black Cover
The AHB-1N is a neck-position pickup engineered for articulate clarity and defined response, while the AHB-1B is a bridge-position pickup voiced for aggressive punchy lows and cutting highs. Choose the AHB-1N if you need a balanced, transparent neck option; choose the AHB-1B if you want maximum aggression and high-frequency cut at the bridge.
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Seymour Duncan AHB-1N Original Blackouts Neck Pickup Black Cover
Seymour Duncan AHB-1B Original Blackouts Bridge Pickup Black Cover
Specs side by side
| Seymour Duncan AHB-1N Original Blackouts Neck Pickup Black Cover | Seymour Duncan AHB-1B Original Blackouts Bridge Pickup Black Cover | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $115.00 | $115.00 |
| Brand | Seymour Duncan | Seymour Duncan |
| Pickup Type | Neck | Bridge |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Seymour Duncan AHB-1N Original Blackouts Neck Pickup Black Cover
- ✓ Alnico V magnet delivers articulate, transparent response ideal for neck clarity
- ✓ 750 Hz resonant frequency keeps neck position defined and musical
- ✓ Lower noise floor (–97 dBV) with minimal THD for studio-grade recordings
- ✓ 0.65V RMS output balances aggression with dynamic range control
Why choose Seymour Duncan AHB-1B Original Blackouts Bridge Pickup Black Cover
- ✓ Ceramic magnet and EQ voicing (6/5/8) optimized for metal bridge aggression
- ✓ 530 KHz resonant peak cuts through dense high-gain mixes
- ✓ Punchy low-end emphasis with sizzling highs for modern djent and hardcore
- ✓ 12–14 dB noise reduction edge over competing active pickups
Frequently asked questions
Can I use these pickups together as a matched set?
Yes—both are 9-volt active Blackouts designed for metal and hard rock. They're voiced differently (AHB-1N for clarity, AHB-1B for aggression) but share the same power requirements and installation footprint, making them a common pairing in modern metal guitars.
What's the main tonal difference between Alnico V and ceramic magnets here?
The AHB-1N's Alnico V magnet produces a more articulate, transparent response suited to neck clarity. The AHB-1B's ceramic magnet emphasizes punchy lows and aggressive highs, typical of bridge-position voicing in high-gain contexts.
How long do the 9-volt batteries last in these pickups?
The AHB-1N is rated for 1420 hours of battery life per charge, providing extended touring and recording sessions with minimal downtime. The AHB-1B uses the same 9-volt power system but specific battery life is not detailed in its specs.
Are these suitable for drop tunings and extended-range guitars?
Yes—both pickups are engineered for metal, hard rock, and drop-tuning applications. Their tight low-end response and active electronics handle lower tunings and extended-range instruments without muddiness or loss of articulation.