11106-30-Nc vs 11106-31-Nc — Compare
Seymour Duncan AHB-1N Original Blackouts Neck Pickup Nickel Cover vs Seymour Duncan AHB-1B Original Blackouts Bridge Pickup Nickel Cover
The AHB-1N is a neck pickup optimized for balanced mid-range articulation and clarity, while the AHB-1B is a bridge pickup engineered for aggressive high-end presence and punchy attack. Choose the AHB-1N if you need definition and controlled output in the neck position; choose the AHB-1B for a bridge pickup that cuts through dense mixes with upper-midrange bite.
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Seymour Duncan AHB-1N Original Blackouts Neck Pickup Nickel Cover
Seymour Duncan AHB-1B Original Blackouts Bridge Pickup Nickel Cover
Specs side by side
| Seymour Duncan AHB-1N Original Blackouts Neck Pickup Nickel Cover | Seymour Duncan AHB-1B Original Blackouts Bridge Pickup Nickel Cover | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $135.00 | $135.00 |
| Brand | Seymour Duncan | Seymour Duncan |
| Pickup Type | Neck | Bridge |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Seymour Duncan AHB-1N Original Blackouts Neck Pickup Nickel Cover
- ✓ 750 Hz resonant frequency delivers balanced mid-range articulation ideal for neck position
- ✓ Maximum output of 2.60 Volts RMS provides greater headroom and dynamic range
- ✓ Alnico V bar magnet produces warmer, more controlled aggression
- ✓ Optimized for clarity and string separation in high-gain contexts
Why choose Seymour Duncan AHB-1B Original Blackouts Bridge Pickup Nickel Cover
- ✓ 530 KHz resonant peak emphasizes upper-midrange presence and high-end cutting power
- ✓ Ceramic bar magnet generates aggressive harmonic content for punchy attack
- ✓ 2.00 Volts RMS output tuned for bridge position response and sustain control
- ✓ Designed specifically for drop tunings and dense mix environments
Frequently asked questions
What is the key tonal difference between these two pickups?
The AHB-1N prioritizes balanced mid-range articulation with a 750 Hz resonant frequency, while the AHB-1B emphasizes upper-midrange presence with a 530 KHz resonant peak. The AHB-1B produces more aggressive, cutting tones suited to bridge position; the AHB-1N delivers controlled clarity for the neck.
Are these pickups meant to be used as a matched pair?
These are designed as individual position-specific pickups—the AHB-1N for neck and AHB-1B for bridge. While both share the same active preamp topology and EQ controls, their magnet types and resonant frequencies are optimized separately for their respective positions.
Do both pickups require batteries and how long do they last?
Yes, both are active pickups powered by a single 9-volt battery. Each consumes 350 micro-amperes and delivers approximately 1420 hours of battery life per cell, meaning roughly 59 days of continuous use before replacement.
What is the output voltage difference and does it matter?
The AHB-1N reaches 2.60 Volts RMS maximum while the AHB-1B produces 2.00 Volts RMS. The higher output of the neck pickup provides additional headroom; the bridge's lower output is balanced by its aggressive harmonic character to prevent breakup in bridge position applications.