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Seymour Duncan Humbucker SH-5 7-String Duncan Custom Pickup vs Seymour Duncan SPH90-1N Phat Cat Neck Pickup(Nickel Cover)
The SH-5 is a 7-string humbucker built for modern extended-range genres like metal and djent, while the Phat Cat is a single-coil neck pickup designed for blues, rock, and jazz on standard guitars. Choose the SH-5 if you play 7-string drop-tuned music; choose the Phat Cat if you want warm, articulate neck-position tone on a traditional setup.
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Seymour Duncan Humbucker SH-5 7-String Duncan Custom Pickup
Seymour Duncan SPH90-1N Phat Cat Neck Pickup(Nickel Cover)
Specs side by side
| Seymour Duncan Humbucker SH-5 7-String Duncan Custom Pickup | Seymour Duncan SPH90-1N Phat Cat Neck Pickup(Nickel Cover) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $115.00 | $115.00 |
| Brand | Seymour Duncan | Seymour Duncan |
| Pickup Type | Bridge | Neck |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Seymour Duncan Humbucker SH-5 7-String Duncan Custom Pickup
- ✓ Purpose-built for 7-string guitars with direct mount configuration and included mounting ring
- ✓ Moderate output with ceramic magnet balances aggression and clarity across drop-tuned tunings
- ✓ Vacuum wax potting eliminates feedback during high-gain and rapid switching
- ✓ 4-conductor shielded lead enables coil-splitting or series/parallel wiring flexibility
Why choose Seymour Duncan SPH90-1N Phat Cat Neck Pickup(Nickel Cover)
- ✓ True single-coil character with aggressive treble and smooth midrange articulation
- ✓ Alnico 2 magnets and RW/RP configuration deliver hum-free operation without sacrificing tone
- ✓ Nickel-silver cover and flat bobbins minimize unwanted resonance and mechanical noise
- ✓ Specialized neck-position design ideal for blues, rock, jazz, and studio work
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the Phat Cat on a 7-string guitar?
No. The Phat Cat is a standard single-coil neck pickup designed for traditional 6-string guitars. The SH-5 is the 7-string humbucker with specific mounting hardware for extended-range instruments.
Which pickup works better for metal and high-gain?
The SH-5 is purpose-built for metal and djent with feedback-free vacuum wax potting and controlled sustain suited to high-gain rigs. The Phat Cat is not ideal for metal and thrash metal applications.
What's the key tonal difference?
The SH-5 delivers punchy, balanced humbucker aggression with presence-focused output; the Phat Cat offers warm, articulate single-coil character with smooth mids and aggressive treble. They serve different guitar types and genres.
Are both pickups hand-built and noise-free?
Yes, both are hand-built in Santa Barbara and use vacuum wax potting to eliminate feedback and squeal. The Phat Cat additionally uses a nickel-silver cover and RW/RP configuration for 60-cycle hum rejection in single-coil design.