11108-13-RwNckl vs 11108-13-StrGzr — Compare
Seymour Duncan SH-4/SH-2n Set, Raw Nickel Cover Pickup vs Seymour Duncan SH-4/SH-2n Set, StarGazer Pickup
Both are the same SH-4/SH-2n pairing from Seymour Duncan with nearly identical specs and construction, but they differ in finish and subtle marketing positioning. The Raw Nickel Cover version emphasizes metal and progressive play with articulate clarity, while the StarGazer variant markets itself as a more versatile workhorse for hard rock, metal, and blues.
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Seymour Duncan SH-4/SH-2n Set, Raw Nickel Cover Pickup
Seymour Duncan SH-4/SH-2n Set, StarGazer Pickup
Specs side by side
| Seymour Duncan SH-4/SH-2n Set, Raw Nickel Cover Pickup | Seymour Duncan SH-4/SH-2n Set, StarGazer Pickup | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $269.00 | $269.00 |
| Brand | Seymour Duncan | Seymour Duncan |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Seymour Duncan SH-4/SH-2n Set, Raw Nickel Cover Pickup
- ✓ Raw nickel cover aesthetic
- ✓ Explicitly optimized tone profile for metal, progressive, and drop tunings
- ✓ Articulate clean tones alongside high-gain response
Why choose Seymour Duncan SH-4/SH-2n Set, StarGazer Pickup
- ✓ StarGazer finish option
- ✓ Broader genre positioning including blues and classic rock
- ✓ Proven decades-long track record as professional workhorse
Frequently asked questions
What is the actual difference in sound between these two?
The specs are nearly identical: both use Alnico V magnets, vacuum wax potting, and 4-conductor wiring. The Raw Nickel emphasizes articulate high-end and tight rhythm response, while StarGazer focuses on muscular low-mids and sustain. The functional tonal difference is minimal; the main distinction is marketing positioning and finish.
Which is better for metal and hard rock?
Both are equally capable for metal and hard rock. The Raw Nickel Cover is explicitly marketed for metal and drop tunings with emphasis on cutting treble and punchy mids. The StarGazer positions itself as a versatile workhorse that also handles blues, so either works well for aggressive genres.
Can these pickups handle blues and classic rock?
Yes. While the Raw Nickel Cover doesn't list blues as a strength, the SH-2n neck pickup is jazz-voiced and articulate, making it blues-capable. The StarGazer variant is explicitly marketed for blues alongside hard rock, making it a safer choice if genre versatility is a priority.
Are the DC resistance specs identical?
Nearly identical with minor variance: Raw Nickel shows SH-4 at 16.4 kΩ and SH-2n at 7.72 kΩ; StarGazer lists SH-4 at 16.6k and SH-2n at 7.5k. These differences are negligible and fall within typical manufacturing tolerance ranges.