11202-05-L vs 11993-03 — Compare
Seymour Duncan SSL-5L Custom Staggered Strat Lft Pickup vs Seymour Duncan STC-2C-BO Blackouts Tone Circuits Concentric Pot Pickup
The SSL-5L is a vintage-voiced single-coil pickup for blues, rock, and americana on passive systems; the STC-2C-BO is a tone circuit control module for active Blackouts pickup systems designed for metal and hard rock. These serve entirely different purposes—one is a pickup replacement, the other is an electronics accessory—so the choice depends on whether you need a new pickup or a control upgrade for an existing active system.
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Seymour Duncan SSL-5L Custom Staggered Strat Lft Pickup
Seymour Duncan STC-2C-BO Blackouts Tone Circuits Concentric Pot Pickup
Specs side by side
| Seymour Duncan SSL-5L Custom Staggered Strat Lft Pickup | Seymour Duncan STC-2C-BO Blackouts Tone Circuits Concentric Pot Pickup | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $79.00 | $79.00 |
| Brand | Seymour Duncan | Seymour Duncan |
| Pickup Type | — | Any Position |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Seymour Duncan SSL-5L Custom Staggered Strat Lft Pickup
- ✓ Hand-wound Alnico 5 single-coil with articulate, responsive vintage tone
- ✓ Wax-potted construction eliminates microphonic squeal for stage reliability
- ✓ Left-handed configuration with staggered poles for balanced frequency response
- ✓ Affordable entry into authentic Strat character across skill levels
Why choose Seymour Duncan STC-2C-BO Blackouts Tone Circuits Concentric Pot Pickup
- ✓ Compact concentric potentiometer saves space in crowded control cavities
- ✓ Integrates seamlessly with Seymour Duncan Blackouts active pickup ecosystem
- ✓ Dual-function tone control from single mounting location simplifies wiring
- ✓ Professional-grade electronics for aggressive, high-energy tones
Frequently asked questions
Can I use these together?
Not directly. The SSL-5L is a passive single-coil pickup; the STC-2C-BO is a control circuit for active Blackouts systems. They operate on different electrical architectures.
Which is better for blues and classic rock?
The SSL-5L is purpose-built for blues, classic rock, and Americana with its vintage-warmth voice and responsive dynamics. The STC-2C-BO is designed for metal and hard rock with active pickups, making it unsuitable for traditional blues contexts.
What if I have a right-handed guitar?
The SSL-5L is specifically left-handed. For right-handed instruments, you would need the SSL-5 (standard right-handed version). The STC-2C-BO has no handedness and works with any Blackouts-equipped guitar.
Are both budget-friendly?
Both are listed in the budget price tier. The SSL-5L replaces a pickup entirely, while the STC-2C-BO is an electronics module, so they represent different investment categories depending on your current setup.