11206-10-B vs 11206-11-B — Compare
Seymour Duncan AS-1n, Blackouts, Hot Strat, Black Pickup vs Seymour Duncan AS-1b, Blackouts, Hot Strat, Black Pickup
The AS-1n is voiced for neck/middle positions with a 4.80 kHz peak emphasizing presence and articulation across the frequency spectrum, while the AS-1b is a bridge-specific pickup with a 6.4 kHz peak that cuts through with punchy midrange and bright transients. Choose the AS-1n if you're upgrading neck or middle positions; choose the AS-1b if you need an aggressive bridge pickup for lead work and high-gain clarity.
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Seymour Duncan AS-1n, Blackouts, Hot Strat, Black Pickup
Seymour Duncan AS-1b, Blackouts, Hot Strat, Black Pickup
Specs side by side
| Seymour Duncan AS-1n, Blackouts, Hot Strat, Black Pickup | Seymour Duncan AS-1b, Blackouts, Hot Strat, Black Pickup | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $115.00 | $115.00 |
| Brand | Seymour Duncan | Seymour Duncan |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Seymour Duncan AS-1n, Blackouts, Hot Strat, Black Pickup
- ✓ Flexible positioning—designed for neck or middle slots with presence-driven tone
- ✓ Lower resonant peak (4.80 kHz) delivers smoother articulation and reduced harshness
- ✓ AlNiCo V magnet character suits a wider range of rock and metal styles
- ✓ Complete wiring kit included for straightforward installation
Why choose Seymour Duncan AS-1b, Blackouts, Hot Strat, Black Pickup
- ✓ Purpose-built bridge pickup with higher output and cutting midrange (6.4 kHz peak)
- ✓ Ceramic magnet and 6/8/6 EQ curve engineered specifically for lead work and sustained high-gain clarity
- ✓ Two-conductor shielded cable minimizes noise in high-gain rigs
- ✓ Dual-mode output switching matches preamp input sensitivity and controls saturation
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the AS-1b in the neck position or the AS-1n in the bridge position?
The AS-1n is designed for neck or middle slots, while the AS-1b is engineered as a bridge pickup. While both are Stratocaster single-coil drop-ins, their voice and output characteristics are optimized for their intended positions, so using them elsewhere will yield compromised tone.
What's the main tonal difference between AlNiCo V and ceramic magnets here?
The AS-1n's AlNiCo V magnet with a 4.80 kHz peak produces smoother, more articulate highs and broader presence. The AS-1b's ceramic magnet peaks at 6.4 kHz for a sharper, more cutting midrange ideal for slicing through dense high-gain mixes.
Do both pickups require soldering, or can I install them without rewiring?
Both are drop-in replacements into standard Strat cavities and include complete wiring kits. The dual-pin underside configuration on both allows output-mode switching without soldering.
Which pickup is better for modern metal and lead work?
The AS-1b is specifically engineered for metal, hard rock, and high-gain lead work, with a bridge-position design and cutting midrange tuned to sustain clarity at volume. The AS-1n is better suited to all-around rock and metal rhythm and support positions.