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Seymour Duncan AS-1b, Blackouts, Hot Strat, Black Pickup vs Seymour Duncan SP90-1b Vintage P90 Soapbar Cream Pickup
The AS-1b is a high-output active pickup built for modern metal and hard rock with aggressive tone shaping, while the SP90-1b is a vintage-voiced passive P90 designed for blues, rock, and classic tones with natural breakup. Choose the AS-1b if you play high-gain styles; choose the SP90-1b if you want warm, articulate vintage character.
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Seymour Duncan AS-1b, Blackouts, Hot Strat, Black Pickup
Seymour Duncan SP90-1b Vintage P90 Soapbar Cream Pickup
Specs side by side
| Seymour Duncan AS-1b, Blackouts, Hot Strat, Black Pickup | Seymour Duncan SP90-1b Vintage P90 Soapbar Cream Pickup | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $115.00 | $115.00 |
| Brand | Seymour Duncan | Seymour Duncan |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Seymour Duncan AS-1b, Blackouts, Hot Strat, Black Pickup
- ✓ Active electronics with dual-mode output switching for gain control
- ✓ High-output ceramic design cuts through dense mixes in metal and hard rock
- ✓ 6.4 kHz resonant peak delivers cutting midrange ideal for lead work
- ✓ Controlled dynamics and sustained clarity at volume without feedback
Why choose Seymour Duncan SP90-1b Vintage P90 Soapbar Cream Pickup
- ✓ Vintage Alnico V construction delivers warm, authentic 1950s P90 tone
- ✓ Lower 3.8 kHz resonant peak creates natural midrange articulation for blues and rock
- ✓ Snappy attack and organic breakup without active electronics or batteries
- ✓ Wax-potted construction ensures stability and reduces microphonic feedback
Frequently asked questions
Which pickup works better for blues and vintage rock tones?
The SP90-1b is purpose-built for blues and classic rock with its 3.8 kHz resonant peak, Alnico V magnet, and natural breakup character. The AS-1b's aggressive high-output design and 6.4 kHz peak are optimized for modern metal and high-gain styles, not vintage tones.
Do I need a battery to power the AS-1b?
Yes, the AS-1b is an active pickup that requires a battery for its electronics. The SP90-1b is completely passive and requires no power source or batteries.
Can either pickup fit a standard Stratocaster?
The AS-1b retrofits into standard Stratocaster single-coil routes with no additional routing. The SP90-1b is a P90 soapbar design and requires a P90 routing, so it is not compatible with standard Strat cavities.
Which has more output and sustain?
The AS-1b delivers high output with sustained clarity optimized for high-gain contexts. The SP90-1b operates at 9.7k DC resistance with natural, organic breakup rather than aggressive sustain.