11601-09-BNc vs 11601-09-Gc — Compare
Seymour Duncan PAF Benedetto Pickup (Black or Nickel) vs Seymour Duncan PAF Benedetto Pickup (Gold)
Both are hand-built Seymour Duncan PAF Benedetto pickups with identical electronics (Alnico 5, 8.3k ohms, 4-conductor shielded wire), differing only in finish color and stated genre suitability. The Black/Nickel version emphasizes jazz and studio work, while the Gold version extends into rock—choose based on aesthetic preference and whether rock tones matter to you.
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Seymour Duncan PAF Benedetto Pickup (Black or Nickel)
Specs side by side
| Seymour Duncan PAF Benedetto Pickup (Black or Nickel) | Seymour Duncan PAF Benedetto Pickup (Gold) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $139.00 | $139.00 |
| Brand | Seymour Duncan | Seymour Duncan |
| Pickup Type | Any Position | Any Position |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Seymour Duncan PAF Benedetto Pickup (Black or Nickel)
- ✓ Explicitly optimized for jazz, blues, and studio sessions
- ✓ Warm, articulate tone with smooth midrange and controlled output
- ✓ Hand-built in Santa Barbara with meticulous quality control
Why choose Seymour Duncan PAF Benedetto Pickup (Gold)
- ✓ Broader genre range—suitable for jazz, blues, and rock applications
- ✓ Gold finish offers classic aesthetic appeal and RF shielding
- ✓ Natural compression and harmonic richness for dynamic response
Frequently asked questions
Are the electronics identical between these two pickups?
Yes. Both feature Alnico 5 bar magnets, 8.3k ohms DC resistance, 4-conductor shielded lead wire, standard humbucker mounting, and hand-built Santa Barbara construction. The only difference is the cover finish color.
Which one is better for rock?
The Gold version explicitly lists rock in its best-for genres, while the Black/Nickel version does not. However, they share identical tone electronics, so the primary difference is marketing positioning and aesthetics.
Do these pickups work with split-coil and series/parallel switching?
Yes. Both include 4-conductor lead wire that supports coil-splitting and series/parallel wiring configurations if your guitar's electronics accommodate them.
What skill level do these suit?
Both are rated for intermediate, advanced, and professional players. The articulate voicing and controlled output reward technique and nuance.