Seymour Duncan SH-3 Staggered Mag Zebra Pickup
Share
- Brand new in original box
- Full Seymour Duncan manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- 11102-09-Z
Description
Seymour Duncan SH-3 Staggered Mag Zebra Pickup
The SH-3 is a medium-output bridge humbucker engineered for articulate, balanced punch without sacrificing clarity in the high end. Its staggered magnet design and Alnico 2 construction deliver responsive dynamics that capture pick attack accurately while maintaining a controlled low end. Built by hand in Seymour Duncan's Santa Barbara Custom Shop, this pickup excels in both high-gain and moderate-gain recording applications where definition and separation matter.
Tone & Recording Character
The SH-3 produces medium output with a DC resistance of 16.6K, positioning it for clean gain staging across different amplifier types and recording chains. Vacuum wax potting eliminates microphonic squeal while preserving the natural resonance of its Alnico 2 rod magnets, resulting in a pickup that remains articulate even at volume and captures definition through heavy compression during mix-down.
Design & Studio Versatility
Hand-built construction and a nickel silver bottom plate ensure reliable magnetic coupling and session-to-session consistency. The 4-conductor lead wire enables series, parallel, split, and other custom wiring configurations, providing production flexibility for tracking different tonal approaches or integrating coil-tap integration during overdubs.
Key Features
- Bridge position humbucker for 6-string guitar
- Alnico 2 rod magnets for responsive, articulate tone
- Medium output (16.6K DC resistance)
- Staggered magnet design for balanced string response
- Nickel silver bottom plate
- Vacuum wax potted for squeal-free performance
- 4-conductor lead wire for multiple wiring options
- Hand-built in Seymour Duncan's Santa Barbara Custom Shop
- Zebra finish (Creme and Black)
- Humbucker mount type
- Made in United States
The SH-3 combines proven Seymour Duncan craftsmanship with a sonic character that bridges vintage warmth and modern clarity—a workhorse bridge pickup that records with excess definition without unnecessary gain, ideal for dense mixes and layered tracking.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The Seymour Duncan SH-3 is a medium-output bridge humbucker engineered to sit clearly in dense mixes without sacrificing articulation or low-end control, making it ideal for recording rock, metal, and progressive sessions where pick definition and dynamic response matter. Its Alnico 2 construction and staggered magnet design preserve high-end clarity even under gain, while vacuum wax potting ensures squeal-free tracking during overdubs. The 4-conductor lead wire enables parallel, split, and series wiring options in the studio, letting you reshape its character during tracking or final arrangement.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Rock
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Progressive
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the SH-3 different from other Seymour Duncan bridge pickups like the SH-2?
The SH-3 sits in the middle ground between vintage and modern output (16.6K DC resistance) with a staggered magnet design that prioritizes articulation and high-end clarity over raw gain. It excels in high-gain settings where definition matters, whereas the SH-2 leans more toward vintage warmth.
Will this pickup work in my current guitar, and can I modify it later?
The SH-3 is a standard humbucker mount for 6-string guitars and includes a 4-conductor lead wire that supports series, parallel, split, and coil-tap wiring. If your guitar has standard humbucker cavities, it installs without routing; the 4-conductor design lets you add splits or taps down the road.
Is the SH-3 suitable for high-gain metal and hard rock?
Yes—the SH-3 is engineered specifically for high-gain and moderate-gain applications in rock, hard rock, and metal, delivering controlled low end and responsive dynamics that keep your playing definition intact even at volume.
What does vacuum wax potting do, and why does it matter?
Vacuum wax potting eliminates microphonic squeal (feedback) that can occur in unpotted pickups, while preserving the natural resonance of the Alnico 2 magnets. This means you stay articulate and squeal-free during recording, live performance, or high-gain tracking.
Is this pickup hand-built, and where?
Yes—the SH-3 is hand-built in Seymour Duncan's Santa Barbara Custom Shop and made in the United States, ensuring consistent quality and reliable performance over time.
Compare With
Similar Gear
Complete the Rig
Gear that pairs well with this.
✨ For You
Based on what you've been looking at.