Seymour Duncan SH-8n & b, Invader, Set, StarGazer Pickup
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- Brand new in original box
- Full Seymour Duncan manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- 11108-31-StrGzr
Description
Seymour Duncan SH-8n & SH-8b Invader Set, StarGazer Pickup
The Seymour Duncan Invader set captures aggressive, articulate high-output performance with muscular low-end definition and crystalline top-end clarity in the studio or live rig. Built for sessions demanding maximum sustain and cut through dense mixes, these hand-built humbuckers maintain definition and tracking even at extreme gain levels. The matched SH-8b bridge and SH-8n neck configuration provides balanced response across both positions while preserving the aggressive character this pickup is known for, making it a reliable choice for recording everything from standard tunings to drop-tuned riffs.
Design & Construction
Hand-built in Seymour Duncan's Santa Barbara factory using three massive ceramic bar magnets and oversized metal oxide pole pieces, these pickups are engineered for maximum output and clarity in the tracking chain. Vacuum wax potting eliminates microphonic feedback and squeal, critical for maintaining stability during high-gain recording sessions where feedback control directly impacts usable takes and mix clarity.
Tone & Performance
The specially overwound coils and ultra-high output character deliver aggressive articulation with punchy mids and extended sustain, translating well across drop-tuned and standard tuning recordings. The 4-conductor lead wire enables flexible wiring configurations, allowing coil-tapping or series/parallel switching for session versatility—dial in tighter, darker voicings for rhythm work or unlock brighter articulation for lead passages without changing pickups.
Key Features
- Hand-built in Santa Barbara, California
- Ultra-high output passive humbuckers
- Three massive ceramic bar magnets per pickup
- Oversized metal oxide pole pieces
- Specially overwound coils for maximum output
- Vacuum wax potted for squeal-free high-gain performance
- Nickel silver bottom plate
- 4-conductor lead wire for wiring flexibility
- 12 black oxide cap screws
- Matched SH-8b bridge and SH-8n neck configuration
This set delivers the aggressive, feedback-free performance essential for tracking demanding high-gain material—reliable articulation and output that cuts through dense arrangements and holds up across multiple takes in professional and home studio environments alike.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
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At a Glance
The Seymour Duncan Invader set is a high-output passive humbucker pair designed to capture articulate, defined metal and hard-rock tones with aggressive character and extended sustain in the mix. These hand-built pickups maintain clarity and punchy midrange definition even under heavy compression and saturation, making them excellent for tracking lead work and rhythm parts that demand cut and presence. The matched neck-and-bridge configuration and 4-conductor wiring give you flexibility to coil-tap or switch series/parallel during sessions, letting you dial in aggression without sacrificing studio versatility.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Drop Tunings
- ✓ High-Gain Lead Work
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Blues
- – Clean Tones
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these pickups good for drop tunings and heavy styles?
Yes—the Invader set is specifically designed for drop tunings, metal, and hard rock. The ultra-high output, muscular low end, and extended sustain work together to keep definition and punch intact even in lower tunings without feedback, thanks to vacuum wax potting that eliminates squeal under high gain.
What's the difference between the SH-8b and SH-8n?
The SH-8b is the bridge pickup and SH-8n is the neck pickup. They're matched to work as a set with balanced response across both positions while maintaining the aggressive Invader character, so the neck remains articulate and clear rather than muddy.
Can I use these for genres like jazz or blues?
These pickups are optimized for metal and hard rock and are not ideal for jazz or blues playing. Their ultra-high output, aggressive midrange, and crystalline top end are voiced for gain and cut rather than clean, dynamic, or subtle tones those genres require.
What wiring options does the 4-conductor lead wire enable?
The 4-conductor configuration allows you to coil-tap or switch between series and parallel wiring, giving you tonal flexibility without changing the core aggressive voice. This lets you dial in different articulation and output levels for different songs or sections.
How does the hand-built construction affect performance?
Each pickup is hand-built in Santa Barbara with three ceramic bar magnets and oversized pole pieces, then vacuum wax potted to eliminate microphonic feedback—critical for maintaining stability and clarity during high-gain play on stage or in the studio. This construction ensures consistent quality and feedback-free performance.
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