Seymour Duncan SPH90-1B Phat Cat Bridge Pickup(Gold Cover)
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Seymour Duncan SPH90-1B Phat Cat Bridge Pickup(Gold Cover)
In stock
- SKU
- 11302-16-GC
Description
Seymour Duncan SPH90-1B Phat Cat Bridge Pickup (Gold Cover)
The Seymour Duncan SPH90-1B Phat Cat Bridge captures warm, articulate midrange character with surprising clarity for a compact humbucker-sized design. This hand-built pickup excels at tracking pick dynamics and organic sustain without sacrificing definition, making it a natural choice for sessions requiring vintage-influenced tones with modern reliability and punch.
Tone & Recording Character
Built on an Alnico 2 dual bar magnet structure, this pickup generates a resonant peak at 6.05 kHz that sits vocal midrange frequencies prominently in dense mixes while keeping high-end breakup smooth and musical. The 8.49 kΩ DC resistance positions it in the moderate output range, delivering sufficient signal for lead and rhythm tracking while preserving articulation across chord voicings and single-note passages.
Construction & Studio Reliability
Each pickup is hand built in Santa Barbara, CA and finished with vacuum wax potting for superior noise rejection and consistent performance across recording sessions. The nickel silver bottom plate and gold cover provide effective shielding against hum and interference, while the robust construction ensures stable output across varying pickup heights, playing dynamics, and session demands.
Key Features
- Alnico 2 dual bar magnets for warm, balanced magnetic field
- 8.49 kΩ DC resistance (bridge position)
- 6.05 kHz resonant peak emphasizing articulate midrange
- Gold cover (custom finish option)
- Nickel silver bottom plate for effective shielding
- Vacuum wax potted construction for noise control
- Hand built in Santa Barbara, CA
- Single-conductor braided hookup cable included
- Humbucker-sized slot fitment — no routing required
- Includes springs, mounting screws, and black mounting ring
A refined, purpose-built pickup that delivers articulate response and tonal character sitting naturally in both vintage and contemporary recording applications.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Country of Manufacture | United States |
Reviews
At a Glance
The Seymour Duncan SPH90-1B Phat Cat Bridge captures a resonant, vocal midrange with organic sustain and smooth harmonic character that sits beautifully in a mix without muddiness or excess high-end harshness. Hand-built with Alnico 2 magnets and vacuum wax potting, it delivers articulate, repeatable recordings across blues, jazz, and studio rock sessions, making it a go-to for producers tracking vintage-influenced tones with modern clarity and stability.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Blues
- ✓ Jazz
- ✓ Rock
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Home Recording
Not the best pick for
- – Metal
- – Djent
- – Thrash Metal
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What pickup models would this compare to?
The Phat Cat Bridge is in the same tonal family as the Seymour Duncan Alnico II Pro, DiMarzio Super Distortion, and Fender Custom Shop Texas Special—all known for warm midrange and articulate voicing. The Phat Cat leans slightly more toward smooth, vintage character and is better suited for blues and jazz than the heavier voices in that comparison group.
Will this work in my guitar without modification?
Yes. The Phat Cat Bridge is humbucker-sized and requires no routing—it fits any standard humbucker cavity. The package includes springs, mounting screws, a black mounting ring, and a single-conductor braided hookup cable.
Is this pickup too mild for lead work?
No. At 8.49 kΩ, the output is moderate and punchy enough for confident lead lines, solos, and overdrive textures. The Alnico 2 design emphasizes articulation, so definition remains strong even when pushing an amp into breakup or mild distortion.
What genres is this pickup best suited for?
The Phat Cat excels in blues, jazz, rock, and studio sessions. It is not designed for metal, djent, or thrash—those styles benefit from higher-output, more aggressive pickups. For vintage-influenced tones and smooth, organic sustain, this is a natural choice.
Why hand-built and vacuum wax potted?
Hand-building in Santa Barbara ensures quality control and tonal consistency. Vacuum wax potting prevents microphonic feedback, reduces noise, and stabilizes the magnet structure for reliable performance across different humidity and temperature conditions—critical for touring or frequent studio work.
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