Seymour Duncan Pickups Australia
Seymour Duncan Pickups Australia - Expert Selection & Professional Installation
Quick Answer - Seymour Duncan Pickups Guide
Seymour Duncan manufactures premium hand-wound guitar pickups in Santa Barbara, California covering all genres from vintage PAF tone through modern metal. Most popular models: JB Model (SH-4) bridge $230-300 (world's best-selling humbucker - versatile rock/metal/blues with coil-split capability, 16.4k DCR Alnico V magnet), '59 Model (SH-1) $230-300 (authentic vintage PAF tone 8.13k DCR perfect for blues/classic rock neck position), Invader (SH-8) $250-320 (extreme metal output ceramic magnets 14.4k DCR for drop tuning/high-gain bridge), Distortion (SH-6) $240-310 (high-output metal clarity 13.8k DCR), Jazz Model (SH-2) $230-300 (smooth neck tone 7.88k DCR clean/jazz/blues), Pearly Gates (SH-PG1) $230-300 (Texas blues 8.8k DCR Alnico II Billy Gibbons signature), SSL-5 $180-240 (high-output Stratocaster single-coil Alnico V), Hot Rails $180-240 (humbucker-in-single-coil-size no routing required), Blackouts AHB-1 active $260-340 per set (9V battery extreme output zero noise competes with EMG). Best pickup upgrades for mid-range guitars: Schecter C-1/Hellraiser/Reaper ($800-1500 range), Ibanez RG/S/Iron Label, ESP LTD EC/MH series - $300-600 pickup upgrade transforms $1000 guitar to rival $2000+ instruments making pickups most cost-effective guitar modification. Professional installation service $120 single pickup, $140 bridge plus neck set, $160 full HSS/SSS Stratocaster (includes proper grounding eliminating hum, optimal pickup height adjustment balancing output and string clearance, wiring verification series/parallel/coil-split configurations, secure solder joints preventing future failures, complete electronics testing, 3-6 day turnaround). Combine pickup installation with comprehensive guitar setup $155 (fingerboard cleaning, fret polishing, action optimization, intonation adjustment, electronics verification) for complete guitar transformation. Genre recommendations: Metal bridge (Invader/Distortion/JB/Blackouts neck), Blues/Rock bridge (Pearly Gates/'59/JB neck '59/Jazz/Seth Lover), Jazz/Clean neck (Jazz/'59/Seth Lover), Shred (JB/Distortion/Full Shred bridge with Jazz/'59 neck). Pole spacing critical: F-spaced 53mm for tremolo bridges (Floyd Rose/vintage trem), standard 50mm for tune-o-matic/fixed bridges. Wiring: 4-conductor enables coil-splitting/series-parallel/phase options, 2-conductor standard only. Why upgrade: factory pickups on budget/mid-range guitars use generic magnets and wire - Seymour Duncan hand-wound California craftsmanship with premium Alnico II/III/IV/V/VIII or ceramic magnets, specific gauge wire 42-44 AWG, proprietary winding techniques reveal clarity/dynamics/sustain hidden by inferior stock electronics. Angkor Music Melbourne stocks 100+ models immediate purchase, expert staff understanding pickup specifications recommend perfect matches for guitar/genre/tonal goals (not just salespeople reading specs), authorized dealer full Australian warranty. Location 4-6 Drake Boulevard Altona VIC 3018. Call (03) 8360 7799.
Seymour Duncan represents the pinnacle of guitar pickup design and tone craftsmanship. Founded in 1976 by legendary pickup winder Seymour W. Duncan, the company has spent nearly five decades perfecting the art and science of capturing guitar tone. From vintage-accurate PAF recreations to modern high-output metal pickups, Seymour Duncan offers the most comprehensive pickup range in the world, trusted by professional guitarists across every genre. At Angkor Music Melbourne, we stock the complete Seymour Duncan range with expert guidance from staff who understand pickup specifications, wiring configurations, and tonal characteristics - not just salespeople reading specs. Whether upgrading a Schecter, Ibanez, ESP, or vintage guitar, our Altona showroom provides professional consultation and installation service at $120-160 ensuring optimal performance. Shop Seymour Duncan with confidence knowing you're getting genuine products with full Australian warranty support from experienced guitar specialists who understand tone.
Professional Pickup Installation & Guitar Upgrades
Expert Seymour Duncan installation service $120-160 including proper grounding eliminating hum, optimal pickup height adjustment, wiring verification for series/parallel/coil-split configurations, secure solder joints, and complete electronics testing. Our experienced technicians install pickups daily understanding specifications and tonal characteristics ensuring maximum performance from your upgrade. Combine with comprehensive setup service $155 for complete guitar transformation addressing action, intonation, fret polishing, and playability optimization.
Pickup Installation Service DetailsWhy Upgrade to Seymour Duncan Pickups?
Transformative Tone Improvement: Factory pickups in budget and mid-range guitars often use generic designs with mediocre magnets and wire. Upgrading to Seymour Duncan pickups transforms your guitar's voice, revealing clarity, dynamics, and tonal complexity hidden by inferior electronics. Players consistently report that a Seymour Duncan upgrade makes a $400 guitar sound like a $1,500 instrument - making pickup upgrades one of the most cost-effective improvements possible. Unlike superficial modifications like cosmetic hardware changes, pickup upgrades fundamentally alter your guitar's sonic character delivering immediate, dramatic tonal improvement audible through any amplifier.
Hand-Crafted American Quality: Every Seymour Duncan pickup is wound in their Santa Barbara, California factory using proprietary techniques developed over decades. Premium materials including Alnico II, III, IV, V, and VIII magnets, specific gauge wire (42-44 AWG), and hand-selected components ensure consistency and quality impossible from mass-produced pickups. Unlike offshore manufacturing prioritizing cost over quality, Seymour Duncan maintains traditional American craftsmanship standards with rigorous quality control. Each pickup receives individual attention from experienced winders following specifications perfected through nearly 50 years of research and development.
Unmatched Tone Variety: With over 200 pickup models covering every genre and playing style, Seymour Duncan offers tonal options no other manufacturer matches. Need vintage PAF warmth? The '59 Model delivers authentic 1950s tone. Want aggressive metal? The Invader crushes with extreme output. Seeking authentic Stratocaster quack? The SSL series nails classic single-coil character. Jazz players love the smooth Jazz Model neck pickup. Blues guitarists swear by the Pearly Gates. No matter your style, Seymour Duncan has the perfect pickup - and our expert staff helps identify the ideal match for your guitar, genre, and tonal goals rather than leaving you guessing from online descriptions.
Professional Standard Worldwide: Seymour Duncan pickups represent the professional standard used by touring musicians across all genres. Artists from Slash to John Petrucci, Jeff Beck to Zakk Wylde trust Seymour Duncan for reliability, tone, and consistency night after night. When you install Seymour Duncan pickups, you're using the same technology relied upon by the world's best players - proven through decades of professional use in studios and stages worldwide. This professional pedigree matters because studio engineers and producers recognize Seymour Duncan quality, making your recordings sound immediately more professional through superior pickup clarity and frequency response.
Popular Seymour Duncan Pickup Models - Complete Guide
Understanding Seymour Duncan's most popular models helps identify the right pickup for your guitar and playing style. Here are the legendary pickups defining guitar tone across all genres, with detailed specifications and ideal applications based on our 15+ years experience installing these pickups in Melbourne guitars.
Legendary Seymour Duncan Humbuckers
JB Model (SH-4) - The World's Best-Selling Humbucker
Output: High (Moderate-High) | Magnet: Alnico V | DC Resistance: 16.4k
Best For: Rock, hard rock, metal, blues, versatile applications
Position: Bridge (most common), can work neck position
Price: $230-300
The JB (Jeff Beck model) revolutionized guitar tone in 1978 becoming the world's best-selling humbucker. Its slightly overwound design delivers aggressive midrange punch with sparkling highs and tight bass response perfect for rock and metal rhythm playing. The JB's versatility shines through coil-splitting capabilities providing usable single-coil tones when split. Countless professional players rely on the JB for its consistency, clarity under gain, and ability to handle any musical style from blues through death metal. Pairs excellently with Jazz Model or '59 neck pickup creating the ultimate versatile combination. Most popular Seymour Duncan pickup at Angkor Music Melbourne - we install more JBs than any other model because it works for 80% of players across all genres.
'59 Model (SH-1) - Authentic Vintage PAF Tone
Output: Moderate (Vintage) | Magnet: Alnico V | DC Resistance: 8.13k
Best For: Classic rock, blues, jazz, vintage tones, neck position
Position: Neck (most common), bridge for vintage output
Price: $230-300
The '59 Model faithfully recreates vintage Patent Applied For (PAF) humbucker tone from Gibson's golden era. Sweet harmonics, balanced frequency response, and touch-sensitive dynamics define the '59's character. Lower output compared to modern pickups provides natural tube amp breakup without excessive compression. The '59 excels in neck position delivering smooth lead tones with singing sustain perfect for blues and classic rock. Many players pair '59 neck with JB bridge creating versatile combination spanning vintage warmth to modern aggression. Our most popular choice for players wanting authentic vintage PAF tone without the $500+ cost of boutique pickups.
Invader (SH-8) - Extreme Metal Output
Output: Very High (Extreme) | Magnet: Ceramic | DC Resistance: 14.4k
Best For: Metal, hard rock, drop tuning, high-gain applications
Position: Bridge primary, available neck configuration
Price: $250-320
The Invader delivers crushing output with three large ceramic magnets providing maximum magnetic field strength. Designed specifically for extreme metal and drop tuning, the Invader's tight low-end response prevents muddiness under high gain while maintaining clarity for fast rhythm playing and brutal riffing. The aggressive midrange cuts through dense band mixes. Popular with death metal, metalcore, and brutal metal players requiring maximum output without noise. Ideal for Schecter and other metal guitars. Often paired with Invader neck or Jazz Model neck. Melbourne's metal community particularly loves Invader upgrades for drop-tuned guitars - we install these frequently in Schecter Hellraiser, ESP LTD, and Ibanez Iron Label guitars with outstanding results.
Distortion (SH-6) - High-Output Metal Clarity
Output: High | Magnet: Ceramic | DC Resistance: 13.8k
Best For: Metal, hard rock, aggressive rhythm, high-gain lead
Position: Bridge (designed for), available neck
Price: $240-310
The Distortion pickup bridges gap between vintage warmth and modern metal aggression. Three large ceramic magnets provide high output while maintaining note definition and harmonic content often lost in extreme-output pickups. The Distortion excels where clarity under gain proves essential - technical metal, shred, and fast rhythm playing benefit from its articulate character. Slightly lower output than Invader creates more dynamic response appealing to players wanting aggressive tone with touch sensitivity. Excellent choice for metal players upgrading from stock pickups seeking clarity without sacrificing output.
Pearly Gates (SH-PG1) - Texas Blues Power
Output: Moderate-High | Magnet: Alnico II | DC Resistance: 8.8k
Best For: Blues, Southern rock, classic rock, warm overdrive
Position: Bridge or neck, versatile placement
Price: $230-300
Named after Billy Gibbons' 1959 Les Paul "Pearly Gates," this pickup captures Texas blues tone with enhanced output. Alnico II magnets provide warm, smooth character with sparkling highs and thick midrange. The Pearly Gates delivers vintage PAF vibe with extra kick driving amplifiers harder than traditional low-output pickups. Perfect for blues players wanting authentic vintage tone without sacrificing modern performance. Works beautifully in both positions though particularly popular in bridge. Pairs well with Jazz Model or '59 neck. Our blues customers particularly love Pearly Gates for its organic warmth and singing sustain under moderate gain.
Jazz Model (SH-2) - Smooth Neck Tone
Output: Moderate (Vintage) | Magnet: Alnico V | DC Resistance: 7.88k
Best For: Jazz, blues, clean tones, smooth lead playing
Position: Neck (designed for), occasionally bridge for warm rhythm
Price: $230-300
The Jazz Model delivers warm, articulate neck tone with exceptional clarity and note definition. Lower output compared to modern pickups provides clean headroom and dynamic response perfect for jazz, blues, and clean playing styles. The balanced frequency response ensures every note in complex chord voicings rings clearly. Many rock players pair Jazz Model neck with JB bridge creating ultimate versatile combination - aggressive bridge tone with smooth, singing neck pickup. The Jazz Model proves particularly popular for upgrading guitars with muddy stock neck pickups revealing clarity and articulation previously hidden.
Popular Seymour Duncan Single-Coil Pickups
SSL-5 Custom Staggered - High-Output Strat Tone
Output: High | Magnet: Alnico V | Best For: Rock, blues, high-gain Stratocaster
Price: $180-240
The SSL-5 delivers powerful Stratocaster tone with increased output perfect for rock and blues. Staggered pole pieces match vintage Strat radius while overwound coil provides punch and sustain impossible from stock Fender pickups. The SSL-5 drives amplifiers harder maintaining classic Strat character - glassy cleans, vocal midrange, and singing sustain. Popular upgrade for players wanting authentic Strat tone with modern output levels. Works excellently in all three positions though particularly effective in bridge. Most popular Stratocaster pickup upgrade at Angkor Music transforming thin stock Strat tone into thick, powerful voice suitable for rock and blues.
Hot Rails (SHR-1) - Humbucker in Single-Coil Size
Output: High | Design: Stacked humbucker | Best For: Strat metal conversion, high gain
Price: $180-240
Hot Rails revolutionized Stratocaster upgrades by packaging true humbucker power in single-coil form factor. The dual-rail design eliminates hum while delivering crushing output perfect for metal and hard rock. Direct retrofit for standard Strat pickups requiring no routing or modification. Many metal players install Hot Rails in bridge position maintaining vintage single-coils in middle and neck for tonal versatility. The Hot Rails transforms Stratocasters into metal machines without compromising guitar aesthetics or resale value. Available for Strat, Tele, and other single-coil configurations. Popular upgrade for players wanting humbucker aggression without routing expensive guitars.
Seymour Duncan Active Pickups - Blackouts Series
Blackouts AHB-1 - Active Metal Standard
Output: Very High (Active) | Power: 9V battery | Best For: Modern metal, high-gain
Price: $260-340 per set
Seymour Duncan's Blackouts series competes directly with EMG active pickups offering extreme output with zero noise. The AHB-1 delivers tight, focused tone with crushing gain perfect for modern metal, deathcore, and djent. Active circuitry powered by 9V battery eliminates hum and interference while providing consistent output regardless of playing dynamics. The Blackouts feature slightly more organic character than EMG with less compression appealing to players wanting active benefits with more natural feel. Includes solderless installation system simplifying installation. Requires battery compartment routing if not present. Popular upgrade for Schecter and metal guitars particularly among Melbourne's djent and progressive metal players seeking extreme clarity under high gain.
Seymour Duncan vs EMG Pickups - Which Is Right For You?
Choosing between Seymour Duncan passive pickups and EMG active pickups? Both offer excellent metal tone. Seymour Duncan provides more tonal variety and natural dynamics with hand-wound craftsmanship. EMG delivers extreme output and zero noise with active circuitry. Learn about EMG 81/85, installation requirements, battery considerations, and how they compare to Seymour Duncan Blackouts active pickups for metal applications.
Compare EMG PickupsWhich Guitars Benefit Most from Seymour Duncan Upgrades?
Virtually any guitar benefits from Seymour Duncan pickups though certain instruments transform dramatically through strategic upgrades. Understanding which guitars respond best to pickup improvements helps prioritize upgrade investments delivering maximum tonal improvement for your specific situation.
Mid-Range Schecter, Ibanez, ESP Guitars
Mid-range Schecter, Ibanez, and ESP guitars ($800-$1,500) feature excellent construction with mediocre stock pickups. Upgrading to JB/Jazz, Distortion/Jazz, or Blackouts transforms these guitars into professional-grade instruments. A $300 pickup upgrade on $1,000 Schecter C-1 creates tone rivaling $2,000+ guitars. Highest ROI pickup upgrade category - we see this transformation daily in our Melbourne workshop and consistently recommend pickup upgrades for these guitars over purchasing more expensive models with similar stock electronics.
Budget Metal Guitars
Budget guitars like Schecter Omen/Reaper, Ibanez GIO, ESP LTD 10-series ($400-800) benefit enormously from Seymour Duncan upgrades. Stock pickups on these instruments represent weakest component. Installing JB bridge or Distortion pickup elevates tone dramatically while maintaining affordable total investment. Consider starting with bridge pickup only ($230-300 plus $120 installation = $350-420 total) before upgrading neck position. This incremental approach lets you hear dramatic improvement immediately while spreading costs over time.
Vintage Gibson & Fender Guitars
Vintage Gibson Les Pauls, SGs, and Fender Stratocasters sometimes feature degraded or altered pickups. Seymour Duncan Antiquity series recreates vintage PAF tone with period-correct construction and hand-aged components maintaining vintage value without originality concerns. The '59 and Seth Lover models provide authentic vintage tone without modification worries. For players wanting vintage sound without vintage pickup unreliability and inconsistency, Seymour Duncan offers ideal solution combining vintage character with modern consistency and warranty protection.
Custom & Kit Guitars
Custom builds and kit guitars require pickup selection during assembly. Seymour Duncan offers ideal choices across all price points. Budget builds benefit from JB/Jazz combination ($460-600 per set plus installation). Premium builds deserve Antiquity or Custom Shop pickups ($500-900). Our staff provides expert consultation matching pickups to build specifications and tonal goals ensuring your custom guitar achieves intended voice rather than leaving pickup selection to guesswork or online forum recommendations lacking context about your specific requirements.
Choosing the Right Seymour Duncan Pickup - Genre Guide
Different musical styles demand different pickup characteristics. This genre-based guide helps identify optimal Seymour Duncan models for your playing style ensuring pickup investment delivers expected tonal results based on our extensive experience installing pickups for Melbourne guitarists across all genres.
For Metal & Hard Rock:
Bridge: Invader, Distortion, JB, or Blackouts AHB-1
Neck: Invader neck, Jazz Model, or Blackouts AHB-1
Why: High output drives amplifiers hard, tight bass prevents muddiness under gain, aggressive midrange cuts through mix. Invader for extreme metal requiring maximum output for drop tuning and brutal riffing. Distortion for technical metal and shred needing clarity under gain. JB for versatility spanning hard rock through death metal with coil-split options. Blackouts for active zero-noise performance competing with EMG. Pair with professional drop tuning setup optimizing action, intonation, and nut slots for C-standard, B-standard, or lower tunings ensuring optimal metal performance.
For Blues & Classic Rock:
Bridge: Pearly Gates, '59, JB (for more output)
Neck: '59, Jazz Model, Seth Lover
Why: Moderate output provides natural tube amp breakup, vintage voicing delivers authentic PAF character, touch sensitivity responds to playing dynamics. Pearly Gates for Texas blues power combining vintage warmth with enhanced output driving amplifiers harder. '59 for classic PAF warmth with sweet harmonics and balanced response. Jazz Model for smooth neck tone with exceptional clarity perfect for blues lead playing and chord work.
For Jazz & Clean Tones:
Neck: Jazz Model, '59, Seth Lover
Bridge: '59, Pearly Gates (for more output)
Why: Lower output maintains clean headroom preventing unwanted distortion, balanced frequency response ensures chord clarity with every note in complex voicings audible, smooth character prevents harsh treble. Jazz Model designed specifically for jazz though works excellently for any clean playing style requiring articulation and definition. Vintage output pickups respond beautifully to volume knob adjustments creating dynamic range impossible from high-output models.
For Country & Twang:
Telecaster: Vintage Stack Tele (hum-canceling), APTR-1 (authentic vintage)
Stratocaster: SSL-1 (vintage), SSL-5 (hot output)
Why: Bright, articulate tone cuts through country mix, vintage voicing provides authentic twang character, clarity ensures note definition in fast playing and complex double-stop licks. Hum-canceling designs like Vintage Stack provide single-coil tone without noise perfect for high-gain country applications where traditional single-coils hum excessively.
For Shred & Technical Playing:
Bridge: JB, Distortion, Full Shred
Neck: Jazz Model, '59
Why: High output for sustain and harmonic content supporting fast legato and tapping techniques, clarity maintains note definition at speed preventing notes from blurring together, coil-split capabilities provide tonal versatility switching between humbucker aggression and single-coil clarity. JB's balanced response works across shred styles from neoclassical through modern technical metal. Full Shred designed specifically for high-gain lead playing with enhanced treble response for note articulation.
Professional Seymour Duncan Pickup Installation Service
While Seymour Duncan includes comprehensive wiring diagrams enabling DIY installation for players with soldering skills, professional installation ensures optimal performance through proper technique, testing, and setup. Our pickup installation service at $120-160 handles all aspects of pickup replacement guaranteeing reliable operation and maximum tonal performance based on years of experience installing hundreds of Seymour Duncan pickups in Melbourne guitars.
What's Included in Professional Installation
Pickup Installation Service Pricing
Single Pickup Installation: $120 (bridge or neck replacement)
Pickup Set Installation: $140 (bridge plus neck replacement)
Full HSS/SSS Replacement: $160 (all three Stratocaster pickups)
Service includes: Pickup removal preserving original components for reversibility, proper grounding eliminating hum and noise through chassis ground and pickup shielding, optimal pickup height adjustment balancing output with string clearance preventing magnetic pull, correct wiring for series/parallel/coil-split configurations if applicable maximizing tonal versatility, secure solder joints preventing future connection failures through proper technique and quality solder, complete electronics testing confirming reliable operation across all pickup positions and switch configurations, basic setup ensuring guitar plays optimally with new pickups including action check and intonation verification.
Turnaround: 3-6 days typical ensuring proper attention to installation details and complete testing.
Our experienced technicians install pickups daily understanding specifications and wiring requirements ensuring maximum performance from your upgrade. We guarantee proper grounding eliminating hum, optimal pickup height balancing output and tone, correct wiring preventing phase issues or weak output, and reliable operation across all positions. The installation includes basic setup ensuring your guitar plays optimally with new pickups. For comprehensive maintenance combining pickup upgrade with complete guitar optimization, pair installation with full setup service at $155 addressing action height, intonation adjustment, fret polishing, fingerboard conditioning, and complete playability optimization creating comprehensive guitar transformation in single service appointment.
Advanced Wiring Options
Seymour Duncan pickups support advanced wiring configurations expanding tonal versatility beyond standard settings. Popular modifications include coil-splitting (converting humbuckers to single-coil mode using push-pull pots accessing both humbucker power and single-coil clarity), series-parallel switching (altering pickup winding configuration for tonal variation between thick series tone and thinner parallel voicing), phase switching (creating hollow out-of-phase tones popular for funk and reggae), and independent volume controls for precise pickup blending creating unique tonal combinations. Our installation service accommodates these modifications with additional labor charges depending on complexity. Discuss wiring options during consultation to maximize your pickup upgrade's potential ensuring you access full tonal range available from Seymour Duncan's versatile designs.
Combine Pickup Upgrade with Professional Setup
Maximize your pickup upgrade with complete guitar setup service. Professional setup at $155 includes fingerboard cleaning and conditioning, fret polishing addressing minor wear, action optimization to your playing preference, intonation adjustment ensuring accurate pitch, and electronics verification testing all controls and output. Combined with pickup installation creates comprehensive guitar transformation addressing both tone and playability simultaneously. Perfect opportunity for complete maintenance optimizing your guitar's performance across all aspects rather than addressing electronics alone.
Professional Setup Service DetailsSeymour Duncan Pickup Specifications Guide
Understanding pickup specifications helps make informed choices matching technical characteristics to tonal expectations. Here are key specification factors affecting Seymour Duncan pickup performance and tone based on our experience helping Melbourne guitarists select appropriate pickups for their specific requirements.
DC Resistance (Ohms)
Indicates output level and general tonal character. Lower resistance (7-9k) suggests vintage output with clarity and dynamics, moderate resistance (9-12k) provides balanced output suitable for rock and blues, high resistance (12-16k plus) delivers increased output and compression perfect for metal. However, resistance alone doesn't determine tone - magnet type and wire gauge significantly affect character. Two pickups with identical resistance can sound completely different due to magnet selection and winding techniques making specifications useful guidelines requiring expert interpretation rather than absolute predictors.
Magnet Type
Alnico II: Warm, smooth, vintage character (Pearly Gates)
Alnico III: Lower output, chimey bright tone (specialty vintage models)
Alnico IV: Balanced vintage tone (less common)
Alnico V: Balanced, versatile, most common (JB, '59, Jazz Model)
Alnico VIII: Strong output, modern character (contemporary designs)
Ceramic: Maximum output, tight bass, aggressive (Invader, Distortion)
Magnet selection profoundly affects tonal character beyond simple output differences influencing bass response, midrange character, treble sparkle, and overall voice making magnet type crucial consideration when selecting pickups for specific tonal goals.
Pole Spacing
Standard Spacing (50mm): Suits tune-o-matic bridges, fixed bridges, most Les Paul-style guitars
F-Spacing (53mm): Matches tremolo bridge string spacing including Floyd Rose, vintage Fender tremolo, wider string spacing guitars
Incorrect spacing causes uneven output across strings with outer strings (high E and low E) sitting outside pole piece magnetic field resulting in weak output and poor balance. Verify your guitar's bridge type before ordering ensuring proper pole spacing. Most Seymour Duncan models available in both spacings though some vintage models offered only in standard spacing. Bring your guitar to our showroom for verification if uncertain about appropriate spacing for your specific instrument.
4-Conductor vs 2-Conductor Wiring
4-Conductor: Enables coil-splitting (humbucker to single-coil), series-parallel switching (thick vs thin tone), phase switching (out-of-phase hollow tones), and independent coil control providing maximum wiring flexibility and tonal options
2-Conductor: Standard wiring, simpler installation, no splitting capability, traditional humbucker operation only
Most modern Seymour Duncan pickups include 4-conductor wiring standard providing maximum flexibility even if you don't immediately use advanced wiring options - future modification remains possible without pickup replacement. Specify wiring type when ordering if modification plans exist ensuring appropriate conductor configuration. Our installation service handles both wiring types and can implement coil-splitting or other modifications during installation when requested.
Seymour Duncan Product Categories
Humbucker Pickups
The heart of Seymour Duncan's reputation. From vintage PAF clones like the '59 and Seth Lover models to modern high-output options like the JB, Invader, and Distortion, Seymour Duncan humbuckers deliver thick, powerful tone with endless tonal variety. Available in standard spacing, F-spaced for tremolo-equipped guitars, and active Blackouts configurations. Over 50 humbucker models covering every imaginable application from jazz through extreme metal ensuring perfect pickup exists for your specific requirements regardless of genre or playing style.
Single-Coil Pickups
Authentic vintage tone and modern clarity. The SSL series recreates classic Stratocaster tones from the 1950s and 1960s, while models like the Quarter Pound and Hot Stack offer higher output for rock and blues. Stack configurations provide single-coil tone with hum-canceling operation perfect for high-gain environments eliminating noise while maintaining character. Telecaster, Stratocaster, P90, and specialty single-coil options available covering all vintage and modern single-coil applications.
Bass Pickups
Professional bass tone for every style. The Quarter Pound series adds massive output to Precision and Jazz basses transforming stock tone. The SMB-4 and SPB series recreate vintage tones with modern clarity and consistency. Active bass pickups offer preamp-driven punch and extended frequency response for slap, fingerstyle, and pick playing techniques. Five-string and six-string bass pickup configurations available ensuring proper string spacing and magnetic field coverage for extended range instruments.
Acoustic Pickups
The Woody series soundhole pickups install without modification providing magnetic pickup tone from acoustic guitars perfect for players wanting amplification without permanent guitar alteration. Active acoustic pickups with preamps deliver amplified acoustic tone with feedback resistance suitable for stage performance. Excellent solutions for acoustic players wanting amplification without committing to permanent pickup installation maintaining acoustic guitar's natural acoustic properties while enabling amplified performance when needed.
Mail-In Pickup Installation Service Available Australia-Wide
Can't visit our Melbourne workshop? Ship your guitar for professional Seymour Duncan installation from anywhere in Australia. Expert pickup installation service with detailed packing instructions ensuring safe shipping, comprehensive insurance coverage protecting your guitar during transit, and complete service timeline transparency. Same professional installation quality as in-person service ensuring optimal tone and reliable operation. Return shipping calculated at checkout with tracking provided.
Read Mail-In Service InstructionsBest-Selling Seymour Duncan Pickups at Angkor Music Melbourne
Based on 15+ years sales experience serving Melbourne guitarists, these Seymour Duncan models consistently prove most popular representing best balance of tone, versatility, and value across different playing styles and genres. This data comes from actual installation records showing which pickups Melbourne players choose most frequently when upgrading their guitars.
Top 5 Seymour Duncan Pickups - Angkor Music Best Sellers
1. JB Model (SH-4) Bridge - The Universal Favorite
Price: $230-300 | Why Number One: Works for rock, metal, blues, and everything between making it the most versatile humbucker ever made. Countless professional players rely on JB for touring and recording creating proven track record. Coil-split capability adds single-coil tones expanding versatility further. Perfect first pickup upgrade delivering professional tone immediately without requiring complementary neck pickup initially. Pairs excellently with Jazz Model or '59 neck creating ultimate versatile combination when budget allows complete set. We install more JBs than any other pickup because 80% of players benefit from its balanced character regardless of primary genre.
2. Jazz Model (SH-2) Neck - Smooth Lead Tone
Price: $230-300 | Why Popular: Perfect complement to JB bridge creating the most popular Seymour Duncan combination worldwide. Smooth, articulate neck tone works across all genres from jazz through metal. Lower output maintains clean headroom preventing muddy low-end or excessive compression. Many rock and metal players choose JB/Jazz combination as ultimate pairing balancing aggressive bridge with singing neck pickup. Works excellently for upgrading muddy stock neck pickups transforming lead tone dramatically revealing clarity hidden by inferior factory electronics.
3. Invader (SH-8) Bridge - Metal Monster
Price: $250-320 | Why Popular: Extreme output for brutal metal applications requiring maximum gain. Melbourne's metal community particularly loves Invader for drop tuning and high-gain applications where standard pickups lack punch. Tight bass prevents muddiness under gain maintaining clarity for fast rhythm playing and brutal riffing. Popular upgrade for Schecter Hellraiser, ESP LTD, and Ibanez Iron Label guitars transforming good metal guitars into exceptional instruments. Delivers professional death metal tone impossible from stock pickups making it essential upgrade for serious metal players.
4. '59 Model (SH-1) - Vintage PAF Warmth
Price: $230-300 | Why Popular: Authentic vintage PAF tone for blues and classic rock players seeking vintage character. Sweet harmonics and balanced response appeal to players wanting touch sensitivity and natural dynamics. Popular neck position choice though works excellently in bridge for vintage output applications. Blues guitarists particularly appreciate '59's organic warmth and singing sustain characteristics. Represents most affordable way to achieve authentic vintage PAF tone without $500+ boutique pickup investment making premium vintage tone accessible to more players.
5. SSL-5 Custom Staggered - Hot Strat Tone
Price: $180-240 | Why Popular: Most popular Stratocaster pickup upgrade transforming thin stock Strat tone into thick powerful voice. Increased output drives amplifiers harder maintaining classic Strat character - glassy cleans, vocal midrange, singing sustain. Rock and blues Strat players love SSL-5 for punch and sustain impossible from stock Fender pickups. Excellent value upgrade dramatically transforming Stratocaster tone for relatively modest investment creating professional Strat voice without requiring complete pickup set replacement initially.
Why Buy Seymour Duncan from Angkor Music Melbourne?
Expert Selection Advice
Our staff understands Seymour Duncan specifications and can recommend perfect matches for your guitar, genre, and tonal goals. Not just salespeople reading specs - experienced guitarists who install pickups daily understanding how specifications translate to actual tone through direct hands-on experience. We ask about your guitar, amplifier, playing style, and tonal preferences providing personalized recommendations rather than generic suggestions ensuring you get the right pickup for your specific situation first time.
Professional Installation Service
$120-160 pickup installation by experienced technicians ensuring optimal performance through proper grounding, correct wiring, optimal height adjustment, and complete testing. We install hundreds of Seymour Duncan pickups annually understanding installation nuances and common problems preventing issues before they occur. Our installation service guarantees reliable operation maximizing your pickup investment's value.
Largest Seymour Duncan Range
100+ pickup models in stock for immediate purchase without special order delays. We maintain comprehensive inventory including popular models (JB, Jazz, Invader, '59) and specialty pickups (Antiquity series, signature models, bass pickups) ensuring you can purchase and install your upgrade immediately rather than waiting weeks for backorders. Our inventory investment demonstrates commitment to serving guitarists properly rather than just stocking best-sellers.
Authorized Dealer - Full Warranty
Genuine Seymour Duncan products with full Australian warranty coverage. As authorized dealer, we provide warranty support and handle any product issues directly with Seymour Duncan ensuring rapid resolution. Purchasing from unauthorized sources or international sellers often voids warranty coverage leaving customers without recourse for defective products. Our authorized dealer status guarantees genuine products and complete warranty protection.
Combined Services
Pair pickup upgrades with setup service $155 for complete guitar transformation addressing tone and playability simultaneously. Our comprehensive guitar repair services mean we can address multiple issues during single appointment saving time and transportation costs while ensuring your entire guitar receives professional attention creating optimal overall performance.
Schecter & Metal Guitar Specialists
Expert knowledge upgrading Schecter, Ibanez, ESP, and other metal guitars. We install more Invader and Blackouts pickups than most Australian retailers understanding exact requirements for metal guitar applications including drop tuning considerations and high-gain optimization. Melbourne's metal community trusts our expertise for upgrading their guitars to professional standards.
Australia-Wide Delivery
Secure packaging and fast shipping nationwide for pickup orders. Mail-in service available for interstate players wanting professional installation - ship your guitar from anywhere in Australia for expert Seymour Duncan installation returning with complete setup and testing ensuring optimal performance when you receive it back.
Competitive Pricing
Best value on Seymour Duncan pickups combining fair pricing with expert service and professional installation creating total package value impossible from discount-only sellers. While some retailers compete solely on price offering minimal service, we provide complete solution including expert selection advice, professional installation, and ongoing support justifying slightly higher pricing through dramatically superior customer experience and guaranteed results.
Frequently Asked Questions - Seymour Duncan Pickups
What is the best Seymour Duncan pickup for metal?
For modern metal, the Invader (SH-8) delivers crushing gain with tight low-end response perfect for drop tuning and brutal riffing. The Distortion (SH-6) provides clarity under high gain ideal for technical metal and shred where note definition matters. Seymour Duncan Blackouts active pickups eliminate noise with extreme output competing directly with EMG for players wanting active benefits. For classic metal and versatility, the JB Model remains popular for harmonic content and coil-split capabilities. Pair metal pickups with professional drop tuning setup optimizing action, intonation, and nut slots for C-standard, B-standard, or lower tunings. The Invader represents our most popular metal pickup for Schecter and ESP guitar upgrades based on installation records. Professional pickup installation at $120-160 ensures optimal metal performance through proper grounding and height adjustment.
Can I install Seymour Duncan pickups myself?
Yes, Seymour Duncan includes comprehensive color-coded wiring diagrams with every pickup enabling DIY installation for players with basic soldering skills and electronics understanding. Each pickup includes detailed instructions showing series, parallel, split-coil, and other wiring options with clear diagrams. However, improper installation creates grounding issues causing hum, incorrect wiring producing thin tone or no output, poor solder joints failing under use, incorrect pickup height compromising tone and sustain, and potential electronics damage from soldering mistakes. Professional installation at Angkor Music costs $120-160 ensuring proper grounding eliminating noise, correct wiring maximizing tonal performance, secure solder joints preventing future failures, optimal pickup height balancing output with string clearance, and complete testing confirming reliable operation. We guarantee results and fix problems immediately rather than requiring troubleshooting after DIY attempt. Many players attempt DIY installation then bring guitars for professional correction after encountering problems - consider professional installation initially for peace of mind and guaranteed optimal results particularly for expensive guitars or complex wiring modifications requiring advanced understanding.
Which Seymour Duncan pickup sounds like vintage PAF?
The '59 Model (SH-1) and Seth Lover pickups authentically recreate vintage Patent Applied For (PAF) humbucker tone from Gibson's golden era. The '59 offers balanced output with sweet harmonics perfect for classic rock and blues - this represents Seymour Duncan's most popular vintage-voiced pickup based on our sales records. The Seth Lover provides lower output vintage tone with exceptional clarity and note definition favored by jazz and blues players seeking ultimate vintage authenticity. The Antiquity Humbucker takes authenticity further with hand-aged components, period-correct construction, and degraded magnets replicating 60-year-old pickup characteristics for players wanting exact vintage sound. These vintage models suit players wanting authentic PAF warmth, touch sensitivity, and natural tube amp breakup impossible from modern high-output pickups. Price range $230-450 depending on model and series. Our staff helps determine which vintage model matches your specific tonal goals and guitar application ensuring appropriate PAF character for your requirements.
Do Seymour Duncan pickups fit all guitars?
Seymour Duncan manufactures pickups for virtually all guitar types including Gibson-style humbuckers, Fender Stratocaster and Telecaster single-coils, P90s, Jazzmaster pickups, bass pickups, and specialty configurations. However, verify your guitar's pickup routing dimensions and pole spacing before ordering ensuring proper fit. F-spaced humbuckers (53mm pole spacing) suit tremolo-equipped guitars like Floyd Rose systems and vintage Fender tremolos, while standard spacing (50mm) fits tune-o-matic style bridges and fixed bridges. Single-coil pickups require specific routing - Stratocaster pickups won't fit Telecaster routes without modification. Bring your guitar to our Altona showroom for compatibility verification or contact us with your guitar model for confirmation. Most popular guitar models accommodate Seymour Duncan pickups directly though some vintage or import guitars require routing modification. Our experienced staff identifies compatibility issues before purchase preventing costly mistakes and ensuring successful upgrades.
What is the difference between Seymour Duncan active and passive pickups?
Passive Seymour Duncan pickups (JB, '59, Invader, Distortion, etc.) use magnetic coils without batteries offering natural dynamics, organic tone variation, and touch sensitivity responding to playing attack. Passive pickups provide wider tonal palette and vintage characteristics appealing to players wanting expressive, dynamic response across gain levels. Active Seymour Duncan Blackouts require 9V batteries providing higher output, lower noise, and consistent tone regardless of playing dynamics. Active pickups excel for high-gain metal with tight response and zero hum competing directly with EMG active pickups for extreme metal applications. Passive pickups suit players wanting dynamic touch sensitivity and vintage characteristics with natural compression and overtone development. Active pickups suit metal players requiring maximum output and noise elimination with consistent performance under extreme gain. Choice depends on playing style, genre preferences, and desired tonal characteristics. Most guitarists prefer passive Seymour Duncan pickups for versatility and organic character though active Blackouts serve specific metal applications excellently where noise elimination and extreme output prove essential.
How much do Seymour Duncan pickups cost in Australia?
Seymour Duncan pickup prices at Angkor Music Melbourne range from $180 to $450 depending on model and series. Standard pickups like JB, '59, Jazz Model, and Invader typically cost $230-320 each. Single-coil pickups like SSL-5 and Hot Rails range $180-240. Specialty models and Antiquity series cost $280-450. Active Blackouts sets range $260-340 per set. Complete sets including bridge and neck pickups offer better value than individual purchases - JB/Jazz combination costs approximately $460-600 for complete set. Professional installation adds $120-160 to total investment ($120 single pickup, $140 bridge plus neck set, $160 full HSS/SSS). We stock 100+ Seymour Duncan models for immediate purchase avoiding special order delays and backorder frustrations. Contact Angkor Music for current pricing on specific models and availability. All prices include full Australian warranty coverage as authorized Seymour Duncan dealer ensuring genuine products with complete warranty protection backing your investment.
Can I mix different Seymour Duncan pickups in bridge and neck positions?
Absolutely - mixing Seymour Duncan pickups creates balanced, versatile tone matching your specific playing requirements rather than forcing identical pickups in both positions. Popular combinations include JB bridge with Jazz Model or '59 neck for versatile rock tone spanning aggressive bridge to smooth neck positions creating ultimate tonal range. Many metal players pair Invader bridge with Jazz Model neck balancing crushing rhythm tone with smooth lead capability preventing excessive output muddying neck pickup clarity. Blues guitarists often choose Pearly Gates bridge with '59 neck combining Texas blues power with vintage warmth. Shred players favor JB or Distortion bridge with Jazz Model neck optimizing clarity for technical playing while maintaining smooth lead voice. Seymour Duncan designs complementary pairs though experimentation often yields personalized results perfectly matching individual playing styles and tonal preferences. Visit our Altona showroom to discuss combination options based on your guitar, genre, and tonal preferences. Our staff recommends optimal pairings ensuring balanced output and complementary characteristics between positions preventing common problems like overwhelming neck pickup or weak bridge output.
Are Seymour Duncan pickups worth the upgrade cost?
Yes - Seymour Duncan pickups represent one of the most cost-effective guitar upgrades available delivering dramatic tone improvement for relatively modest investment compared to purchasing expensive guitars. A $300-600 pickup upgrade can transform a mediocre $800 guitar into an instrument rivaling $2,000+ guitars in tone quality while maintaining familiar playability and aesthetics. Players consistently report improvements in clarity revealing individual notes in chords, dynamics responding to playing touch variations, output driving amplifiers harder without harshness, sustain extending note decay naturally, and overall tonal quality elevating recording and performance results. The investment pays dividends through improved playing experience, better recording quality requiring less EQ correction, and increased playing satisfaction encouraging more practice time. Many professional guitarists play relatively affordable guitars upgraded with premium Seymour Duncan pickups rather than expensive guitars with inferior stock electronics demonstrating pickups' importance. Pickup upgrades prove more valuable than many other modifications - upgrading pickups on good guitar beats purchasing expensive guitar with mediocre pickups every time. Combined with professional setup at $155, pickup upgrades create comprehensive guitar transformation maximizing performance and playability simultaneously for total investment typically under $1,000 including installation.
Does Angkor Music offer Seymour Duncan warranty support?
Yes, all Seymour Duncan products purchased from Angkor Music include full manufacturer warranty coverage. As authorized Australian dealer, we provide warranty support and handle any product issues directly with Seymour Duncan ensuring rapid resolution without customer involvement in complex international warranty claims. The company stands behind their pickups with comprehensive warranty protection covering manufacturing defects and component failures though such issues prove rare given Seymour Duncan's rigorous quality control. Should any problems arise, contact Angkor Music and we'll facilitate warranty claims ensuring rapid resolution minimizing downtime. Seymour Duncan's reputation for quality means warranty claims prove exceptionally rare though complete coverage provides peace of mind for your investment. Purchasing from authorized dealers like Angkor Music ensures genuine products with warranty support - purchasing from unauthorized sources or international sellers often voids warranty coverage leaving customers without recourse for defective products creating false economy where minimal price savings become irrelevant when warranty issues arise requiring complete pickup replacement at full cost.
Where can I buy Seymour Duncan pickups in Australia?
Angkor Music Melbourne stocks Australia's most comprehensive Seymour Duncan range at 4-6 Drake Boulevard, Altona VIC 3018 with 100+ models available for immediate purchase. Shop online with Australia-wide delivery or visit our showroom for expert consultation and pickup demos when possible. Unlike general music retailers carrying limited selections focusing on best-sellers only, we specialize in pickups with staff understanding specifications, tonal characteristics, and application recommendations based on years of installation experience rather than catalog descriptions. Our professional installation service at $120-160 ensures optimal performance. We maintain comprehensive inventory avoiding special order delays for most popular models ensuring immediate gratification rather than weeks waiting for backorders. Combine pickup purchase with setup service $155 or utilize mail-in service for customers outside Melbourne. Call (03) 8360 7799 for pickup recommendations, availability, pricing, and installation consultation. Authorized Seymour Duncan dealer with full warranty support ensuring genuine products and complete customer protection.
Why Choose Angkor Music for Seymour Duncan Pickups?
Authorized Dealer - Genuine Seymour Duncan products with full Australian warranty coverage
Largest Range - 100+ pickup models in stock for immediate purchase without special order delays
Expert Guidance - Staff who understand pickup specifications and recommend perfect matches for your guitar and playing style, not just salespeople reading specs from catalogs
Professional Installation - $120-160 pickup installation by experienced technicians ensuring optimal performance through proper grounding, wiring, height adjustment, and testing
Combined Services - Pair pickup upgrades with setup service $155 for complete guitar transformation
Schecter Specialists - Expert knowledge upgrading Schecter, Ibanez, ESP, and other metal guitars based on extensive installation experience
Australia-Wide Delivery - Secure packaging and fast shipping nationwide
Mail-In Service - Ship your guitar for professional pickup installation from anywhere in Australia
Competitive Pricing - Best value combining fair pricing with expert service creating total package value impossible from discount-only sellers lacking expertise
Shop Seymour Duncan Pickups at Angkor Music Melbourne
Australia's Seymour Duncan specialists. 100+ models in stock. Professional installation $120-160.
Expert guidance from experienced guitar technicians who understand tone, not just salespeople reading specifications.
Angkor Music Melbourne
4-6 Drake Boulevard, Altona VIC 3018
Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm | Sat: 10am-5pm | Sun: 11am-4pm
sales@angkormusic.com.au
Seymour Duncan Pickups Australia - Expert Selection & Professional Installation
Quick Answer - Seymour Duncan Pickups Guide
Seymour Duncan manufactures premium hand-wound guitar pickups in Santa Barbara, California covering all genres from vintage PAF tone through modern metal. Most popular models: JB Model (SH-4) bridge $230-300 (world's best-selling humbucker - versatile rock/metal/blues with coil-split capability, 16.4k DCR Alnico V magnet), '59 Model (SH-1) $230-300 (authentic vintage PAF tone 8.13k DCR perfect for blues/classic rock neck position), Invader (SH-8) $250-320 (extreme metal output ceramic magnets 14.4k DCR for drop tuning/high-gain bridge), Distortion (SH-6) $240-310 (high-output metal clarity 13.8k DCR), Jazz Model (SH-2) $230-300 (smooth neck tone 7.88k DCR clean/jazz/blues), Pearly Gates (SH-PG1) $230-300 (Texas blues 8.8k DCR Alnico II Billy Gibbons signature), SSL-5 $180-240 (high-output Stratocaster single-coil Alnico V), Hot Rails $180-240 (humbucker-in-single-coil-size no routing required), Blackouts AHB-1 active $260-340 per set (9V battery extreme output zero noise competes with EMG). Best pickup upgrades for mid-range guitars: Schecter C-1/Hellraiser/Reaper ($800-1500 range), Ibanez RG/S/Iron Label, ESP LTD EC/MH series - $300-600 pickup upgrade transforms $1000 guitar to rival $2000+ instruments making pickups most cost-effective guitar modification. Professional installation service $120 single pickup, $140 bridge plus neck set, $160 full HSS/SSS Stratocaster (includes proper grounding eliminating hum, optimal pickup height adjustment balancing output and string clearance, wiring verification series/parallel/coil-split configurations, secure solder joints preventing future failures, complete electronics testing, 3-6 day turnaround). Combine pickup installation with comprehensive guitar setup $155 (fingerboard cleaning, fret polishing, action optimization, intonation adjustment, electronics verification) for complete guitar transformation. Genre recommendations: Metal bridge (Invader/Distortion/JB/Blackouts neck), Blues/Rock bridge (Pearly Gates/'59/JB neck '59/Jazz/Seth Lover), Jazz/Clean neck (Jazz/'59/Seth Lover), Shred (JB/Distortion/Full Shred bridge with Jazz/'59 neck). Pole spacing critical: F-spaced 53mm for tremolo bridges (Floyd Rose/vintage trem), standard 50mm for tune-o-matic/fixed bridges. Wiring: 4-conductor enables coil-splitting/series-parallel/phase options, 2-conductor standard only. Why upgrade: factory pickups on budget/mid-range guitars use generic magnets and wire - Seymour Duncan hand-wound California craftsmanship with premium Alnico II/III/IV/V/VIII or ceramic magnets, specific gauge wire 42-44 AWG, proprietary winding techniques reveal clarity/dynamics/sustain hidden by inferior stock electronics. Angkor Music Melbourne stocks 100+ models immediate purchase, expert staff understanding pickup specifications recommend perfect matches for guitar/genre/tonal goals (not just salespeople reading specs), authorized dealer full Australian warranty. Location 4-6 Drake Boulevard Altona VIC 3018. Call (03) 8360 7799.
Seymour Duncan represents the pinnacle of guitar pickup design and tone craftsmanship. Founded in 1976 by legendary pickup winder Seymour W. Duncan, the company has spent nearly five decades perfecting the art and science of capturing guitar tone. From vintage-accurate PAF recreations to modern high-output metal pickups, Seymour Duncan offers the most comprehensive pickup range in the world, trusted by professional guitarists across every genre. At Angkor Music Melbourne, we stock the complete Seymour Duncan range with expert guidance from staff who understand pickup specifications, wiring configurations, and tonal characteristics - not just salespeople reading specs. Whether upgrading a Schecter, Ibanez, ESP, or vintage guitar, our Altona showroom provides professional consultation and installation service at $120-160 ensuring optimal performance. Shop Seymour Duncan with confidence knowing you're getting genuine products with full Australian warranty support from experienced guitar specialists who understand tone.
Professional Pickup Installation & Guitar Upgrades
Expert Seymour Duncan installation service $120-160 including proper grounding eliminating hum, optimal pickup height adjustment, wiring verification for series/parallel/coil-split configurations, secure solder joints, and complete electronics testing. Our experienced technicians install pickups daily understanding specifications and tonal characteristics ensuring maximum performance from your upgrade. Combine with comprehensive setup service $155 for complete guitar transformation addressing action, intonation, fret polishing, and playability optimization.
Pickup Installation Service DetailsWhy Upgrade to Seymour Duncan Pickups?
Transformative Tone Improvement: Factory pickups in budget and mid-range guitars often use generic designs with mediocre magnets and wire. Upgrading to Seymour Duncan pickups transforms your guitar's voice, revealing clarity, dynamics, and tonal complexity hidden by inferior electronics. Players consistently report that a Seymour Duncan upgrade makes a $400 guitar sound like a $1,500 instrument - making pickup upgrades one of the most cost-effective improvements possible. Unlike superficial modifications like cosmetic hardware changes, pickup upgrades fundamentally alter your guitar's sonic character delivering immediate, dramatic tonal improvement audible through any amplifier.
Hand-Crafted American Quality: Every Seymour Duncan pickup is wound in their Santa Barbara, California factory using proprietary techniques developed over decades. Premium materials including Alnico II, III, IV, V, and VIII magnets, specific gauge wire (42-44 AWG), and hand-selected components ensure consistency and quality impossible from mass-produced pickups. Unlike offshore manufacturing prioritizing cost over quality, Seymour Duncan maintains traditional American craftsmanship standards with rigorous quality control. Each pickup receives individual attention from experienced winders following specifications perfected through nearly 50 years of research and development.
Unmatched Tone Variety: With over 200 pickup models covering every genre and playing style, Seymour Duncan offers tonal options no other manufacturer matches. Need vintage PAF warmth? The '59 Model delivers authentic 1950s tone. Want aggressive metal? The Invader crushes with extreme output. Seeking authentic Stratocaster quack? The SSL series nails classic single-coil character. Jazz players love the smooth Jazz Model neck pickup. Blues guitarists swear by the Pearly Gates. No matter your style, Seymour Duncan has the perfect pickup - and our expert staff helps identify the ideal match for your guitar, genre, and tonal goals rather than leaving you guessing from online descriptions.
Professional Standard Worldwide: Seymour Duncan pickups represent the professional standard used by touring musicians across all genres. Artists from Slash to John Petrucci, Jeff Beck to Zakk Wylde trust Seymour Duncan for reliability, tone, and consistency night after night. When you install Seymour Duncan pickups, you're using the same technology relied upon by the world's best players - proven through decades of professional use in studios and stages worldwide. This professional pedigree matters because studio engineers and producers recognize Seymour Duncan quality, making your recordings sound immediately more professional through superior pickup clarity and frequency response.
Popular Seymour Duncan Pickup Models - Complete Guide
Understanding Seymour Duncan's most popular models helps identify the right pickup for your guitar and playing style. Here are the legendary pickups defining guitar tone across all genres, with detailed specifications and ideal applications based on our 15+ years experience installing these pickups in Melbourne guitars.
Legendary Seymour Duncan Humbuckers
JB Model (SH-4) - The World's Best-Selling Humbucker
Output: High (Moderate-High) | Magnet: Alnico V | DC Resistance: 16.4k
Best For: Rock, hard rock, metal, blues, versatile applications
Position: Bridge (most common), can work neck position
Price: $230-300
The JB (Jeff Beck model) revolutionized guitar tone in 1978 becoming the world's best-selling humbucker. Its slightly overwound design delivers aggressive midrange punch with sparkling highs and tight bass response perfect for rock and metal rhythm playing. The JB's versatility shines through coil-splitting capabilities providing usable single-coil tones when split. Countless professional players rely on the JB for its consistency, clarity under gain, and ability to handle any musical style from blues through death metal. Pairs excellently with Jazz Model or '59 neck pickup creating the ultimate versatile combination. Most popular Seymour Duncan pickup at Angkor Music Melbourne - we install more JBs than any other model because it works for 80% of players across all genres.
'59 Model (SH-1) - Authentic Vintage PAF Tone
Output: Moderate (Vintage) | Magnet: Alnico V | DC Resistance: 8.13k
Best For: Classic rock, blues, jazz, vintage tones, neck position
Position: Neck (most common), bridge for vintage output
Price: $230-300
The '59 Model faithfully recreates vintage Patent Applied For (PAF) humbucker tone from Gibson's golden era. Sweet harmonics, balanced frequency response, and touch-sensitive dynamics define the '59's character. Lower output compared to modern pickups provides natural tube amp breakup without excessive compression. The '59 excels in neck position delivering smooth lead tones with singing sustain perfect for blues and classic rock. Many players pair '59 neck with JB bridge creating versatile combination spanning vintage warmth to modern aggression. Our most popular choice for players wanting authentic vintage PAF tone without the $500+ cost of boutique pickups.
Invader (SH-8) - Extreme Metal Output
Output: Very High (Extreme) | Magnet: Ceramic | DC Resistance: 14.4k
Best For: Metal, hard rock, drop tuning, high-gain applications
Position: Bridge primary, available neck configuration
Price: $250-320
The Invader delivers crushing output with three large ceramic magnets providing maximum magnetic field strength. Designed specifically for extreme metal and drop tuning, the Invader's tight low-end response prevents muddiness under high gain while maintaining clarity for fast rhythm playing and brutal riffing. The aggressive midrange cuts through dense band mixes. Popular with death metal, metalcore, and brutal metal players requiring maximum output without noise. Ideal for Schecter and other metal guitars. Often paired with Invader neck or Jazz Model neck. Melbourne's metal community particularly loves Invader upgrades for drop-tuned guitars - we install these frequently in Schecter Hellraiser, ESP LTD, and Ibanez Iron Label guitars with outstanding results.
Distortion (SH-6) - High-Output Metal Clarity
Output: High | Magnet: Ceramic | DC Resistance: 13.8k
Best For: Metal, hard rock, aggressive rhythm, high-gain lead
Position: Bridge (designed for), available neck
Price: $240-310
The Distortion pickup bridges gap between vintage warmth and modern metal aggression. Three large ceramic magnets provide high output while maintaining note definition and harmonic content often lost in extreme-output pickups. The Distortion excels where clarity under gain proves essential - technical metal, shred, and fast rhythm playing benefit from its articulate character. Slightly lower output than Invader creates more dynamic response appealing to players wanting aggressive tone with touch sensitivity. Excellent choice for metal players upgrading from stock pickups seeking clarity without sacrificing output.
Pearly Gates (SH-PG1) - Texas Blues Power
Output: Moderate-High | Magnet: Alnico II | DC Resistance: 8.8k
Best For: Blues, Southern rock, classic rock, warm overdrive
Position: Bridge or neck, versatile placement
Price: $230-300
Named after Billy Gibbons' 1959 Les Paul "Pearly Gates," this pickup captures Texas blues tone with enhanced output. Alnico II magnets provide warm, smooth character with sparkling highs and thick midrange. The Pearly Gates delivers vintage PAF vibe with extra kick driving amplifiers harder than traditional low-output pickups. Perfect for blues players wanting authentic vintage tone without sacrificing modern performance. Works beautifully in both positions though particularly popular in bridge. Pairs well with Jazz Model or '59 neck. Our blues customers particularly love Pearly Gates for its organic warmth and singing sustain under moderate gain.
Jazz Model (SH-2) - Smooth Neck Tone
Output: Moderate (Vintage) | Magnet: Alnico V | DC Resistance: 7.88k
Best For: Jazz, blues, clean tones, smooth lead playing
Position: Neck (designed for), occasionally bridge for warm rhythm
Price: $230-300
The Jazz Model delivers warm, articulate neck tone with exceptional clarity and note definition. Lower output compared to modern pickups provides clean headroom and dynamic response perfect for jazz, blues, and clean playing styles. The balanced frequency response ensures every note in complex chord voicings rings clearly. Many rock players pair Jazz Model neck with JB bridge creating ultimate versatile combination - aggressive bridge tone with smooth, singing neck pickup. The Jazz Model proves particularly popular for upgrading guitars with muddy stock neck pickups revealing clarity and articulation previously hidden.
Popular Seymour Duncan Single-Coil Pickups
SSL-5 Custom Staggered - High-Output Strat Tone
Output: High | Magnet: Alnico V | Best For: Rock, blues, high-gain Stratocaster
Price: $180-240
The SSL-5 delivers powerful Stratocaster tone with increased output perfect for rock and blues. Staggered pole pieces match vintage Strat radius while overwound coil provides punch and sustain impossible from stock Fender pickups. The SSL-5 drives amplifiers harder maintaining classic Strat character - glassy cleans, vocal midrange, and singing sustain. Popular upgrade for players wanting authentic Strat tone with modern output levels. Works excellently in all three positions though particularly effective in bridge. Most popular Stratocaster pickup upgrade at Angkor Music transforming thin stock Strat tone into thick, powerful voice suitable for rock and blues.
Hot Rails (SHR-1) - Humbucker in Single-Coil Size
Output: High | Design: Stacked humbucker | Best For: Strat metal conversion, high gain
Price: $180-240
Hot Rails revolutionized Stratocaster upgrades by packaging true humbucker power in single-coil form factor. The dual-rail design eliminates hum while delivering crushing output perfect for metal and hard rock. Direct retrofit for standard Strat pickups requiring no routing or modification. Many metal players install Hot Rails in bridge position maintaining vintage single-coils in middle and neck for tonal versatility. The Hot Rails transforms Stratocasters into metal machines without compromising guitar aesthetics or resale value. Available for Strat, Tele, and other single-coil configurations. Popular upgrade for players wanting humbucker aggression without routing expensive guitars.
Seymour Duncan Active Pickups - Blackouts Series
Blackouts AHB-1 - Active Metal Standard
Output: Very High (Active) | Power: 9V battery | Best For: Modern metal, high-gain
Price: $260-340 per set
Seymour Duncan's Blackouts series competes directly with EMG active pickups offering extreme output with zero noise. The AHB-1 delivers tight, focused tone with crushing gain perfect for modern metal, deathcore, and djent. Active circuitry powered by 9V battery eliminates hum and interference while providing consistent output regardless of playing dynamics. The Blackouts feature slightly more organic character than EMG with less compression appealing to players wanting active benefits with more natural feel. Includes solderless installation system simplifying installation. Requires battery compartment routing if not present. Popular upgrade for Schecter and metal guitars particularly among Melbourne's djent and progressive metal players seeking extreme clarity under high gain.
Seymour Duncan vs EMG Pickups - Which Is Right For You?
Choosing between Seymour Duncan passive pickups and EMG active pickups? Both offer excellent metal tone. Seymour Duncan provides more tonal variety and natural dynamics with hand-wound craftsmanship. EMG delivers extreme output and zero noise with active circuitry. Learn about EMG 81/85, installation requirements, battery considerations, and how they compare to Seymour Duncan Blackouts active pickups for metal applications.
Compare EMG PickupsWhich Guitars Benefit Most from Seymour Duncan Upgrades?
Virtually any guitar benefits from Seymour Duncan pickups though certain instruments transform dramatically through strategic upgrades. Understanding which guitars respond best to pickup improvements helps prioritize upgrade investments delivering maximum tonal improvement for your specific situation.
Mid-Range Schecter, Ibanez, ESP Guitars
Mid-range Schecter, Ibanez, and ESP guitars ($800-$1,500) feature excellent construction with mediocre stock pickups. Upgrading to JB/Jazz, Distortion/Jazz, or Blackouts transforms these guitars into professional-grade instruments. A $300 pickup upgrade on $1,000 Schecter C-1 creates tone rivaling $2,000+ guitars. Highest ROI pickup upgrade category - we see this transformation daily in our Melbourne workshop and consistently recommend pickup upgrades for these guitars over purchasing more expensive models with similar stock electronics.
Budget Metal Guitars
Budget guitars like Schecter Omen/Reaper, Ibanez GIO, ESP LTD 10-series ($400-800) benefit enormously from Seymour Duncan upgrades. Stock pickups on these instruments represent weakest component. Installing JB bridge or Distortion pickup elevates tone dramatically while maintaining affordable total investment. Consider starting with bridge pickup only ($230-300 plus $120 installation = $350-420 total) before upgrading neck position. This incremental approach lets you hear dramatic improvement immediately while spreading costs over time.
Vintage Gibson & Fender Guitars
Vintage Gibson Les Pauls, SGs, and Fender Stratocasters sometimes feature degraded or altered pickups. Seymour Duncan Antiquity series recreates vintage PAF tone with period-correct construction and hand-aged components maintaining vintage value without originality concerns. The '59 and Seth Lover models provide authentic vintage tone without modification worries. For players wanting vintage sound without vintage pickup unreliability and inconsistency, Seymour Duncan offers ideal solution combining vintage character with modern consistency and warranty protection.
Custom & Kit Guitars
Custom builds and kit guitars require pickup selection during assembly. Seymour Duncan offers ideal choices across all price points. Budget builds benefit from JB/Jazz combination ($460-600 per set plus installation). Premium builds deserve Antiquity or Custom Shop pickups ($500-900). Our staff provides expert consultation matching pickups to build specifications and tonal goals ensuring your custom guitar achieves intended voice rather than leaving pickup selection to guesswork or online forum recommendations lacking context about your specific requirements.
Choosing the Right Seymour Duncan Pickup - Genre Guide
Different musical styles demand different pickup characteristics. This genre-based guide helps identify optimal Seymour Duncan models for your playing style ensuring pickup investment delivers expected tonal results based on our extensive experience installing pickups for Melbourne guitarists across all genres.
For Metal & Hard Rock:
Bridge: Invader, Distortion, JB, or Blackouts AHB-1
Neck: Invader neck, Jazz Model, or Blackouts AHB-1
Why: High output drives amplifiers hard, tight bass prevents muddiness under gain, aggressive midrange cuts through mix. Invader for extreme metal requiring maximum output for drop tuning and brutal riffing. Distortion for technical metal and shred needing clarity under gain. JB for versatility spanning hard rock through death metal with coil-split options. Blackouts for active zero-noise performance competing with EMG. Pair with professional drop tuning setup optimizing action, intonation, and nut slots for C-standard, B-standard, or lower tunings ensuring optimal metal performance.
For Blues & Classic Rock:
Bridge: Pearly Gates, '59, JB (for more output)
Neck: '59, Jazz Model, Seth Lover
Why: Moderate output provides natural tube amp breakup, vintage voicing delivers authentic PAF character, touch sensitivity responds to playing dynamics. Pearly Gates for Texas blues power combining vintage warmth with enhanced output driving amplifiers harder. '59 for classic PAF warmth with sweet harmonics and balanced response. Jazz Model for smooth neck tone with exceptional clarity perfect for blues lead playing and chord work.
For Jazz & Clean Tones:
Neck: Jazz Model, '59, Seth Lover
Bridge: '59, Pearly Gates (for more output)
Why: Lower output maintains clean headroom preventing unwanted distortion, balanced frequency response ensures chord clarity with every note in complex voicings audible, smooth character prevents harsh treble. Jazz Model designed specifically for jazz though works excellently for any clean playing style requiring articulation and definition. Vintage output pickups respond beautifully to volume knob adjustments creating dynamic range impossible from high-output models.
For Country & Twang:
Telecaster: Vintage Stack Tele (hum-canceling), APTR-1 (authentic vintage)
Stratocaster: SSL-1 (vintage), SSL-5 (hot output)
Why: Bright, articulate tone cuts through country mix, vintage voicing provides authentic twang character, clarity ensures note definition in fast playing and complex double-stop licks. Hum-canceling designs like Vintage Stack provide single-coil tone without noise perfect for high-gain country applications where traditional single-coils hum excessively.
For Shred & Technical Playing:
Bridge: JB, Distortion, Full Shred
Neck: Jazz Model, '59
Why: High output for sustain and harmonic content supporting fast legato and tapping techniques, clarity maintains note definition at speed preventing notes from blurring together, coil-split capabilities provide tonal versatility switching between humbucker aggression and single-coil clarity. JB's balanced response works across shred styles from neoclassical through modern technical metal. Full Shred designed specifically for high-gain lead playing with enhanced treble response for note articulation.
Professional Seymour Duncan Pickup Installation Service
While Seymour Duncan includes comprehensive wiring diagrams enabling DIY installation for players with soldering skills, professional installation ensures optimal performance through proper technique, testing, and setup. Our pickup installation service at $120-160 handles all aspects of pickup replacement guaranteeing reliable operation and maximum tonal performance based on years of experience installing hundreds of Seymour Duncan pickups in Melbourne guitars.
What's Included in Professional Installation
Pickup Installation Service Pricing
Single Pickup Installation: $120 (bridge or neck replacement)
Pickup Set Installation: $140 (bridge plus neck replacement)
Full HSS/SSS Replacement: $160 (all three Stratocaster pickups)
Service includes: Pickup removal preserving original components for reversibility, proper grounding eliminating hum and noise through chassis ground and pickup shielding, optimal pickup height adjustment balancing output with string clearance preventing magnetic pull, correct wiring for series/parallel/coil-split configurations if applicable maximizing tonal versatility, secure solder joints preventing future connection failures through proper technique and quality solder, complete electronics testing confirming reliable operation across all pickup positions and switch configurations, basic setup ensuring guitar plays optimally with new pickups including action check and intonation verification.
Turnaround: 3-6 days typical ensuring proper attention to installation details and complete testing.
Our experienced technicians install pickups daily understanding specifications and wiring requirements ensuring maximum performance from your upgrade. We guarantee proper grounding eliminating hum, optimal pickup height balancing output and tone, correct wiring preventing phase issues or weak output, and reliable operation across all positions. The installation includes basic setup ensuring your guitar plays optimally with new pickups. For comprehensive maintenance combining pickup upgrade with complete guitar optimization, pair installation with full setup service at $155 addressing action height, intonation adjustment, fret polishing, fingerboard conditioning, and complete playability optimization creating comprehensive guitar transformation in single service appointment.
Advanced Wiring Options
Seymour Duncan pickups support advanced wiring configurations expanding tonal versatility beyond standard settings. Popular modifications include coil-splitting (converting humbuckers to single-coil mode using push-pull pots accessing both humbucker power and single-coil clarity), series-parallel switching (altering pickup winding configuration for tonal variation between thick series tone and thinner parallel voicing), phase switching (creating hollow out-of-phase tones popular for funk and reggae), and independent volume controls for precise pickup blending creating unique tonal combinations. Our installation service accommodates these modifications with additional labor charges depending on complexity. Discuss wiring options during consultation to maximize your pickup upgrade's potential ensuring you access full tonal range available from Seymour Duncan's versatile designs.
Combine Pickup Upgrade with Professional Setup
Maximize your pickup upgrade with complete guitar setup service. Professional setup at $155 includes fingerboard cleaning and conditioning, fret polishing addressing minor wear, action optimization to your playing preference, intonation adjustment ensuring accurate pitch, and electronics verification testing all controls and output. Combined with pickup installation creates comprehensive guitar transformation addressing both tone and playability simultaneously. Perfect opportunity for complete maintenance optimizing your guitar's performance across all aspects rather than addressing electronics alone.
Professional Setup Service DetailsSeymour Duncan Pickup Specifications Guide
Understanding pickup specifications helps make informed choices matching technical characteristics to tonal expectations. Here are key specification factors affecting Seymour Duncan pickup performance and tone based on our experience helping Melbourne guitarists select appropriate pickups for their specific requirements.
DC Resistance (Ohms)
Indicates output level and general tonal character. Lower resistance (7-9k) suggests vintage output with clarity and dynamics, moderate resistance (9-12k) provides balanced output suitable for rock and blues, high resistance (12-16k plus) delivers increased output and compression perfect for metal. However, resistance alone doesn't determine tone - magnet type and wire gauge significantly affect character. Two pickups with identical resistance can sound completely different due to magnet selection and winding techniques making specifications useful guidelines requiring expert interpretation rather than absolute predictors.
Magnet Type
Alnico II: Warm, smooth, vintage character (Pearly Gates)
Alnico III: Lower output, chimey bright tone (specialty vintage models)
Alnico IV: Balanced vintage tone (less common)
Alnico V: Balanced, versatile, most common (JB, '59, Jazz Model)
Alnico VIII: Strong output, modern character (contemporary designs)
Ceramic: Maximum output, tight bass, aggressive (Invader, Distortion)
Magnet selection profoundly affects tonal character beyond simple output differences influencing bass response, midrange character, treble sparkle, and overall voice making magnet type crucial consideration when selecting pickups for specific tonal goals.
Pole Spacing
Standard Spacing (50mm): Suits tune-o-matic bridges, fixed bridges, most Les Paul-style guitars
F-Spacing (53mm): Matches tremolo bridge string spacing including Floyd Rose, vintage Fender tremolo, wider string spacing guitars
Incorrect spacing causes uneven output across strings with outer strings (high E and low E) sitting outside pole piece magnetic field resulting in weak output and poor balance. Verify your guitar's bridge type before ordering ensuring proper pole spacing. Most Seymour Duncan models available in both spacings though some vintage models offered only in standard spacing. Bring your guitar to our showroom for verification if uncertain about appropriate spacing for your specific instrument.
4-Conductor vs 2-Conductor Wiring
4-Conductor: Enables coil-splitting (humbucker to single-coil), series-parallel switching (thick vs thin tone), phase switching (out-of-phase hollow tones), and independent coil control providing maximum wiring flexibility and tonal options
2-Conductor: Standard wiring, simpler installation, no splitting capability, traditional humbucker operation only
Most modern Seymour Duncan pickups include 4-conductor wiring standard providing maximum flexibility even if you don't immediately use advanced wiring options - future modification remains possible without pickup replacement. Specify wiring type when ordering if modification plans exist ensuring appropriate conductor configuration. Our installation service handles both wiring types and can implement coil-splitting or other modifications during installation when requested.
Seymour Duncan Product Categories
Humbucker Pickups
The heart of Seymour Duncan's reputation. From vintage PAF clones like the '59 and Seth Lover models to modern high-output options like the JB, Invader, and Distortion, Seymour Duncan humbuckers deliver thick, powerful tone with endless tonal variety. Available in standard spacing, F-spaced for tremolo-equipped guitars, and active Blackouts configurations. Over 50 humbucker models covering every imaginable application from jazz through extreme metal ensuring perfect pickup exists for your specific requirements regardless of genre or playing style.
Single-Coil Pickups
Authentic vintage tone and modern clarity. The SSL series recreates classic Stratocaster tones from the 1950s and 1960s, while models like the Quarter Pound and Hot Stack offer higher output for rock and blues. Stack configurations provide single-coil tone with hum-canceling operation perfect for high-gain environments eliminating noise while maintaining character. Telecaster, Stratocaster, P90, and specialty single-coil options available covering all vintage and modern single-coil applications.
Bass Pickups
Professional bass tone for every style. The Quarter Pound series adds massive output to Precision and Jazz basses transforming stock tone. The SMB-4 and SPB series recreate vintage tones with modern clarity and consistency. Active bass pickups offer preamp-driven punch and extended frequency response for slap, fingerstyle, and pick playing techniques. Five-string and six-string bass pickup configurations available ensuring proper string spacing and magnetic field coverage for extended range instruments.
Acoustic Pickups
The Woody series soundhole pickups install without modification providing magnetic pickup tone from acoustic guitars perfect for players wanting amplification without permanent guitar alteration. Active acoustic pickups with preamps deliver amplified acoustic tone with feedback resistance suitable for stage performance. Excellent solutions for acoustic players wanting amplification without committing to permanent pickup installation maintaining acoustic guitar's natural acoustic properties while enabling amplified performance when needed.
Mail-In Pickup Installation Service Available Australia-Wide
Can't visit our Melbourne workshop? Ship your guitar for professional Seymour Duncan installation from anywhere in Australia. Expert pickup installation service with detailed packing instructions ensuring safe shipping, comprehensive insurance coverage protecting your guitar during transit, and complete service timeline transparency. Same professional installation quality as in-person service ensuring optimal tone and reliable operation. Return shipping calculated at checkout with tracking provided.
Read Mail-In Service InstructionsBest-Selling Seymour Duncan Pickups at Angkor Music Melbourne
Based on 15+ years sales experience serving Melbourne guitarists, these Seymour Duncan models consistently prove most popular representing best balance of tone, versatility, and value across different playing styles and genres. This data comes from actual installation records showing which pickups Melbourne players choose most frequently when upgrading their guitars.
Top 5 Seymour Duncan Pickups - Angkor Music Best Sellers
1. JB Model (SH-4) Bridge - The Universal Favorite
Price: $230-300 | Why Number One: Works for rock, metal, blues, and everything between making it the most versatile humbucker ever made. Countless professional players rely on JB for touring and recording creating proven track record. Coil-split capability adds single-coil tones expanding versatility further. Perfect first pickup upgrade delivering professional tone immediately without requiring complementary neck pickup initially. Pairs excellently with Jazz Model or '59 neck creating ultimate versatile combination when budget allows complete set. We install more JBs than any other pickup because 80% of players benefit from its balanced character regardless of primary genre.
2. Jazz Model (SH-2) Neck - Smooth Lead Tone
Price: $230-300 | Why Popular: Perfect complement to JB bridge creating the most popular Seymour Duncan combination worldwide. Smooth, articulate neck tone works across all genres from jazz through metal. Lower output maintains clean headroom preventing muddy low-end or excessive compression. Many rock and metal players choose JB/Jazz combination as ultimate pairing balancing aggressive bridge with singing neck pickup. Works excellently for upgrading muddy stock neck pickups transforming lead tone dramatically revealing clarity hidden by inferior factory electronics.
3. Invader (SH-8) Bridge - Metal Monster
Price: $250-320 | Why Popular: Extreme output for brutal metal applications requiring maximum gain. Melbourne's metal community particularly loves Invader for drop tuning and high-gain applications where standard pickups lack punch. Tight bass prevents muddiness under gain maintaining clarity for fast rhythm playing and brutal riffing. Popular upgrade for Schecter Hellraiser, ESP LTD, and Ibanez Iron Label guitars transforming good metal guitars into exceptional instruments. Delivers professional death metal tone impossible from stock pickups making it essential upgrade for serious metal players.
4. '59 Model (SH-1) - Vintage PAF Warmth
Price: $230-300 | Why Popular: Authentic vintage PAF tone for blues and classic rock players seeking vintage character. Sweet harmonics and balanced response appeal to players wanting touch sensitivity and natural dynamics. Popular neck position choice though works excellently in bridge for vintage output applications. Blues guitarists particularly appreciate '59's organic warmth and singing sustain characteristics. Represents most affordable way to achieve authentic vintage PAF tone without $500+ boutique pickup investment making premium vintage tone accessible to more players.
5. SSL-5 Custom Staggered - Hot Strat Tone
Price: $180-240 | Why Popular: Most popular Stratocaster pickup upgrade transforming thin stock Strat tone into thick powerful voice. Increased output drives amplifiers harder maintaining classic Strat character - glassy cleans, vocal midrange, singing sustain. Rock and blues Strat players love SSL-5 for punch and sustain impossible from stock Fender pickups. Excellent value upgrade dramatically transforming Stratocaster tone for relatively modest investment creating professional Strat voice without requiring complete pickup set replacement initially.
Why Buy Seymour Duncan from Angkor Music Melbourne?
Expert Selection Advice
Our staff understands Seymour Duncan specifications and can recommend perfect matches for your guitar, genre, and tonal goals. Not just salespeople reading specs - experienced guitarists who install pickups daily understanding how specifications translate to actual tone through direct hands-on experience. We ask about your guitar, amplifier, playing style, and tonal preferences providing personalized recommendations rather than generic suggestions ensuring you get the right pickup for your specific situation first time.
Professional Installation Service
$120-160 pickup installation by experienced technicians ensuring optimal performance through proper grounding, correct wiring, optimal height adjustment, and complete testing. We install hundreds of Seymour Duncan pickups annually understanding installation nuances and common problems preventing issues before they occur. Our installation service guarantees reliable operation maximizing your pickup investment's value.
Largest Seymour Duncan Range
100+ pickup models in stock for immediate purchase without special order delays. We maintain comprehensive inventory including popular models (JB, Jazz, Invader, '59) and specialty pickups (Antiquity series, signature models, bass pickups) ensuring you can purchase and install your upgrade immediately rather than waiting weeks for backorders. Our inventory investment demonstrates commitment to serving guitarists properly rather than just stocking best-sellers.
Authorized Dealer - Full Warranty
Genuine Seymour Duncan products with full Australian warranty coverage. As authorized dealer, we provide warranty support and handle any product issues directly with Seymour Duncan ensuring rapid resolution. Purchasing from unauthorized sources or international sellers often voids warranty coverage leaving customers without recourse for defective products. Our authorized dealer status guarantees genuine products and complete warranty protection.
Combined Services
Pair pickup upgrades with setup service $155 for complete guitar transformation addressing tone and playability simultaneously. Our comprehensive guitar repair services mean we can address multiple issues during single appointment saving time and transportation costs while ensuring your entire guitar receives professional attention creating optimal overall performance.
Schecter & Metal Guitar Specialists
Expert knowledge upgrading Schecter, Ibanez, ESP, and other metal guitars. We install more Invader and Blackouts pickups than most Australian retailers understanding exact requirements for metal guitar applications including drop tuning considerations and high-gain optimization. Melbourne's metal community trusts our expertise for upgrading their guitars to professional standards.
Australia-Wide Delivery
Secure packaging and fast shipping nationwide for pickup orders. Mail-in service available for interstate players wanting professional installation - ship your guitar from anywhere in Australia for expert Seymour Duncan installation returning with complete setup and testing ensuring optimal performance when you receive it back.
Competitive Pricing
Best value on Seymour Duncan pickups combining fair pricing with expert service and professional installation creating total package value impossible from discount-only sellers. While some retailers compete solely on price offering minimal service, we provide complete solution including expert selection advice, professional installation, and ongoing support justifying slightly higher pricing through dramatically superior customer experience and guaranteed results.
Frequently Asked Questions - Seymour Duncan Pickups
What is the best Seymour Duncan pickup for metal?
For modern metal, the Invader (SH-8) delivers crushing gain with tight low-end response perfect for drop tuning and brutal riffing. The Distortion (SH-6) provides clarity under high gain ideal for technical metal and shred where note definition matters. Seymour Duncan Blackouts active pickups eliminate noise with extreme output competing directly with EMG for players wanting active benefits. For classic metal and versatility, the JB Model remains popular for harmonic content and coil-split capabilities. Pair metal pickups with professional drop tuning setup optimizing action, intonation, and nut slots for C-standard, B-standard, or lower tunings. The Invader represents our most popular metal pickup for Schecter and ESP guitar upgrades based on installation records. Professional pickup installation at $120-160 ensures optimal metal performance through proper grounding and height adjustment.
Can I install Seymour Duncan pickups myself?
Yes, Seymour Duncan includes comprehensive color-coded wiring diagrams with every pickup enabling DIY installation for players with basic soldering skills and electronics understanding. Each pickup includes detailed instructions showing series, parallel, split-coil, and other wiring options with clear diagrams. However, improper installation creates grounding issues causing hum, incorrect wiring producing thin tone or no output, poor solder joints failing under use, incorrect pickup height compromising tone and sustain, and potential electronics damage from soldering mistakes. Professional installation at Angkor Music costs $120-160 ensuring proper grounding eliminating noise, correct wiring maximizing tonal performance, secure solder joints preventing future failures, optimal pickup height balancing output with string clearance, and complete testing confirming reliable operation. We guarantee results and fix problems immediately rather than requiring troubleshooting after DIY attempt. Many players attempt DIY installation then bring guitars for professional correction after encountering problems - consider professional installation initially for peace of mind and guaranteed optimal results particularly for expensive guitars or complex wiring modifications requiring advanced understanding.
Which Seymour Duncan pickup sounds like vintage PAF?
The '59 Model (SH-1) and Seth Lover pickups authentically recreate vintage Patent Applied For (PAF) humbucker tone from Gibson's golden era. The '59 offers balanced output with sweet harmonics perfect for classic rock and blues - this represents Seymour Duncan's most popular vintage-voiced pickup based on our sales records. The Seth Lover provides lower output vintage tone with exceptional clarity and note definition favored by jazz and blues players seeking ultimate vintage authenticity. The Antiquity Humbucker takes authenticity further with hand-aged components, period-correct construction, and degraded magnets replicating 60-year-old pickup characteristics for players wanting exact vintage sound. These vintage models suit players wanting authentic PAF warmth, touch sensitivity, and natural tube amp breakup impossible from modern high-output pickups. Price range $230-450 depending on model and series. Our staff helps determine which vintage model matches your specific tonal goals and guitar application ensuring appropriate PAF character for your requirements.
Do Seymour Duncan pickups fit all guitars?
Seymour Duncan manufactures pickups for virtually all guitar types including Gibson-style humbuckers, Fender Stratocaster and Telecaster single-coils, P90s, Jazzmaster pickups, bass pickups, and specialty configurations. However, verify your guitar's pickup routing dimensions and pole spacing before ordering ensuring proper fit. F-spaced humbuckers (53mm pole spacing) suit tremolo-equipped guitars like Floyd Rose systems and vintage Fender tremolos, while standard spacing (50mm) fits tune-o-matic style bridges and fixed bridges. Single-coil pickups require specific routing - Stratocaster pickups won't fit Telecaster routes without modification. Bring your guitar to our Altona showroom for compatibility verification or contact us with your guitar model for confirmation. Most popular guitar models accommodate Seymour Duncan pickups directly though some vintage or import guitars require routing modification. Our experienced staff identifies compatibility issues before purchase preventing costly mistakes and ensuring successful upgrades.
What is the difference between Seymour Duncan active and passive pickups?
Passive Seymour Duncan pickups (JB, '59, Invader, Distortion, etc.) use magnetic coils without batteries offering natural dynamics, organic tone variation, and touch sensitivity responding to playing attack. Passive pickups provide wider tonal palette and vintage characteristics appealing to players wanting expressive, dynamic response across gain levels. Active Seymour Duncan Blackouts require 9V batteries providing higher output, lower noise, and consistent tone regardless of playing dynamics. Active pickups excel for high-gain metal with tight response and zero hum competing directly with EMG active pickups for extreme metal applications. Passive pickups suit players wanting dynamic touch sensitivity and vintage characteristics with natural compression and overtone development. Active pickups suit metal players requiring maximum output and noise elimination with consistent performance under extreme gain. Choice depends on playing style, genre preferences, and desired tonal characteristics. Most guitarists prefer passive Seymour Duncan pickups for versatility and organic character though active Blackouts serve specific metal applications excellently where noise elimination and extreme output prove essential.
How much do Seymour Duncan pickups cost in Australia?
Seymour Duncan pickup prices at Angkor Music Melbourne range from $180 to $450 depending on model and series. Standard pickups like JB, '59, Jazz Model, and Invader typically cost $230-320 each. Single-coil pickups like SSL-5 and Hot Rails range $180-240. Specialty models and Antiquity series cost $280-450. Active Blackouts sets range $260-340 per set. Complete sets including bridge and neck pickups offer better value than individual purchases - JB/Jazz combination costs approximately $460-600 for complete set. Professional installation adds $120-160 to total investment ($120 single pickup, $140 bridge plus neck set, $160 full HSS/SSS). We stock 100+ Seymour Duncan models for immediate purchase avoiding special order delays and backorder frustrations. Contact Angkor Music for current pricing on specific models and availability. All prices include full Australian warranty coverage as authorized Seymour Duncan dealer ensuring genuine products with complete warranty protection backing your investment.
Can I mix different Seymour Duncan pickups in bridge and neck positions?
Absolutely - mixing Seymour Duncan pickups creates balanced, versatile tone matching your specific playing requirements rather than forcing identical pickups in both positions. Popular combinations include JB bridge with Jazz Model or '59 neck for versatile rock tone spanning aggressive bridge to smooth neck positions creating ultimate tonal range. Many metal players pair Invader bridge with Jazz Model neck balancing crushing rhythm tone with smooth lead capability preventing excessive output muddying neck pickup clarity. Blues guitarists often choose Pearly Gates bridge with '59 neck combining Texas blues power with vintage warmth. Shred players favor JB or Distortion bridge with Jazz Model neck optimizing clarity for technical playing while maintaining smooth lead voice. Seymour Duncan designs complementary pairs though experimentation often yields personalized results perfectly matching individual playing styles and tonal preferences. Visit our Altona showroom to discuss combination options based on your guitar, genre, and tonal preferences. Our staff recommends optimal pairings ensuring balanced output and complementary characteristics between positions preventing common problems like overwhelming neck pickup or weak bridge output.
Are Seymour Duncan pickups worth the upgrade cost?
Yes - Seymour Duncan pickups represent one of the most cost-effective guitar upgrades available delivering dramatic tone improvement for relatively modest investment compared to purchasing expensive guitars. A $300-600 pickup upgrade can transform a mediocre $800 guitar into an instrument rivaling $2,000+ guitars in tone quality while maintaining familiar playability and aesthetics. Players consistently report improvements in clarity revealing individual notes in chords, dynamics responding to playing touch variations, output driving amplifiers harder without harshness, sustain extending note decay naturally, and overall tonal quality elevating recording and performance results. The investment pays dividends through improved playing experience, better recording quality requiring less EQ correction, and increased playing satisfaction encouraging more practice time. Many professional guitarists play relatively affordable guitars upgraded with premium Seymour Duncan pickups rather than expensive guitars with inferior stock electronics demonstrating pickups' importance. Pickup upgrades prove more valuable than many other modifications - upgrading pickups on good guitar beats purchasing expensive guitar with mediocre pickups every time. Combined with professional setup at $155, pickup upgrades create comprehensive guitar transformation maximizing performance and playability simultaneously for total investment typically under $1,000 including installation.
Does Angkor Music offer Seymour Duncan warranty support?
Yes, all Seymour Duncan products purchased from Angkor Music include full manufacturer warranty coverage. As authorized Australian dealer, we provide warranty support and handle any product issues directly with Seymour Duncan ensuring rapid resolution without customer involvement in complex international warranty claims. The company stands behind their pickups with comprehensive warranty protection covering manufacturing defects and component failures though such issues prove rare given Seymour Duncan's rigorous quality control. Should any problems arise, contact Angkor Music and we'll facilitate warranty claims ensuring rapid resolution minimizing downtime. Seymour Duncan's reputation for quality means warranty claims prove exceptionally rare though complete coverage provides peace of mind for your investment. Purchasing from authorized dealers like Angkor Music ensures genuine products with warranty support - purchasing from unauthorized sources or international sellers often voids warranty coverage leaving customers without recourse for defective products creating false economy where minimal price savings become irrelevant when warranty issues arise requiring complete pickup replacement at full cost.
Where can I buy Seymour Duncan pickups in Australia?
Angkor Music Melbourne stocks Australia's most comprehensive Seymour Duncan range at 4-6 Drake Boulevard, Altona VIC 3018 with 100+ models available for immediate purchase. Shop online with Australia-wide delivery or visit our showroom for expert consultation and pickup demos when possible. Unlike general music retailers carrying limited selections focusing on best-sellers only, we specialize in pickups with staff understanding specifications, tonal characteristics, and application recommendations based on years of installation experience rather than catalog descriptions. Our professional installation service at $120-160 ensures optimal performance. We maintain comprehensive inventory avoiding special order delays for most popular models ensuring immediate gratification rather than weeks waiting for backorders. Combine pickup purchase with setup service $155 or utilize mail-in service for customers outside Melbourne. Call (03) 8360 7799 for pickup recommendations, availability, pricing, and installation consultation. Authorized Seymour Duncan dealer with full warranty support ensuring genuine products and complete customer protection.
Why Choose Angkor Music for Seymour Duncan Pickups?
Authorized Dealer - Genuine Seymour Duncan products with full Australian warranty coverage
Largest Range - 100+ pickup models in stock for immediate purchase without special order delays
Expert Guidance - Staff who understand pickup specifications and recommend perfect matches for your guitar and playing style, not just salespeople reading specs from catalogs
Professional Installation - $120-160 pickup installation by experienced technicians ensuring optimal performance through proper grounding, wiring, height adjustment, and testing
Combined Services - Pair pickup upgrades with setup service $155 for complete guitar transformation
Schecter Specialists - Expert knowledge upgrading Schecter, Ibanez, ESP, and other metal guitars based on extensive installation experience
Australia-Wide Delivery - Secure packaging and fast shipping nationwide
Mail-In Service - Ship your guitar for professional pickup installation from anywhere in Australia
Competitive Pricing - Best value combining fair pricing with expert service creating total package value impossible from discount-only sellers lacking expertise
Shop Seymour Duncan Pickups at Angkor Music Melbourne
Australia's Seymour Duncan specialists. 100+ models in stock. Professional installation $120-160.
Expert guidance from experienced guitar technicians who understand tone, not just salespeople reading specifications.
Angkor Music Melbourne
4-6 Drake Boulevard, Altona VIC 3018
Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm | Sat: 10am-5pm | Sun: 11am-4pm
sales@angkormusic.com.au
