Here's a 2-tier understanding of Duncan's Custom humbucker: It's a hotter interpretation of the PAF unit + it's given a more commanding bottom end. This pickup has a twin application considering its authoritative lower frequencies. If you are looking for a pickup to balance out a guitar with bright acoustics, the SH-5 would serve you. Alternatively, if you peddle lots of bass notes but wish to maintain clarity in an already booming guitar, the SH-5 would serve you as well. It's a good alternative to the Duncan Distortion (SH-6) for those of us who think it's a harsh sounding humbucker; the SH-5 possesses the former's attributes but with added bass. All in all, the SH-5 is a high output unit which loves distortion.
I was happy with the Duncan Distortion (SH-6) humbucker; it's an outstanding high output humbucker for distortion laden tone & resided in my Ibanez RG321. However, my satin finished RG321 is a bright-sounding guitar which doesn't need additional emphasis in the upper frequencies but I am stubborn in my EQ settings; I don't pump up the bass more than the midrange/ treble. I was looking for a replacement unit which should not compromise the distortion performance but has added low frequencies; the SH-5 was it.
Manufacturer's notes:
- Pickup's default EQ settings: Bass- 7/ Midrange- 6/ Treble- 9
- Magnet type: Ceramic
- Output: High
My experience with this pickup:
- Current resident guitar: Ibanez RG321
It used to be in the following guitar(s):
- Ibanez: RG1550
- Gibson: Les Paul BFG
If you decide to purchase this pickup based on the manufacturer's pickup EQ reference per se, you'd be mistaken into thinking the SH-5 has added brightness due to its over-the-top treble enhancements. It's only when you have it in real use then the bottom end emphasis would make its mark. It's a little deceiving, the statistics...
