AHB-1 metal cover vs non-metal. What's the dif?

[psycom]

Besides that the Seymour Duncan AHB-1 Blackouts Humbucker Neck with Metal Cover is $154.00 ($159.00 for the gold) while the "non-metal" neck version is running $88.00, what's the reason for the big price difference? Same pickup isn't it? What's different to justify such the big cost difference between the neck pups?

I've grabbed the Gold Neck Metal because of a special "phone only" offer while calling about something else. Grabbed it because of the price difference was eliminated and figured I'd see what the deal was later. Now it's later & I haven't had the chance to put it in nor do I have the non-metal one to make a comparison. So before I pull my pups out and start changing thongs do I was wondering if anybody else noticed this and has the answer?

I will say the metal one is without a doubt the heaviest (weight wise) pickup I've ever held in my hand! I mean serious bulk to it. Like a hunk of lead. Could easily bust a window with it. Not your average pickup for sure! I haven't had the non metal in my hands yet but am about to go grab one out of curiosity. But the cover alone can't be THAT heavy!

Thanks you for your input!

rich

 

[Got_tone?]

Re: AHB-1 metal cover vs non-metal. What's the dif?

I'm sorry, but half of that post made me laugh.

I sure Frank will spot this thread and answer you're question. It's definitely a good question. I'd like to know the answer as well.

Haha, bust a window.

 

[psycom]

Re: AHB-1 metal cover vs non-metal. What's the dif?

I'm sorry, but half of that post made me laugh.

I sure Frank will spot this thread and answer you're question. It's definitely a good question. I'd like to know the answer as well.

Haha, bust a window.

Laughter, good for the soul. :jester:
I'm telling ya I'm serious about busting a window with it. Its a damn weapon! The GC didn't have one or I'd have the results up already on the weight difference.

Maybe I'm missing the obvious... it's a "Heavy Metal" pickup. :flush:

Oh well, just wait until you get your hands on one.

 

[DonP]

What's the dif?

What's the dif?

$66.00

 

[frankfalbo]

Re: AHB-1 metal cover vs non-metal. What's the dif?

You're comparing the retail price of the metal covered to a "street price" of the black. They're only about $15-$20 more.

 

[psycom]

Re: AHB-1 metal cover vs non-metal. What's the dif?

You're comparing the retail price of the metal covered to a "street price" of the black. They're only about $15-$20 more.

NO I'M NOT! I'm using the ACTUAL "what you pay" prices in that example from Music 123 aka Musicians Friend aka Guitar Center which are all same company btw.

Prices keep changing but here's the most recent links to "sets." The regular "Black Plastic" AHB 1's
AHB 1-N's

And here's the link for the "Metal" AHB 1's
AHB 1N's "all metal" version

Gold Metal set is $215.95
Black Plastic set is $173.95

The "Black Plastic" neck or bridge pickup for the "original" HB
are $89.99 each

The "Gold Metal" AHB 1-N "all metal" neck pickup is $159.00 at Guitar Center & MF (123 had it but I can't find it today) and almost the cost of a SET of the Plastic ones.

While the "Gold Metal" ALL METAL Bridge pickup is $104.95.

Purchasing these pickups individually is always more. Here's the latest pricing:

Metal neck: $159.95
Metal bridge: $104.95
Plastic versions $89.99 each

Again, this is the "going rate" and I did NOT get it confused with retail imaginary prices.

The question remains, WHAT ARE WE PAYING FOR? Just the Metal? That's a lot for a little bit of metal IMO. Is anything else different?

I paid LESS for an all Metal Gold Neck pup than I can buy the all plastic set for. Is it the same thing? Music123 didn't lose any money doing that so I'll take a wild stab at it and say the prices are really jacked up on them! So much so I wouldn't pay the going rate now know this. Would you? It's overpriced to make you "think" its better. But it's the same product.

On regular Alnico pickups the full metal cover becomes part of the pickup and contribute to the sound. They become huge "rails" and is advantageous. I'm not sure if these active pickups have the same end results. If so that's the ONLY thing I can see that could make the performance any different.

Anyway, I think I made my point that I'm using actual consumer prices and not idiotic "retail" pricing that doesn't mean a thing. :scratchch

My initial testing using the Gold Metal neck and EMG 85 in bridge had me wishing there was a way to calm down the neck pup so I could balance it out. Wishing there was a jumper to pull so I could cut it back some but that's not an option on this model. Went back to the 81 at the neck since it has more umph. Jury still out as I can't give it the test I want at this hour.

I "think" its a bit better. Still, the EMG needs to be as close to the strings as possible while the Metal AHB and I assume the Plastic one has to be far away as possible. I mean below the sight line of the mount and it's still got more balls than the EMG almost touching the strings! I'll work on it and see what I come up with but I'm thinking to balance them you'll need a set.

Also, your old amp settings won't work.Everything changes. If you change guitars during a set it's going to mess you up big time. Keep that in mind. And these are the "mild" Blackouts. There's a couple others to chose from which are so hot you'll be limited on your musical styles. Shredding Metal is what they are made for and that's not my style.

Thanks for chiming in though about retail vs actual. I can see how you could think that.

They also don't mount solid like an EMG. They'll teeter some. I can't give a fair evaluation on the sound but I can on the price... You can get the "All Metal" Gold neck model for the same if not less than the going rate of the plastic ones. Look around and call around... that's how I got it. And I wasn't even asking nor looking for a pickup.

Rich