Seymour Duncan mV Data

Scott Olson

Scott Olson

SD Media Manager
Good afternoon forum friends, as many of you know we are deep in the midst of a website design (and yes for those of you rolling your eyes, it has been an extraordinarily long journey as we completely re-design, record and sample our many, many pickups). I wanted to give you guys a peak at some upcoming mV data. You all know the limitations of using DC resistance as an indicator of output, a much better indicator is mV. We've devised a precise and repeatable method for testing pickup output which we believe corresponds closely to actual playing. We start with a Telecaster that has an oversized cavity routed to allow easy pickup installation. The guitar is carefully tuned to standard tuning (consistent tuning is important). We add a custom machined, mechanical, spring loaded strum arm with a tempered, .004” thick spring steel pick. We install the pickup, setting the distance from the top of the pickup to the string to .093” +/- .010” (consistent set-up is essential). We then load and release the strum arm, capturing the result on a digital storage oscilloscope. We perform this process 5 times for a 3 pickup sample lot and average the results. This is repeated for every model we make.

I'm happy to be able to share some of this data with you today. I appreciate you guys being cool and patient with us as we work to give you all the tools you could ever want to make the best selection.

mV:

SH-55n Seth Lover Model Nkl 399
SH-55b Seth Lover Model Nkl 399
SH-2n Jazz Model 501
SH-2b Jazz Model 571
SH-3 Stag Mag 389
SH-4 JB Model 737
SH-5 Duncan Custom 784
7Str Distortion Brg, Amt, Soapbar 792
8Str Distortion Brg, Amt, Soapbar 792
SH-6b Duncan Distortion 792
7Str Distortion Brg Pmt 792
8Str Distortion Brg Pmt 792
7Str Distortion Nk,Amt, Soapbar 732
8Str Distortion Nk,Amt, Soapbar 732
SH-6n Duncan Distortion 732
7Str Distortion Nk,Pmt 732
8Str Distortion Nk,Pmt 732
SH-8SGn Synyster Gates,&Chr,Neck 491
SH-8SGb Synyster Gates,&Chr,Brdg 813
SH-8n Invader 491
7Str Invader Nk, Pmt 491
8Str Invader Nk, Pmt 491
7Str Invader Brg, Amt, Soapbar 813
8Str Invader Brg, Amt, Soapbar 813
SH-8b Invader 813
7Str Invader Brg, Pmt 813
8Str Invader Brg, Pmt 813
SM-2n Custom Mini-Humbkr 216
SM-2b Custom Mini-Humbkr 327
SM-3n Seymourized Mini-Humbkr 330
SM-3b Seymourized Mini-Humbkr 354
SH-PG1n Pearly Gates 513
SH-PG1b Pearly Gates 543
SH-10n Full Shred 709
SH-10b Full Shred 724
SH-11 Custom Custom 574
PA-TB1b Original Parallel Axis 749
PA-TB1n Original Parallel Axis 515
PA-TB2b Distortion Parallel Axis 741
PA-STK1n Parallel Axis Stack 291
PA-TB3b Blues Saraceno Model 694
SH-12 Screamin' Demon 500
SH-13 Dimebucker 1160
SH-14 Custom 5 Black 646
SH-15 Alternative 8 Black 761
SH-16 59/Custom Hybrid, 625
SH-18b Whole Lotta HB bridge 440
SH-18n Whole Lotta HB Neck 382
Black Winter, HB Neck 744
Black Winter, HB Bridge 763
7Str Black Winter, HB Neck 744
7Str Black Winter, HB Bridge 763
8Str Black Winter, HB Neck 744
8Str Black Winter, HB Bridge 763
6Str Pegasus Brg. 555
7Str Pegasus Brg, Amt, Soapbar 555
8Str Pegasus Brg, Amt, Soapbar 555
7Str Pegasus Brg, Pmt 555
8Str Pegasus Brg, Pmt 555
6Str Nazgûl Brg, Amt, Soapbar 666
7Str Nazgûl Brg, Amt, Soapbar 666
8Str Nazgûl Brg, Amt, Soapbar 666
7Str Nazgûl Brg, Pmt 666
8Str Nazgûl Brg, Pmt 666
6Str Sentient Neck, Amt, Soapbar 499
7Str Sentient Neck, Amt, Soapbar 499
8Str Sentient Neck, Amt, Soapbar 499
7Str Sentient Neck, Pmt 499
8Str Sentient Neck, Pmt 499
Jason Becker - bridge Black 582
TB-59 '59 Trembucker 593
TB-4 JB Trembucker 737
TB-5 Duncan Custom Trembkr 784
TB-6 Duncan Distortion Trmbkr 792
TB-8SGb Synyster Gates,&Chr,Brdg 813
TB-PG1b Pearly Gates Trembkr 543
TB-APH1B Alnc II Trembucker 499
TB-10 Full Shred Trembucker 724
TB-11 Custom Custom Trembkr 574
TB-12 Screamin' Demon Trembkr 500
TB-14 Custom 5 Trembkr Black 646
TB-15 Alternative 8 Trembkr Black 651
TB-16 59/Custom Hybrid, 625
Black Winter, TB Bridge 763
Pegasus Trembucker, Bridge 555
Nazgul Trembucker, Bridge 666
Jason Becker - TB bridge Black 582
APH-1n Alnc II Pro Humbuckr 452
APH-1b Alnc II Pro Humbuckr 499
APH-2n Slash Alnc II Pro HB 475
APH-2b Slash Alnc II Pro HB 524
LW-CH2n,LiveWire II,Classic,HB 534
LW-CH2b,LiveWire II,Classic,HB 936
LW-Must LiveWire Dave Mustaine,n 1080
LW-Must LiveWire Dave Mustaine,b 1368
AHB-1n Blackouts, Neck 1283
AHB-1b Blackouts, Bridge 1598
AHB-1n Blackouts 7-Strg Phase 1, Nk 1283
AHB-1b Blackouts 7-Strg Phase 1, Br 1598
AHB-1n Blackouts 7-Strg Phase 2, Nk 1283
AHB-1b Blackouts 7-Strg Phase 2, Br 1598
AHB-2b Blackouts Metal HB 3648
AHB-1n Blackouts, 8strg, Neck 1283
AHB-1b Blackouts, 8strg, Bridge 1598
AHB-3n MickT Blackouts HB Neck Bk 1079
AHB-3b MickT Blackouts HB Bridge Bk 1419
AHB-3n Mick T Blackouts 7-Str Ph 1 1079
AHB-3b Mick T Blackouts 7-Str Ph 1 1419
AHB-3n Mick T Blackouts 7Str Ph 2 1079
AHB-3b Mick T Blackouts 7Str Ph 2 1419
AHB-10n Blackouts Coil Pack Nk 1829
AHB-10b Blackouts Coil Pack Brg 1870
AHB-11n Gus G Fire Backout Coil Pack Nk 1725
AHB-11b Gus G Fire Backout Coil Pack Brg 1784
SH-1n '59 Model 7-Strg 572
SH-1b '59 Model 7-Strg 593
SH-2n Jazz Model 7-Strg 501
SH-4 JB Model 7-Strg 737
SH-5 Duncan Custom 7-Strg 784
SH-10n Full Shred Neck 7-Str 709
SH-10b Full Shred Brg 7-Str 958
SH-14 Custom 5 7-Str 646

selector.jpg
 
Last edited:
Re: Seymour Duncan mV Data

Scott Olson said:
We install the pickup, setting the distance from the top of the pickup to the string to .093” +/- .010” (consistent set-up is essential). We then load and release the strum arm, capturing the result on a digital storage oscilloscope. We perform this process 5 times for a 3 pickup sample lot and average the results. This is repeated for every model we make.
Click to expand...


You might want to post this as a disclaimer on your site, because someone WILL compare the results to DiMarzio's... and I'm a bit surprised that the Custom and the FullShred have higher readings than the JB (and in the Full Shred's case, even the Distortion!)
 
Last edited:
Re: Seymour Duncan mV Data

I was surprised by the Full Shred too. Almost a full volt.

The Dimebucker, however, did just what I expected. >1-volt. :)
 
Re: Seymour Duncan mV Data

Archer250 said:
You might want to post this as a disclaimer on your site, because someone WILL compare the results to DiMarzio's... and I'm a bit surprised that the Custom and the FullShred have higher readings than the JB (and in the Full Shred's case, even the Distortion!)
Click to expand...

We should have a link there that explains this in even more detail and our methodology and I'll make sure we include something that it shouldn't be compared for other brands, just for comparison between SD pickups.
 
Re: Seymour Duncan mV Data

Thanks again Scott! Seymour Duncan, great as always! :)

Looking forward to Strat and Tele pickups. :)
 
Last edited:
Re: Seymour Duncan mV Data

Scott Olson said:
Good afternoon forum friends, as many of you know we are deep in the midst of a website design (and yes for those of you rolling your eyes, it has been an extraordinarily long journey as we completely re-design, record and sample our many, many pickups). I wanted to give you guys a peak at some upcoming mV data. You all know the limitations of using DC resistance as an indicator of output, a much better indicator is mV. We've devised a precise and repeatable method for testing pickup output which we believe corresponds closely to actual playing. We start with a Telecaster that has an oversized cavity routed to allow easy pickup installation. The guitar is carefully tuned to standard tuning (consistent tuning is important). We add a custom machined, mechanical, spring loaded strum arm with a tempered, .004” thick spring steel pick. We install the pickup, setting the distance from the top of the pickup to the string to .093” +/- .010” (consistent set-up is essential). We then load and release the strum arm, capturing the result on a digital storage oscilloscope. We perform this process 5 times for a 3 pickup sample lot and average the results. This is repeated for every model we make.

I'm happy to be able to share some of this data with you today. I appreciate you guys being cool and patient with us as we work to give you all the tools you could ever want to make the best selection.

mV:

SH-1n '59 Model 572
SH-1b '59 Model 593
SM-1n Vntg Mini-Humbkr 324
SM-1b Vntg Mini-Humbkr 353
SH-55n Seth Lover Model Nkl 399
SH-55b Seth Lover Model Nkl 396
SH-2n Jazz Model 501
SH-2b Jazz Model 571
SH-3 Stag Mag 361
SH-4 JB Model 737
SH-5 Duncan Custom 784
7Str Distortion Brg, Amt, Soapbar 792
8Str Distortion Brg, Amt, Soapbar 792
SH-6b Duncan Distortion 792
7Str Distortion Brg Pmt 792
8Str Distortion Brg Pmt 792
7Str Distortion Nk,Amt, Soapbar 732
8Str Distortion Nk,Amt, Soapbar 732
SH-6n Duncan Distortion 732
7Str Distortion Nk,Pmt 732
8Str Distortion Nk,Pmt 732
SH-8SGn Synyster Gates,&Chr,Neck 491
SH-8SGb Synyster Gates,&Chr,Brdg 813
SH-8n Invader 491
7Str Invader Nk, Pmt 491
8Str Invader Nk, Pmt 491
7Str Invader Brg, Amt, Soapbar 813
8Str Invader Brg, Amt, Soapbar 813
SH-8b Invader 813
7Str Invader Brg, Pmt 813
8Str Invader Brg, Pmt 813
SM-2n Custom Mini-Humbkr 216
SM-2b Custom Mini-Humbkr 327
SM-3n Seymourized Mini-Humbkr 330
SM-3b Seymourized Mini-Humbkr 354
SH-PG1n Pearly Gates 513
SH-PG1b Pearly Gates 543
SH-10n Full Shred 709
SH-10b Full Shred 964
Description Strum
SH-11 Custom Custom 574
PA-TB1b Original Parallel Axis 749
PA-TB1n Original Parallel Axis 515
PA-TB2b Distortion Parallel Axis 741
PA-STK1n Parallel Axis Stack 291
PA-TB3b Blues Saraceno Model 694
SH-12 Screamin' Demon 500
SH-13 Dimebucker 1160
SH-14 Custom 5 Black 646
SH-15 Alternative 8 Black 761
SH-16 59/Custom Hybrid, 625
SH-18b Whole Lotta HB bridge 440
SH-18n Whole Lotta HB Neck 382
Black Winter, HB Neck 744
Black Winter, HB Bridge 763
7Str Black Winter, HB Neck 621
7Str Black Winter, HB Bridge 719
8Str Black Winter, HB Neck 603
8Str Black Winter, HB Bridge 698
6Str Pegasus Brg. 555
7Str Pegasus Brg, Amt, Soapbar 555
8Str Pegasus Brg, Amt, Soapbar 555
7Str Pegasus Brg, Pmt 555
8Str Pegasus Brg, Pmt 555
6Str Nazgûl Brg, Amt, Soapbar 666
7Str Nazgûl Brg, Amt, Soapbar 666
8Str Nazgûl Brg, Amt, Soapbar 666
7Str Nazgûl Brg, Pmt 666
8Str Nazgûl Brg, Pmt 666
6Str Sentient Neck, Amt, Soapbar 499
7Str Sentient Neck, Amt, Soapbar 499
8Str Sentient Neck, Amt, Soapbar 499
7Str Sentient Neck, Pmt 499
8Str Sentient Neck, Pmt 499
Jason Becker - bridge Black 582
TB-59 '59 Trembucker 593
TB-4 JB Trembucker 737
TB-5 Duncan Custom Trembkr 784
TB-6 Duncan Distortion Trmbkr 792
TB-8SGb Synyster Gates,&Chr,Brdg 813
TB-PG1b Pearly Gates Trembkr 543
TB-APH1B Alnc II Trembucker 499
TB-10 Full Shred Trembucker 964
TB-11 Custom Custom Trembkr 574
TB-12 Screamin' Demon Trembkr 500
Description Strum
TB-14 Custom 5 Trembkr Black 646
TB-15 Alternative 8 Trembkr Black 651
TB-16 59/Custom Hybrid, 625
Black Winter, TB Bridge 763
Pegasus Trembucker, Bridge 555
Nazgul Trembucker, Bridge 666
Jason Becker - TB bridge Black 469


View attachment 56182
Click to expand...
Any chance this methodology could be expanded to show a real frequency chart?
 
Re: Seymour Duncan mV Data

And lol! The Nazgûl is 666 :haha:
Sent from my RM-915_apac_thailand_213 using Tapatalk
 
Re: Seymour Duncan mV Data

I am surprised at the Wholelottas.

Great to see the relative comparisons. Thanks for posting it
 
Re: Seymour Duncan mV Data

Archer250 said:
and I'm a bit surprised that the Custom and the FullShred have higher readings than the JB (and in the Full Shred's case, even the Distortion!)
Click to expand...

I'm with you in that.

I have FS next to a JB in 2 guitars (identical guitar specs) and I'm not seeing it. To narrow it down further, both JBs are made by MJ, both with the older TB4J sticker and both FS are made by MJ - one with the same era sticker as the JB and one made a few month ago in the CS.

Actually played one of those just today.

Seems like many people are suggesting that data be revisited.
 
Re: Seymour Duncan mV Data

Are the mV's at peak resonance? One possible problem in terms of using this for comparisons is that the output voltage varies by frequency, and perceived loudness might be impacted by the frequency at which the peak occurs. 500 mV at 1kHz might sound loud and full, but 500 mV at 6kHz might sound weak and piercing. In general, a pickup with a lower, more widely distributed output across the operative frequency range will sound louder than one with a higher output in a more narrow frequency range. That could be why a pickup like the WLH sounds louder than the measurement indicates.
 
Re: Seymour Duncan mV Data

I have compared the JB, Custom, Black Winter, and Full Shred in my SL2H and the Full Shred definitely doesn't have more output than any of those IMO. Strange that it tested as such. According to that data, the Full Shred is second only to the Dimebucker in output.
 
Re: Seymour Duncan mV Data

Nazgul cracks me up. The fact that the BW measures as less than a distortion surprises me.
 
Re: Seymour Duncan mV Data

That list is really surprising. Full Shred has more output than Distortion and Invader. 59 has more output than Screamin Demon and Custom Custom. The standard Perpetual Burn has a lot more output than the trembucker version.
It's very strange. I think some of the data might be wrong.
 
Re: Seymour Duncan mV Data

Ok, I guess I'm just going to have to get a Dimebucker. Maybe with a Sentient neck?
 
Re: Seymour Duncan mV Data

This is a huge step in the right direction. Thank you for putting in the effort to give us this!

I'm assuming these results are based on whichever frequency measured strongest for each individual model (rather than choosing a specific frequency to measure all models at)?

Very interesting to see the Demon, Pearly Gates and PATB-3 models compared this way.

On a side note...I think there may be a typo on the TB-15 Alt 8 measurement compared to the SH-15 and also the two Jason Becker versions (TB and SH).
 
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