Seymour Duncan SH4JB & SH8, which one is better?

Metal Soul

New member
I've been progressive / Symphonic Metal Lead guitarist for just over 4 years. I've never used any Seymour Duncan Pickups, and now, i decided to buy one for my bridge position.
I'm considering about these Pickups (Sh4 and SH8 - both of them are nice!!!)and don't be sure to choose which one! T_T
I wanna a quite heavy sound, sweet sound, screaming harmonics and bright, clarity sound.
I'm consider for Birdge possition!
I also want to archive a punchy bass response in Palm Muting Part of my soloes while still have a sweet sound in other parts of that soloes! (but until now, i haven't been done with that aim! T_T ) hix hix! :smack: :smack: :smack:

And my guitar heroes are Michael Romeo (Symphony X) ,John Petrucci (Dream Theater), NuNO (Extreme).
I like sounds of them!
Could u give me some opinions?
Thank you very much! ^_^
(sorry for my English, it's so bad! T_T )
 
Re: Seymour Duncan SH4JB & SH8, which one is better?

You may want to check out the SH-6 duncan distortion. Its got the smooth shred sounding leads and a tighter bass than the SH-4 JB.
 
Re: Seymour Duncan SH4JB & SH8, which one is better?

Welcome Metal Soul! :)

What is your guitar and amplifier?

Don't worry- your English is not too bad- I understood ya! :D
 
Re: Seymour Duncan SH4JB & SH8, which one is better?

Check out the SH-6 and the SH-10 in addition to the SH-4. All of these will work in the right guitar/rig. Tell us what it is going into and what amp you have.

The SH-8 lacks clarity for solos, and is not a good lead pickup. It is VERY fat and bottom heavy and is not what you are looking for.
 
thanks

thanks

Uhmmm, my amp...
I 'm using Line6 PODxt Amp Modeler with an Yahama F-20 Practice amp ('cause i'm a amatuer player! ^_^ ).
So, according what u said, i shouldn't choose SH8 for soloing?
I'm looking for description of JB Model on seymourduncan.com, they said:"Singing and mid-range perfect - the pickup that started it all". Oh, is it what i need? ^_^

And i looked for EQ of these PU:
SH4: T/M/B 8/6/5
SH8: T/M/B 4/8/7
oh, Sh8 lacks of treble but it has more mid and bass than sh4.
so, can i fix this problem of Sh8 by an Equalizer? (boosting Treble and Presence)?
Yeah, that's all i know 'bout these PU. Thank you very much! Ur nice! ^_^
 
Re: Seymour Duncan SH4JB & SH8, which one is better?

You can change the tonality of the SH8 but not the character. It just does not have much clarity.

Go with the suggestions for the SH6 or SH10.
 
Re: Seymour Duncan SH4JB & SH8, which one is better?

If you're doing progressive, I'd say JB, but if you're doing symphonic / instrumental, I'd say SH8. Either way, you could use both...

EDIT: I'd suggest the Full Shred, or something labeled "good for agressive solo playing" in the humbuckers description page, would fill your needs better.
 
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Re: Seymour Duncan SH4JB & SH8, which one is better?

In my opinion, the JB or Duncan Distortion are the best options for you
 
Re: Seymour Duncan SH4JB & SH8, which one is better?

If you're doing progressive, I'd say JB, but if you're doing symphonic / instrumental, I'd say SH8. Either way, you could use both...

EDIT: I'd suggest the Full Shred, or something labeled "good for agressive solo playing" in the humbuckers description page, would fill your needs better.

Yeah, when I read what he was looking for the SH-10 full shred came to mind also!
 
Re: Seymour Duncan SH4JB & SH8, which one is better?

thanks everybody! With the sound that i'm looking for and with all of your review, i think i will choose Seymour Duncan Sh4 JB for lead pick-up as i listed because i heared the audio sample on Seymourduncan website, and i like its transparent sound so much! Thanks again! Members of this forums are very nice! ^_^
 
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