SH-5 vs SH-6

[gibsonsg630]

I've been looking for a balanced metal tone that has definition with good pick attack. I'm looking for something to give the "wall of sound" type of effect. I'd also like to maintain articulation of the notes with staccato playing, avoiding a muddy and grainy sound. I have a 500T currently in my axe and was wondering if it's similar to the SH-5 or SH-6.

 

[Dark Order Lord]

Re: SH-5 vs SH-6

Sh6 is more similar

 

[XPAULPITT]

Re: SH-5 vs SH-6

I love the 500T and the DD. To me, the 500 is a bit brighter and harsh and a little noisier. It exposes mistakes more than a DD. I prefer the DD.

 

[metalmachine]

Re: SH-5 vs SH-6

I love both pickups. But when u said balanced it made me think custom. Both will do what your asking

 

[Mez Cal]

Re: SH-5 vs SH-6

I am reading this thread in search of info that delves into the distirtion and the custom....which did you, will you go with and why....i am currently using the sh-4 and loving it but i'm tempted to swap em out for either pups mentioned here....more grain/break up than the JB. Ive noticed the similarities between the sh-6 and the black winter also there are similarities between the sh-5 and the pegasus all 4 are great but which would be the most efficient and articulate on a sg with mahogany body and neck, rosewood fretboard...then which for ebony fretboard?

 

[ntotoro]

Re: SH-5 vs SH-6

The 500T really isn't the worst pickup in the world for that kind of sound. The current SH6 sounds more grainy than the one I bought in 1988 and still lives in a guitar of mine. The SH5 is smoother and more even to me.

Nick

 

[Zheddar]

Re: SH-5 vs SH-6

I voted for the SH-5 because to me it seems a little more versatile and has a tone farther from the 500T then the SH-6. But if it didn't end up being right, there is always that 21 day exchange thingy. The SH-5's low mids can be a problem in some guitars though, which can make the muted power chords and staccato muted stuff mush together more. So if you ended up with that issue an alnico 5 in it or a SH-6 would fix the problem.

 

[Coryd]

Re: SH-5 vs SH-6

Isn't the SH-6 prone to be really ice-picky in the highs?

 

[Nagisa]

Re: SH-5 vs SH-6

I have tried both in my LP back to back. I now have a uoa5 Custom and it's staying that way.

DD is too much for a good lead tone, though metal rhythm is super cool.
SH-5 has a little more depth and is more versatile. I still was bothered by the ceramic nature of it. Tried a8,a5...but the uoa5 lets it get pretty close to stock ceramic for rhythm but really sings on leads, and is much more alive.

If you want to sound like Hetfield, DD. If you want to play sick leads and have the ability to go more into rock territory like GnR or VH, custom

 

[Reaper of Doom]

Re: SH-5 vs SH-6

The SH-5's low mids can be a problem in some guitars though, which can make the muted power chords and staccato muted stuff mush together more.

I totally agree with this. In my mahogany floyd Charvel this is exactly what happened so I went with an a8 mag. Having said that, DD is Thrash Metal


Sent from my F3111 using Tapatalk

 

[Chuck_Norris]

Re: SH-5 vs SH-6

The Custom will definitely give you that "wall of sound" with good articulation and body. The distortion is definitely harsher and grainy. While it's good for certain styles, it's much less balanced than the Custom.

 

[JCM]

Re: SH-5 vs SH-6

SH-6 is my favorite bridge pup. When I hear "metal" and "wall of sound" I'd take the SH-6 over the Custom all day. SH-5 is a hard rock pickup that can do metal, but the SH-6 was built for metal imo.

 

[dave74]

Re: SH-5 vs SH-6

^^^ hear ye hear ye

 

[dave74]

Re: SH-5 vs SH-6

Invaders