Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $96
Budget/Beginner
$99
$200+
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Budget
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High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Seymour Duncan SH-6N Distortion Humbucker". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Unleash the beast within your guitar with the Seymour Duncan SH-6N Distortion Humbucker. Crafted for those who demand nothing less than raw power, this pickup is a titan in the realm of high-output passive humbuckers. Designed specifically for the neck position, the SH-6N offers a unique blend of aggression and clarity, making it the perfect companion to its bridge counterpart.
What sets the SH-6N apart is its ability to deliver a well-rounded sonic palette. The massive ceramic magnet and hot coil windings provide a formidable punch, while maintaining a balanced tonal response. Expect tight, aggressive lows and scintillating highs that scream with harmonic richness. Whether you're chugging through heavy riffs or soaring with lead solos, this pickup ensures every note cuts through with precision.
Constructed with care in Seymour Duncan's Santa Barbara workshop, the SH-6N features a nickel-silver bottom plate and a 4-conductor lead wire, offering versatile wiring options for personalized setups. Its vacuum wax potting ensures a squeal-free performance, even when pushed to the limits on stage or in the studio. If you're seeking a pickup that embodies the spirit of rock and metal, the SH-6N is your ultimate tool.
Key Features:
- High-output passive humbucker designed for neck position
- Massive ceramic magnet for powerful tones
- Hot coil windings for a rich harmonic content
- Tight low-end response with searing high-end clarity
- Versatile 4-conductor lead wire for multiple wiring options
- Vacuum wax potted for squeal-free performance
- Handbuilt in Seymour Duncan's Santa Barbara, CA factory
Product specs
| Brand | Seymour Duncan |
| Model | SH-6n Duncan Distortion Neck Humbucker |
| Finish | Black, Custom, Gold, Nickel, Nickel Border / Tortoiseshell, Nickel Radiator / Gold Mesh, Reverse Zebra, White, Zebra |
| Year | 2010 - 2025 |
| Categories | Guitar Pickups |
FAQs
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Is the Seymour Duncan SH-6N Distortion Humbucker suitable for metal and heavy rock genres?
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Yes, the Seymour Duncan SH-6N Distortion Humbucker is specifically designed for high-output and aggressive playing styles, making it ideal for metal, punk, and other heavy rock genres.
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What is the tonal characteristic of the Seymour Duncan SH-6N Distortion Humbucker?
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The Seymour Duncan SH-6N Distortion Humbucker offers a powerful, clear tone with a pronounced midrange, tight bass, and aggressive treble, perfect for cutting through a mix in heavier music styles.
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Can the Seymour Duncan SH-6N Distortion Humbucker be used in the neck position?
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Yes, the SH-6N model is specifically designed for the neck position, providing a balanced and powerful output that complements the bridge pickup for versatile tonal options.
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What guitars are compatible with the Seymour Duncan SH-6N Distortion Humbucker?
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The Seymour Duncan SH-6N is a standard-sized humbucker, compatible with most electric guitars that accommodate humbucker pickups, making it a versatile choice for many guitar models.
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Does the Seymour Duncan SH-6N Distortion Humbucker come in different finishes?
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Yes, the SH-6N is available in various finishes, including Black, Custom, Gold, Nickel, and more, allowing players to match their guitar's aesthetic preferences.
Videos
Mike Stamper
SEYMOUR DUNCAN SH6 DISTORTION vs SH4 JB - Passive Bridge Pickup Guitar Tone Comparison / Review
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional clarity and articulation, even in high-gain settings
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Powerful output ideal for metal and hard rock
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Breaks up beautifully, maintaining tight attack with ceramic magnet
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Enhances drop-tuning with added bassiness without muddiness
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Great alternative for those seeking more bite than softer pickups
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Excellent fit for neck position with other Seymour Duncan pickups
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Provides focused tone, less dynamic, ideal for distortion
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Reduces unwanted hum while boosting gain
CONS
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Not suited for those seeking clean tones
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Seymour Duncan SH-6N Distortion Humbucker.
Comparisons
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The SH-6 Distortion has a similar EQ curve to the SD JB but offers higher output, aligning closely with the DiMarzio Super Distortion's sound profile.
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The SH-6 is considered less overwound than the Black Winter, offering better clean tones while maintaining excellent response and harmonics.
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The SH-6 Distortion is noted for being brighter and tighter, with less low end compared to the JB, making it effective in a band setting.
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Use cases and applications
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Suitable for achieving tones akin to Nirvana and Green Day, with versatility extending to some Metallica styles due to its robust output and tonal balance.
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Owners highlight the SH-6's "crunchy" midrange punch, which is especially appealing when transitioning from active pickups like Fishmans.
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The SH-6 paired with a '59 pickup is noted for its clarity and "beefy" tone, particularly effective in 7-string guitars for heavy music styles.
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Owners find the SH-6's aggressive and clear tone beneficial for high-output settings, though it may lack versatility across diverse genres.
Source
Features and functionality
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 5 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
In a video from the 2009 NAMM Show, Dimebag Darrell's original Dean guitars are showcased, revealing that he used a Seymour Duncan SH-6N Distortion Humbucker in the neck position of his custom "Trams Brazil Burst" guitar.
Around 16:05 Adler's guitar-tech says that he uses Seymour's Distortion and 59 on his guitar.
Kai Hansen, the guitarist, uses the Seymour Duncan SH-6N Distortion Humbucker on his Flying V model from the late 1970s, as confirmed by a feature in Young Guitar. The pickup is mounted upside down on the neck side of the guitar, with a JB Model on the bridge side. Hansen has stated, "The guitar that always makes the best sound."
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Seymour Duncan SH-6N Distortion Humbucker, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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