Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (25)
$229.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (9)
$229.00
Amazon
4.7 (169)
$229.00
Reverb
5.0 (12)
$218.00 New
$170.00 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (4)
$229.00
zZounds
4.0 (2)
$229.00
Thomann
4.8 (41)
$239.00

Average Price: $222

High-end/Boutique

$99

$200+

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Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Seymour Duncan SH-8 Invader Humbucker Pickup Set Black". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Unleash the sonic might of your guitar with the Seymour Duncan SH-8 Invader Humbucker Pickup Set. Tailored for musicians who thrive in the realms of punk, garage, thrash, and metal, these pickups are engineered to deliver some of the heaviest tones a passive pickup can muster. With a unique blend of three ceramic magnets and overwound coils, the Invader set is a powerhouse of aggressive sound that turns any guitar into a formidable riff machine.

The SH-8 Invader isn't just about brute force; its design includes oversized metal-oxide pole pieces which extend the magnetic field, ensuring a broad frequency range. This means you get a rich, full-bodied sound with a crushing low-end, perfect for down-tuned riffs, balanced by a crunchy treble for clarity amidst the chaos. The set includes a high-output bridge pickup for those face-melting solos and a lower-output neck pickup for more nuanced, warm tones, giving you incredible tonal versatility.

Each pickup is crafted with precision, featuring a nickel-silver bottom plate and vacuum wax potting for microphonic-free performance. With its robust construction and innovative design, the SH-8 Invader set is built to withstand the demands of intense playing while maintaining consistent, powerful tone. Whether you're shredding on stage or recording in the studio, these pickups are your ticket to transforming your guitar into a monstrous tone machine.

Key Features:

  • Built for aggressive playing styles with high-output passive design
  • Three ceramic bar magnets and overwound coils for maximum power
  • Oversized pole pieces for an expansive magnetic field and wide frequency range
  • High-output bridge pickup and lower-output neck pickup for tonal diversity
  • 4-conductor wiring for flexible installation options
  • Vacuum wax potted for microphonic-free operation
  • Handmade in the USA for superior quality and durability

Product specs

Type Set: Humbucker
Active/Passive Passive
Configuration HH Set
Magnet Material Ceramic
Number of Conductors 4 wire plus shield
DC Resistance 16.6K (bridge), 7.5K (neck)
Connectivity Soldered
Number of Strings 6
Covering Uncovered

FAQs

What type of music is the Seymour Duncan SH-8 Invader Humbucker Pickup Set best suited for?

The Seymour Duncan SH-8 Invader Humbucker Pickup Set is ideal for hard rock and heavy metal styles due to its high output and aggressive tone.

Are the Seymour Duncan SH-8 Invader pickups active or passive?

The Seymour Duncan SH-8 Invader pickups are passive, utilizing ceramic magnets for a powerful sound.

What is the DC resistance of the Seymour Duncan SH-8 Invader pickups?

The DC resistance is 16.6K for the bridge pickup and 7.5K for the neck pickup, contributing to their high-output performance.

How many conductors do the Seymour Duncan SH-8 Invader pickups have?

The Seymour Duncan SH-8 Invader pickups feature a 4-wire plus shield configuration, allowing for versatile wiring options like coil-splitting.

Can the Seymour Duncan SH-8 Invader pickups be used for a 6-string guitar?

Yes, the Seymour Duncan SH-8 Invader Humbucker Pickup Set is designed for use with 6-string electric guitars.

Dave V

Dave V

Seymour Duncan Invader pickup

Video thumbnail for Seymour Duncan Invader pickup by Dave V

Seymour Duncan Invader pickup

Dave V

Dave V

Video thumbnail for Seymour Duncan Invader SH-8 Demo by Michael

Seymour Duncan Invader SH-8 Demo

Michael

Michael

Video thumbnail for Seymour Duncan Invaders: My Opinion by Science of Loud

Seymour Duncan Invaders: My Opinion

Science of Loud

Science of Loud

Video thumbnail for TOP 3: Best Guitar Pickups for CLASSIC METAL || Passive Humbuckers || Seymour Duncan by Seymour Duncan

TOP 3: Best Guitar Pickups for CLASSIC METAL || Passive Humbuckers || Seymour Duncan

Seymour Duncan

Seymour Duncan

Video thumbnail for DiMarzio SUPER DISTORTION vs Seymour Duncan INVADER SH-8 - Passive Bridge Guitar Pickup Comparison by Mike Stamper

DiMarzio SUPER DISTORTION vs Seymour Duncan INVADER SH-8 - Passive Bridge Guitar Pickup Comparison

Mike Stamper

Mike Stamper

Video thumbnail for Seymour Duncan DIMEBUCKER SH-13 vs INVADER SH-8 - Bridge Guitar Pickup Comparison Tone Demo by Mike Stamper

Seymour Duncan DIMEBUCKER SH-13 vs INVADER SH-8 - Bridge Guitar Pickup Comparison Tone Demo

Mike Stamper

Mike Stamper

Video thumbnail for Seymour Duncan INVADER SH-8 vs NAZGUL - Passive Bridge Guitar Pickup Comparison Tone Demo by Mike Stamper

Seymour Duncan INVADER SH-8 vs NAZGUL - Passive Bridge Guitar Pickup Comparison Tone Demo

Mike Stamper

Mike Stamper

Video thumbnail for Seymour Duncan INVADER SH-8 vs BLACKOUTS - Bridge Guitar Pickup Comparison Tone Demo by Mike Stamper

Seymour Duncan INVADER SH-8 vs BLACKOUTS - Bridge Guitar Pickup Comparison Tone Demo

Mike Stamper

Mike Stamper

Reviews

PROS

  • Unmatched sustain and growl for metal styles

  • Passive design eliminates the need for batteries

  • High output with beefy distortion and definition

  • Versatile with several wiring options and easy-to-follow instructions

  • Transforms guitars with heavy, clear, and powerful tones

  • Suitable for a range of genres, from metal to blues

  • Enhances both the visual and audio appeal of guitars

  • Clear and cutting tone that stands out in a mix

  • Loud and powerful without needing to adjust pickup height

  • Easy installation with extensive online support

CONS

  • Time-consuming installation process

  • Some users report defective parts, such as a bad neck pickup

  • High output may be overwhelming for certain music styles

  • Potentially inconsistent quality control across units

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Seymour Duncan SH-8 Invader Humbucker Pickup Set Black.

Features and functionality

  • The Invader's high output and significant low end make it ideal for metal genres like thrash and stoner, with palm mute chugs sounding particularly effective.

    Source
  • The Invader neck pickup offers a surprisingly mellow, vintage output contrary to its high-output bridge counterpart, adding versatility.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Rolling off the volume slightly can improve clean tones by preventing amp breakup, although the pickup excels more in distorted settings.

    Source
  • In parallel wiring configurations, the Invader offers surprising tonal quality, suggesting versatility beyond typical high-gain settings.

    Source
  • For gothic, black, and doom metal, pairing a Black Winter neck with an Invader bridge can cater to atmospheric and heavy tones.

    Source
  • The Invader excels in drop D tuning and benefits from reducing bass on amps while boosting mids and treble for clearer rhythm tones.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Less "fizzy" than EMG pickups and offers more versatility than the Kent Armstrong Motherbucker, making it a preferred choice for metal enthusiasts.

    Source
  • The Black Winter bridge and Invader bridge share the same wind and magnet setup, differing only in pole piece design, impacting tonal tightness and clarity.

    Source
  • An Invader in both bridge and neck positions paired with 1 meg pots offers a thick, PAF-like sound that's adjustable between series and parallel configurations.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some users replace Invader pole pieces with DiMarzio hex screws to tighten tone, reflecting a common modification for better control.

    Source
  • Some owners achieve a cleaner tone by backing off the pickup and raising pole pieces, indicating a mod for better tone control.

    Source

User experience

  • Invaders are described as muddy in the bridge position, but perform well in the neck for hard rock, particularly with trebly amps.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Adjusting pickup heights can compensate for output differences between pickups, ensuring balanced sound without technical issues.

    Source
  • Lowering the pickup to around 2mm from the strings significantly reduces muddiness and enhances clarity, especially when pressing the low E at the last fret.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Seymour Duncan Invader review | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

The Seymour Duncan SH-8 Invader Humbucker Pickup Set is a powerhouse for tone transformation. This set delivers a rich, crunchy treble perfect for dynamic picking, making it ideal for both clean and distorted signals. The high output provides a bright yet balanced sound after minor tone adjustments. Bass notes are thick and defined, with impressive sustain on distorted channels. While the higher notes could be more satisfying, the rhythm performance excels. Ceramic magnets offer depth and clarity, though installation may be tricky for DIY enthusiasts. Overall, it’s a highly recommended upgrade for rock and metal lovers.

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