Pickups are a device that carries the sound of the guitar strings and as such have a significant influence on a guitarist’s sound/tone. It is easy to overlook the contribution that pickups bring to the table, considering they could make or break a guitarists sound. When it comes to metal music, which is defined by colossal, aggressive, and energetic guitar sounds, a good guitar pick is essential if those sounds are to be optimized. From Single Coil vs. Humbucker Pickups, active vs. passive pickups, the market is saturated with numerous options, and deciding on one can often be confusing. Pickups typically vary, and you can find them available in various ranges and sensitivities. We conducted a comprehensive research and came up with a list of some of the best active and passive pickups available in the market that can induce the apocalypse and breathe new life into a metal players instrument. If you are a guitarist looking to play some classic metal riffs here are the best pickups for you.
DiMarzio DP100 Super Distortion Humbucker Pickup
Intro
The DP100 Super Distortion may look like another regular humbucker but do not be fooled by its looks. This pickup has been used by music legends such as Paul Gilbert the lead metal player from Racer X and so many others as it delivers an insanely thick bass sound, bright treble and boosted mids which make it perfect for the bridge position when playing metal, but it can also be used for the neck position. Unlike earlier models, the DP100 Super Distortion has a 4-conductor wiring for series/parallel wiring and coil splitting and features a ceramic magnet which delivers a high output of warm and well-balanced sounds. The pickup is available in several colors including, purple, blue, cream, camouflage, black, and white. After having tested this pickup, we couldn’t agree more with DiMarzio claims that the DP100 Super Distortion started a sound revolution given that it occasionally sent our tube amps into overdrive. You have the choice of choosing between a regular spacing DP100 which is ideal for vintage Gibson guitars or an F-spacing which is suitable for most Fender guitars, modern Gibson, and guitars fitted with a Floyd Rose bridges.
Pros
- The frequency response of the DP100 Super distortion is very balanced and even.
- It can be used in two different positions, i.e., the neck or the bridge.
- Any regular sized humbucking rout can use this pickup as it fits onto it perfectly.
- The pickup has coil splitting and series/parallel capabilities.
Cons
- To benefit from the split coil capacity, the guitar requires a specialized switching or push/pull pot.
EMG 81-X Active Guitar Humbucker Pickup
Intro
An improvement of its predecessor the 81, the 81-X is by far the best metal pickup that EMG has been able to create as it delivers tones and response ranges of them all. Unlike the other EMG pickups, the 81-X has excellent warmth and the perfect low-end punch necessary for metal. The guitar features a has 4-conductor wiring for series/parallel wiring options, a ceramic magnet and close aperture coils. The 81X is optimized for use in the bridge position, but you can also use it in the neck position. Several famous musicians including Archaon from1349, Piotr’ Peter’ Wiwczarek from Vader, Chris Dawson from Seasons After, Jonny Santos from Silent Civilian and Steven Bradley from I Wrestled A Bear Once have used the 81-X.
Pros
- You get all electronic components as part of the package when you purchase the 81-X.
- Setting up the pickup is effortless as it is a simple plug and play setup.
- Even though it is recommended for the bridge position, it can be used on the neck position and still deliver outstanding results.
- The high-end frequency response is excellent.
- Regular sized humbucking routs can function with the EMG 81-x.
Cons
- At elevated volumes, high-frequency tones can be a little too bright.
Seymour Duncan SH8 Invader Humbucker Bridge Pickup
Intro
The Seymour Duncan SH8 invader is a modernized humbucker handmade in California, but that is not the reason why it is revered. The metal power on offer from the chunky looking SH8 is the reason why it is so popular and is used quite frequently. The pickup features 12 oversized black oxide cap screws and three large ceramic magnets that have coils wound around it. It also has a 4-conductor cable included with the pickup that facilitates switching of complex setups. The large magnet field pumps energy into your amp with a distinctive brightness for a completely fresh sound. The SH8 invader gives a colossal output, has no hum or feedback, and does well with the volume. The chords and notes have outstanding clarity. With this pickup, you are guaranteed of a thick, fat sound with huge low-end and bright trebles which are ideal for the heaviest metal rhythm.
Pros
- It has hum-canceling capabilities.
- The pickup is easy to use and extremely functional
- It produced some of the heaviest tones that we have seen conjured by a passive pickup.
- Even though it is designed for the bridge position, it can be used for the neck too.
Cons
- The clean tones of the pickup can occasionally come off as shrill, but this is fixable with some distortion.
- It does not work well with darker amps or guitars.
EMG H4A Passive Alnico Guitar Humbucker Pickup
Intro
The EMG H4A is a versatile high-output pickup that is adored by metal musicians with musicians such as Charly Sahona from Venturia and Justin Sane from Anti-Flag having been spotted using it a couple of times. The EMG H4A features an Alnico V magnet with vintage wound coils to produce incredibly well-balanced tones, with fat, warm highs, pronounced mids, and solid bass. This pickup is a great choice for Alternative metal, and it is recommended for the neck position, but according to EMG, you can pair it with their H4 and use it on the bridge position. What we liked about the pickup is the fact that the tones on the clean channel remain clear which can be attributed to the fact that the gains of the pickup are not as high as with active pickups. Finally, the EMG H4A has a broad frequency that any metal guitarists would appreciate.
Pros
- Installation is straightforward as users simple plug and play.
- You receive all electronic components upon purchase of the pickup.
- It has an increased sustain in comparison to its predecessors, and the full spectrum response is great.
Cons
- The pickup has been optimized for the neck position and would require an additional pickup if it was to be used on the bridge position.
Seymour Duncan AHB-2b Blackouts HB Micro Electric Guitar Humbucker Pickup
Intro
According to Seymour Duncan, the AHB-2B is a pickup for “serious metal players willing to accept nothing less than the highest output active bridge pickup.” It is ideal for Old School metal, garage, punk, thrash, drop tunings, and other styles of rock frustrated. The pickup is a high output pickup with an increased level of sustain in comparison to its competitors. It features a 4-conductor wiring for coil splitting and series/parallel wiring options and an Alnico V magnet.
Additionally, guitarists have access to a second moderate output mode which is preset when users remove a special shunt in the wiring. Alternatively, guitarists can wire the output into a mini-toggle or pull/push switch, thus allowing them to use and change between the two modes effortlessly. Chaq Mol from the Dark Funeral band is one famous metal guitarist who is known for using the AHB-2B.
Pros
- The output modes are adjustable and can be configured.
- It has coil splitting, and series/parallel competence.
- It delivers a loud and high output.
- It is easy to use and is plug-n-play ready for guitars that are already equipped with active pickups.
Cons
- It is optimized for the bridge position only but can be paired with the AHB-1N for neck position use.
- The required tone can be hard to dial in, and as such, it needs frequent fine-tuning for equalization.
- The output could sound ‘over-saturated’ if the signal chain has too many effects.
Final Thought
Every guitarist has a tone/style that is unique to them and as such, pick preferences will vary from one person to another. Our list above was created after conducting tests and detailed research, and as such, we can vouch for every pickup mentioned above as they not only deliver deep tones, but they are also well constructed. Of the said pickups, the Seymour Duncan AHB-2b Blackout takes the crown as the overall crown despite its drawbacks because we enjoyed the screaming metal tone that it gave off when we put it to the test. Nevertheless, if you are on the hunt for your perfect pickup, all the ones in the list would make for a great choice, but it is vital that you understand what you are trying to achieve with the pickup. We hope that the article was insightful, and it made your pickup decision easier.