Top 5 Best Electric Guitar Pickups on the Market
1. Seymour Duncan SH-4 JB Humbucker Pickup
Known as the ultimate hot-rodded humbucker, the Seymour Duncan SH-4 JB Humbucker Pickup delivers high-output, unparalleled rhythm response and superior sustain. With a more powerful distortion and brighter top end than the SH-1 ’59 model, it’s perfect for rock, blues, and heavy metal guitarists.
To get the most out of this humbucker, it’s recommended to pair it with a neck pickup that features a similar output and tonal characteristics in order to achieve a balanced sound.
2. EMG JH James Hetfield Signature Humbucker Set
The EMG JH James Hetfield Signature Humbucker Set is designed to recreate the iconic tone of Metallica’s iconic rhythm guitarist. It features powerful ceramic magnets and close aperture coils to provide rich, saturated distortion and clear articulation. Additionally, the pickups are noiseless, making them perfect for live performances.
These pickups work best in combination with a tube amp and can deliver the heavy metal tone that James Hetfield is known for.
3. DiMarzio DP100 Super Distortion Pickup
The DiMarzio DP100 Super Distortion Pickup is a classic humbucker that has been used in countless metal and hard rock recordings. It has a high output and a wide dynamic range that makes it perfect for playing heavy riffs and screaming solos. Furthermore, its scooped midrange provides a deep low-end and bright high-end.
It’s important to note that this pickup can be bright in certain guitars and may require a darker sounding guitar or some tone adjustment to get the best sound.
4. Gibson ’57 Classic Plus Humbucker Pickup
The Gibson ’57 Classic Plus Humbucker Pickup is the perfect pickup for those who want a vintage sound with a bit more power. It has a clear and bright tone that can cut through any mix, and its Alnico II magnets provide a warm but slightly aggressive sound.
This pickup works well for all different genres of music, as long as you’re looking for a more vintage sound. It’s perfect for blues, jazz, classic rock, and country music.
5. Fishman Fluence Modern Humbucker Pickups
The Fishman Fluence Modern Humbucker Pickups are the perfect choice for anyone looking for a modern, high-output sound. They feature two distinct voices that can be switched between via a push-pull or mini-toggle switch, one is a ceramic magnet-powered modern aggressive voicing and the other is a more organic, Alnico-neck-like alternative voicing.
These pickups can be used in a variety of styles ranging from metal, to rock or fusion. They offer great clarity with heavy distortion, and they’re perfect for drop tuning.
