As guitarists, we’re constantly searching for that perfect tone that defines our unique sound.
Humbucker pickups have long been cherished for their warm, powerful sound, but what if we could expand their sonic capabilities even further?
Enter coil splitting – a transformative technique that unleashes new possibilities.
In this article, we’ll dive into the world of coil splitting and uncover the top humbuckers that excel in this versatile mod.
Whether you’re a seasoned rocker or a blues enthusiast, these pickups will take your playing to the next level. So, let’s find the best humbuckers for coil splitting together!
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5 Best Humbuckers for Coil Splitting: Reviews
Let’s explore top humbucker pickups known for their coil-splitting feature.
These reviews will help you find the perfect pickups to expand your guitar’s sound.
We’ll look at their design, sound, and versatility to help you make the right choice and take your playing to the next level.
Without further ado, let’s discover the pickups that will transform your music and make your guitar shine.
1. Seymour Duncan SH-4 JB Model Humbucker
Seymour Duncan’s humbucker pickup collection offers many exciting options.
One of their top choices is the SH-4 JB, which works great for Telecaster’s necks with a full-size humbucker.
You can get it in 6-string and 7-string versions, and there’s even a special “Nighthawk” mode for guitars with angled humbuckers like the rare Gibson Nighthawk model.
This pickup has a classic design with exposed coils near the bridge, making it suitable for different guitars, including vintage-style ones.
It uses Alnico 5 magnets and comes in various colors, with black being the most common.
The SH-4 JB delivers high output, perfect for hotter and aggressive tones but also surprisingly versatile. It sounds great in metal, jazz, and blues.
It pairs well with Seymour Duncan’s SH-2n model in the neck position, giving you a lot of flexibility, especially when using coil-splitting or coil-tapping options.
Remember that it’s a powerful pickup, so if you pair it with a single-coil, P90, or softer humbucker in the neck position, you’ll get a nice contrast in tones.
Overall, the SH-4 JB Model by Seymour Duncan is excellent for musicians who play different genres. Whether you love blues, rock, hard rock, metal, or jazz, this pickup won’t disappoint you.
Pros:
- Versatile and powerful humbucker with a clear and warm tone
- Great for coil splitting, providing single-coil-like sounds
- Suitable for players exploring different genres and musical styles
Cons:
- It may not perfectly replicate the tone of a true single-coil pickup in split mode
2. Seymour Duncan Little 59™ ST59-1B Bridge Pickup for Tele®
Let’s explore another gem in Seymour Duncan’s humbucker collection.
For Telecaster lovers seeking a robust humbucker without sacrificing the single-coil size, the ST59-1 Little ’59 Lead pickup is the perfect solution.
Unlike the previous example, this pickup features a traditional dual-coil design with 12 adjustable magnetic poles, allowing you to fine-tune your sound to perfection.
With ceramic magnets and a 4-conductor cable, you have ample wiring options to customize your setup.
The ST59-1 delivers a unique sonic output, blending the classic humbucker mid-heavy character with a subtle “twang” touch that perfectly complements the iconic Telecaster sound.
It’s designed for the bridge position with medium output and excels in blues, hard rock, and vintage heavy metal genres.
For added versatility, the ST59-1 pairs seamlessly with regular stock single coils, and the 4-conductor cable enable you to evoke a fully single-coil tone, expanding your tonal palette even further.
The ST59-1 Little ’59 Lead pickup combines the classic humbucker mid-heavy character with a subtle “twang” touch, making it perfect for Telecaster lovers seeking versatility.
It’s a true gem that offers outstanding value.
Pros:
- Fits single-coil size, perfect for Stratocaster or Telecaster neck positions.
- Delivers a classic humbucker tone with a touch of “twang”.
- Works well in blues, hard rock, and vintage heavy metal genres.
Cons:
- It might overpower lower-output pickups in combination settings.
3. Seymour Duncan Pickup (SSJBJ-1B BLK)
Introducing Seymour Duncan’s SJBJ-1b JB Junior humbucker pickup, a real treat for Stratocaster and single-coil lovers.
This pickup is perfect for the bridge position in Stratocasters and works well in regular Telecaster-styled guitars too.
With two coils, regular magnetic poles, and 12 adjustable poles, it’s incredibly versatile and allows precise tone adjustments.
Equipped with ceramic magnets and a 4-conductor wire, the SJBJ-1b JB Junior balances simplicity and wiring options.
The sonic output is well-balanced with a sufficiently high output, making it versatile for various musical styles.
It effortlessly delivers genuine single-coil tones thanks to the adaptable wiring options.
Moreover, it harmonizes seamlessly with other single-coil or lower- to mid-output pickups in the middle or bridge positions.
The SJBJ-1b JB Junior embraces many genres and pairs beautifully with pedals and amplifiers.
It’s a fantastic pickup, offering great humbucker tone in a single-coil-sized package. Perfect for those seeking versatility and excellence in their guitar’s sound.
Pros:
- Single-coil-sized humbucker for Stratocaster or Telecaster bridge positions.
- Delivers a strong punch with a balanced and versatile output.
- Suitable for various genres, especially metal, punk, and hardcore punk.
Cons:
The tone might not be as well-suited for some other musical styles.
4. Seymour Duncan SH8 Invader Humbucker Bridge Pickup
Seymour Duncan’s pickups continue mesmerizing with their vast collection, spanning single coils and humbuckers, catering to all budgets.
Let’s focus on the exceptional SD SH8 humbucker, available in bridge and neck versions, designed precisely for their specific positions.
With 12 adjustable hex screw polepieces, this pickup allows seamless fine-tuning to suit your guitar.
The SH8 Invader humbucker features a fusion of three ceramic magnets and over-wound coils, backed by cap screws to deliver a powerful, high-output sound.
While a passive pickup, the SH8 packs a forceful punch, enhancing mid-range and delivering razor-sharp high-end brilliance—perfect for metal music.
It also shines in punk, hardcore, and metalcore genres, making it ideal for those styles. However, be cautious when pairing it with lower output pickups, as it may overshadow them in different combinations on your guitar.
Priced competitively, the SH8 Invader offers a remarkable deal for metal enthusiasts seeking uncompromising power, making it a must-have for any metal guitarist.
While crafting tones for other genres may be more challenging, the exceptional value of this product makes it a standout choice.
Embrace the SH8 Invader to unleash the true potential of your metal arsenal and conquer the world of heavy music.
Pros:
- Exceptional high-output humbucker, perfect for metal music.
- Strong mid-range and sharp high-ends deliver powerful tones.
- Offers 4-conductor wire for versatile coil-splitting options.
Cons:
It may require more effort to adjust tones for non-metal genres.
5. Fishman Fluence Modern Humbucker Alnico & Ceramic Pickups Set
Fishman stands out in the world of guitar pickups with their extraordinary craftsmanship, pushing the boundaries of innovation. Their revered Modern humbucker set showcases top-tier features and meticulous design, setting them apart.
These active pickups boast a unique dual-voicing capability for each pickup in the set, complemented by Alnico 5 magnets and specially crafted covers.
Their sonic journey is hard to describe, as they blend higher mids and surprisingly high-end frequencies—unlike traditional humbuckers. Yet, their versatility knows no bounds, effortlessly adapting to any musical style with voicing control.
Embraced by modern progressive metal players, the Fishman Modern humbucker set transcends genre boundaries, making them a great choice for musicians of all styles.
Despite a modern twist, these pickups can achieve sparkling clean tones, and your instrument’s basic controls offer endless creative possibilities.
The Fishman Fluence Modern humbucker set is undoubtedly one of the most versatile pickups available. Regardless of your preferred musical style, these pickups excel in various genres, making them a great asset for sonic exploration.
Embrace the Fishman Fluence Modern humbucker set and take your musical journey to extraordinary heights.
Pros:
- Unique and top-end design with dual voicing capabilities.
- Active pickups with Alnico 5 magnets and specially designed covers.
- Highly versatile, capable of adapting to various genres.
Cons:
- The higher mids and high-ends might be unexpected for some humbucker users.
- It might require some experimentation to find the perfect tonal setting.
Best Humbuckers for Coil Splitting: Buying Guide
When choosing the best humbuckers for coil splitting, consider the following key factors to ensure you get the right pickups for your needs:
1. Pickup Type
Look for humbuckers specifically designed for coil splitting. They’re often called “4-conductor” pickups, with four separate wires for different wiring configurations.
2. Versatility
Opt for pickups that offer a wide range of tones when split. A versatile humbucker should provide clear and articulate single-coil sounds and the standard humbucker tones.
3. Magnet Type
Consider the magnet type (Alnico or ceramic), as it significantly influences the pickup’s tonal characteristics. Alnico magnets generally offer a warmer and more vintage sound, while ceramic magnets produce a brighter and more aggressive tone.
4. Output Level
Choose pickups with suitable output levels for your playing style and the desired genre.
Higher output pickups are ideal for heavier music, while lower output pickups might suit cleaner and more delicate playing.
5. Pairing with Other Pickups
If you plan to combine the humbucker with other pickups (single coils or different humbuckers), ensure they complement each other well in output and tonal balance.
6. Brand and Reviews
Look for reputable brands known for producing high-quality pickups. Read customer reviews and testimonials to learn about real-world experiences with the pickups you’re considering.
7. Coil Splitting Control
Consider how you want to control the coil-splitting function. Some guitars have dedicated push-pull potentiometers for each humbucker, while others use a 5-way switch or separate mini-switches.
8. Guitar Compatibility
Ensure the humbuckers are compatible with your guitar’s routing and pickup cavities. Some pickups may require modifications or professional installation.
9. Budget
Set a budget that aligns with your preferences and needs. High-quality pickups can vary in price, so find the best balance between quality and affordability.
10. Try Before Buying
Try the pickups in person or listen to sound samples online to understand their tonal characteristics and how they sound when the coil splits.
Remember that personal preference plays a significant role in choosing pickups.
Take the time to research and explore different options, considering your playing style, musical genres, and desired tones.
Ultimately, the best humbuckers for coil splitting will enhance your guitar’s versatility and allow you to experiment with a wide range of sounds.
Can Any Humbucker be Coil Split?
Theoretically, any humbucker can be coil split if it has two separate coils.
Coil splitting involves using only one humbucker coil to mimic the sound of a single-coil pickup. However, they’re not all designed with coil splitting in mind.
Some humbuckers may have four-conductor wiring, which allows for coil splitting, while others may have two-conductor wiring, making it more difficult or impossible to split the coils.
If you’re interested in coil splitting, look for humbuckers specifically labeled as “coil-split” or with four-conductor wiring to ensure compatibility.
What’s Your Pick?
In conclusion, finding the best humbuckers for coil splitting requires careful consideration of various factors.
Opt for humbuckers designed for coil splitting with 4-conductor wiring to ensure maximum versatility.
Look for pickups that offer a wide range of tones when split, delivering clear and articulate single-coil sounds alongside their standard humbucker tones.
Consider the pickup’s output level, pairing compatibility with other pickups in your guitar, and reputable brands with positive customer reviews.
Before purchasing, evaluate your budget and how you plan to control the coil-splitting function.
Ensure the pickups are compatible with your guitar’s routing and cavities, or be prepared for any necessary modifications.
Ultimately, the best humbuckers for coil splitting will enhance your guitar’s versatility, allowing you to explore various tones and musical styles.
Take the time to research and, if possible, try the pickups in person or listen to sound samples to make a well-informed decision that suits your playing style and musical preferences.
With the right humbuckers, you can unlock a world of sonic possibilities and elevate your playing to new heights.
Happy picking!
