Gearank High Notes
- 2022.10: Highest Rated Middle Single Coil Pickup
- 2022.10: Equal Highest Rated Neck Single Coil Pickup
Tied With:- DiMarzio Injector DP422
Gearank Recommended
The SSL-5 first appeared on our recommended list for Budget Guitar Pickups in October 2022 where it remains today.
Cons
- Can be too gritty for some
- Middle strings have a slight volume bump
Pros
- Overwound for higher output
- Hotter and grittier electric guitar tone
- Ideal for blues, rock, and similar styles
- Great for low to medium overdrive
The Seymour Duncan SSL-5 is the bridge position single-coil pickup in David Gilmour’s signature Black Strat. Seymour Duncan has made it available for those who want the same pumped-up sound on a different guitar. It is available for use in different positions. There’s even a middle pickup position version with RWRP. RWRP stands for “reverse-wound, reverse-polarity”) for hum-canceling in-between pickup positions.
Being overwound, it is quite sensitive. Seymour Duncan designed it to have increased output compared to other passive single coils. This results in a more in your face sound, while retaining the sparkle and bottom-end that you’d expect from a classic single-coil pickup. Single note lines cut better, while chords sound bigger, which makes this a good pickup for all-around use.
It is popularly slotted in the bridge position. But its high-output design makes The Seymour Duncan SSL-5 ideal for adding bite into the in-between positions.
Following traditional guitar pickups, Seymour Duncan equipped the SSL-5 with staggered magnetic pole pieces. This is ideal if your electric guitar has traditional rounder necks. The different heights of the pole magnets allow the middle strings to sound a bit louder. This works great with mild to medium overdrive use. It has a pronounced midrange compared to traditional single-coils.
The Seymour Duncan SSL-5 is among the best single coil pickups for adding grit. Get this on your electric guitar if you’re into blues, rock, and similar styles.
Specifications
- Position: Neck, Middle, Bridge
- Magnet Material: Alnico V
- Dimensions: 3.3″ x .70″ x .65″
- Available Colors/Covers: White, Black
| Website | Source | *Rating Value |
| Audiofanzine | tjon901 | 100/100 |