What is the primary magnet used in the Retribution set?

The Seymour Duncan Retribution set utilizes Alnico V magnets to provide a balanced and punchy output across all seven strings.

Is this set a passive or active design?

The Retribution is an active pickup design, though this specific model is housed in a passive-style mount for standard installation.

Which guitarists was this pickup set designed for?

This set was designed in collaboration with Dino Cazares, known for his work in metal bands such as Fear Factory and Divine Heresy.

How does this set handle low tunings?

The Retribution set is specifically voiced for low tuners, focusing on attack and note separation to prevent muddiness in the lower register.

What mounting style does this specific version use?

This version uses a passive mount, meaning it fits into standard humbucker slots rather than requiring larger soapbar cavities.

Does the set include installation hardware?

Yes, everything required for the installation is included in the box with the pickup set.

How does the Retribution set compare to high-output passive pickups?

The Retribution offers reduced noise and improved clarity at high gain compared to most passive pickups, while avoiding an overly compressed feel.

Is this set available for 6-string guitars?

While this specific profile covers the 7-string model, the Retribution line was designed primarily for extended-range instruments.

What is the typical price for this set in the UK?

The typical price range for this humbucker set is approximately GBP 179.

How does the pick response feel with these pickups?

The pickups are engineered for a sharper pick response, which is essential for fast, percussive metal riffing.

Are these pickups noisy at high gain?

No, the Retribution set is designed with reduced noise to keep the tone clean and controlled even under heavy distortion.

Will these pickups make my guitar sound compressed?

No; the voicing is designed to stay open and natural, providing a less compressed feel than many other active pickup designs.

Gear article

Seymour Duncan Retribution Dino Cazares 7-String Humbucker Set

The Seymour Duncan Retribution is a signature active-mount-replacement 7-string humbucker set designed specifically for modern high-gain metal. Developed with Dino Cazares, this set focuses on clarity, fast attack, and note separation for extended-range guitars using low tunings.

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Overview and Background

The Seymour Duncan Retribution Dino Cazares Humbucker Set is a high-performance pickup solution engineered to meet the demands of modern metal guitarists. While inspired by previous collaborations with the Fear Factory guitarist, the Retribution series was designed to provide a more refined response for 7-string players. This specific version features a passive mount, allowing it to be installed in standard 7-string cavities without the need for significant modifications required by soapbar-style active shells.

Technical Features and Design

The core of the Retribution set is built around an Alnico V magnet. This choice of magnet material ensures a balanced output that supports heavy low-end punch without sacrificing the treble frequencies. The pickups are designed with a specific focus on pick attack and note separation. By reducing the noise floor, the set allows for higher gain settings while maintaining a clean, controlled signal. The package is comprehensive, including all necessary components for installation in a standard 7-string electric guitar.

Sonic Character

The sound of the Retribution set is defined by its transparency and lack of excessive compression. While many high-output humbuckers can feel squashed in their dynamic range, the Retribution remains open and natural. This voicing is particularly beneficial for complex rhythms and fast riffs, where individual notes in a chord need to remain distinguishable. The Alnico V magnets help keep the low-B string on a 7-string guitar from sounding muddy, providing a tight, focused response even under extreme distortion.

Target Audience

This set is primarily suited for guitarists playing technical metal, djent, or industrial genres where low tunings and high gain are commonplace. It is an ideal choice for players who find traditional high-output pickups too noisy or lacking in clarity. Because it uses a passive mount format, it is a direct upgrade for owners of standard 7-string guitars who want signature-level performance without changing their instrument's aesthetics.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary magnet used in the Retribution set?: The Seymour Duncan Retribution set utilizes Alnico V magnets to provide a balanced and punchy output across all seven strings.
Is this set a passive or active design?: The Retribution is an active pickup design, though this specific model is housed in a passive-style mount for standard installation.
Which guitarists was this pickup set designed for?: This set was designed in collaboration with Dino Cazares, known for his work in metal bands such as Fear Factory and Divine Heresy.
How does this set handle low tunings?: The Retribution set is specifically voiced for low tuners, focusing on attack and note separation to prevent muddiness in the lower register.
What mounting style does this specific version use?: This version uses a passive mount, meaning it fits into standard humbucker slots rather than requiring larger soapbar cavities.
Does the set include installation hardware?: Yes, everything required for the installation is included in the box with the pickup set.
How does the Retribution set compare to high-output passive pickups?: The Retribution offers reduced noise and improved clarity at high gain compared to most passive pickups, while avoiding an overly compressed feel.
Is this set available for 6-string guitars?: While this specific profile covers the 7-string model, the Retribution line was designed primarily for extended-range instruments.
What is the typical price for this set in the UK?: The typical price range for this humbucker set is approximately GBP 179.
How does the pick response feel with these pickups?: The pickups are engineered for a sharper pick response, which is essential for fast, percussive metal riffing.
Are these pickups noisy at high gain?: No, the Retribution set is designed with reduced noise to keep the tone clean and controlled even under heavy distortion.
Will these pickups make my guitar sound compressed?: No; the voicing is designed to stay open and natural, providing a less compressed feel than many other active pickup designs.