What is the difference between the Slash 2.0 and the original Slash Signature set?

The Slash 2.0 set features a slightly higher output compared to the original. This update was designed to provide more punch and versatility for louder stages and modern playing styles while keeping the Alnico 2 warmth.

What magnets are used in the Seymour Duncan Slash 2.0 set?

The pickups utilize Alnico 2 magnets. These are chosen for their ability to deliver a warm, vintage character with a soft treble response and excellent sustain.

What does 'Zebra / Reverse Zebra' mean?

This refers to the colour of the bobbins. One pickup features one black and one cream bobbin (Zebra), while the other features the opposite arrangement (Reverse Zebra), creating a classic aesthetic common on vintage Les Pauls.

Which genres are these pickups best suited for?

They are primarily designed for rock and hard rock. Their thick midrange and sweet highs make them ideal for crunchy riffs and soaring lead lines.

Is this a single pickup or a pair?

This is a complete set including both the bridge and neck humbuckers. They are calibrated to work together for balanced volume and tone.

How does the bridge pickup sound compared to the neck pickup?

The bridge pickup is designed for powerful singing lead tones and crunch. The neck pickup is voiced for smooth, rounded cleans and fluid, liquid solo lines.

Will these pickups work for heavy metal?

While designed for hard rock, their higher output allows them to handle heavier styles. However, they maintain a vintage warmth rather than the sharp, aggressive attack of ceramic magnets.

What is the typical price for the Slash 2.0 Humbucker Set?

The set typically retails for approximately £269 in the UK market. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer.

Do these pickups provide good sustain?

Yes, the combination of the Alnico 2 magnets and the specific winding allows for the sustain needed for soaring lead guitar parts. The lower magnetic pull helps the strings vibrate longer.

Can these be installed in any guitar?

They are standard-sized humbuckers and will fit most guitars routed for humbucking pickups. They are most commonly installed in mahogany-bodied guitars like the Les Paul.

Are these pickups active or passive?

The Seymour Duncan Slash 2.0 set consists of passive pickups. They do not require a battery to operate and rely on traditional coil winding and magnets.

How do they handle high-gain amplifiers?

The 2.0 update specifically addresses today's louder stages. They are designed to stay articulate and punchy even when used with high-gain amplifier settings.

Gear article

Seymour Duncan Slash 2.0 Humbucker Set

The Seymour Duncan Slash 2.0 Humbucker Set is a high-performance pickup replacement designed to capture the iconic rock tones of Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash. Featuring Alnico 2 magnets and a modified winding for increased output, this set balances vintage warmth with the additional punch required for modern amplification.

See live prices

Background and Design

The Slash 2.0 Humbucker Set represents an evolution of the signature sound Seymour Duncan developed for Slash. While the original signature set was based on the specific pickups found in the guitarist's legendary 1987 Appetite for Destruction Derrig Les Paul copy, the 2.0 version is engineered to meet the demands of contemporary live performance. It retains the essential Alnico 2 character but adjusts the output to provide more 'push' for modern pedalboards and higher-gain amplifiers.

Technical Features

The set is built around Alnico 2 magnets, which are known for their softer magnetic pull compared to Alnico 5. This allows for increased sustain and a more natural string vibration. The 'Zebra / Reverse Zebra' aesthetic refers to the contrasting cream and black bobbins, a classic look synonymous with late 1950s and 1960s humbuckers. The set includes a specifically calibrated bridge pickup and a matching neck pickup to ensure volume balance when switching positions.

Tonal Characteristics

The primary sonic profile of the Slash 2.0 set is defined by thick midrange frequencies and sweet, rounded highs. The bridge pickup is voiced for a singing lead tone that cuts through a mix without becoming harsh, while the neck pickup provides a smooth, fluid response suitable for both clean passages and liquid soloing. The increased output over the original set provides additional crunch for rhythm work and easier feedback control at high volumes.

Target Audience

This set is specifically targeted at rock and hard rock guitarists who require a versatile humbucker capable of handling high-gain environments while maintaining clarity. It is an ideal upgrade for players seeking to replicate the 'Slash' sound or for those who find standard vintage-voiced pickups too weak for heavier musical styles.

Comparison to Alternatives

Compared to standard vintage-style humbuckers, the Slash 2.0 offers a more pronounced midrange and higher output. Unlike high-output ceramic pickups, which can sound compressed or harsh, the Alnico 2 magnets in this set ensure the tone remains warm and organic. While products like the Gotoh 203B-4 or Fender American Standard Tremolo Bridge focus on structural hardware, the Slash 2.0 is a fundamental electronic upgrade for tone shaping.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the Slash 2.0 and the original Slash Signature set?: The Slash 2.0 set features a slightly higher output compared to the original. This update was designed to provide more punch and versatility for louder stages and modern playing styles while keeping the Alnico 2 warmth.
What magnets are used in the Seymour Duncan Slash 2.0 set?: The pickups utilize Alnico 2 magnets. These are chosen for their ability to deliver a warm, vintage character with a soft treble response and excellent sustain.
What does 'Zebra / Reverse Zebra' mean?: This refers to the colour of the bobbins. One pickup features one black and one cream bobbin (Zebra), while the other features the opposite arrangement (Reverse Zebra), creating a classic aesthetic common on vintage Les Pauls.
Which genres are these pickups best suited for?: They are primarily designed for rock and hard rock. Their thick midrange and sweet highs make them ideal for crunchy riffs and soaring lead lines.
Is this a single pickup or a pair?: This is a complete set including both the bridge and neck humbuckers. They are calibrated to work together for balanced volume and tone.
How does the bridge pickup sound compared to the neck pickup?: The bridge pickup is designed for powerful singing lead tones and crunch. The neck pickup is voiced for smooth, rounded cleans and fluid, liquid solo lines.
Will these pickups work for heavy metal?: While designed for hard rock, their higher output allows them to handle heavier styles. However, they maintain a vintage warmth rather than the sharp, aggressive attack of ceramic magnets.
What is the typical price for the Slash 2.0 Humbucker Set?: The set typically retails for approximately £269 in the UK market. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer.
Do these pickups provide good sustain?: Yes, the combination of the Alnico 2 magnets and the specific winding allows for the sustain needed for soaring lead guitar parts. The lower magnetic pull helps the strings vibrate longer.
Can these be installed in any guitar?: They are standard-sized humbuckers and will fit most guitars routed for humbucking pickups. They are most commonly installed in mahogany-bodied guitars like the Les Paul.
Are these pickups active or passive?: The Seymour Duncan Slash 2.0 set consists of passive pickups. They do not require a battery to operate and rely on traditional coil winding and magnets.
How do they handle high-gain amplifiers?: The 2.0 update specifically addresses today's louder stages. They are designed to stay articulate and punchy even when used with high-gain amplifier settings.