What magnet type does the Slash Alnico II Pro use?

The pickup uses an Alnico II magnet, which contributes to its warm, rich sound and smooth sustain.

Where is this pickup manufactured?

It is hand-built in Santa Barbara, California, by Seymour Duncan's team of craftsmen.

What position is this specific model designed for?

This particular model is designed for the neck position of a humbucker-equipped guitar.

Does this pickup include a cover?

Yes, this specific version comes with a nickel cover for a classic look and tone.

How does the Alnico II magnet affect the sound compared to Alnico V?

Alnico II typically offers a warmer, rounder tone with less aggressive output and more organic sustain than Alnico V.

Is this pickup suitable for high-gain music?

While it is a vintage-style output pickup, it is designed to ring with saturation and sustain, making it excellent for rock and blues-rock lead playing.

What are the key tonal characteristics of this neck humbucker?

It offers enhanced bass and treble response, providing a beefy chord sound and clear, wailing lead notes.

Can I use this in a guitar that isn't a Les Paul?

Yes, while famously associated with Les Paul-style guitars, it can be installed in any guitar routed for a standard neck humbucker.

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

The typical price range for this model is approximately GBP 185.

Does this pickup provide good note definition?

Yes, the enhanced frequency response is specifically designed to provide crystal-clear voicing and superb definition.

Why is this called the 'Slash' humbucker?

It was designed to match the specifications and sound of the pickups Slash has used throughout his career to achieve his signature tone.

How does it handle string bends?

The pickup is voiced to allow lead notes to 'wail' and sustain during bends, capturing the expressive nuances of the player.

Gear article

Seymour Duncan Slash Alnico II Pro Neck Humbucker

The Seymour Duncan Slash Alnico II Pro is a signature neck humbucker designed to replicate the specific tonal characteristics used by Slash. Hand-built in Santa Barbara, California, it utilizes an Alnico II magnet to produce a warm, rich sound with enhanced saturation and sustain.

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Background and Development

The Seymour Duncan Slash Alnico II Pro was developed to provide guitarists with the foundational elements of Slash's signature tone. For decades, the iconic guitarist has relied on the specific characteristics of Alnico II magnets to achieve his blend of warmth and grit. These pickups are hand-constructed at the Seymour Duncan facility in Santa Barbara, ensuring premium craftsmanship and adherence to the specifications of the original units used in Slash's most famous recordings.

Technical Features

The primary component of this pickup is the Alnico II magnet, which provides a softer magnetic pull compared to Alnico V alternatives, resulting in a more natural string vibration and organic sustain. The pickup is engineered with an enhanced bass and treble response to ensure that notes remain defined even under high levels of saturation. This specific model features a nickel cover, providing a classic aesthetic and slight tonal softening compared to uncovered versions.

Sound Profile

The sound of the Slash Alnico II Pro Neck Humbucker is characterised by a well-rounded, beefy quality. It is designed to produce 'wailing' lead tones with significant sustain, making it particularly effective for expressive string bends and melodic soloing. Despite its warmth, the pickup maintains crystal-clear voicing and superb definition, preventing chords from becoming muddy or indistinct.

Application and Suitability

This pickup is ideally suited for rock and blues players seeking a vintage-output humbucker that performs well with overdriven amplifiers. It is specifically voiced for the neck position, where its rich low-end and smooth highs can be fully utilised. While it is the definitive choice for those seeking to emulate Slash's sound, its versatile response makes it a strong candidate for any player looking for a high-quality, boutique-style neck pickup.

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Frequently asked questions

What magnet type does the Slash Alnico II Pro use?: The pickup uses an Alnico II magnet, which contributes to its warm, rich sound and smooth sustain.
Where is this pickup manufactured?: It is hand-built in Santa Barbara, California, by Seymour Duncan's team of craftsmen.
What position is this specific model designed for?: This particular model is designed for the neck position of a humbucker-equipped guitar.
Does this pickup include a cover?: Yes, this specific version comes with a nickel cover for a classic look and tone.
How does the Alnico II magnet affect the sound compared to Alnico V?: Alnico II typically offers a warmer, rounder tone with less aggressive output and more organic sustain than Alnico V.
Is this pickup suitable for high-gain music?: While it is a vintage-style output pickup, it is designed to ring with saturation and sustain, making it excellent for rock and blues-rock lead playing.
What are the key tonal characteristics of this neck humbucker?: It offers enhanced bass and treble response, providing a beefy chord sound and clear, wailing lead notes.
Can I use this in a guitar that isn't a Les Paul?: Yes, while famously associated with Les Paul-style guitars, it can be installed in any guitar routed for a standard neck humbucker.
What is the typical price for this pickup in the UK?: The typical price range for this model is approximately GBP 185.
Does this pickup provide good note definition?: Yes, the enhanced frequency response is specifically designed to provide crystal-clear voicing and superb definition.
Why is this called the 'Slash' humbucker?: It was designed to match the specifications and sound of the pickups Slash has used throughout his career to achieve his signature tone.
How does it handle string bends?: The pickup is voiced to allow lead notes to 'wail' and sustain during bends, capturing the expressive nuances of the player.