Detail 01
Alnico V bar magnet
A bar magnet under all eight strings keeps output even across the wide neck, instead of pole pieces missing string spacing.
Product detailSKU #1274034493402
Seymour DuncanAHB-1s 8-String Blackouts Neck and Bridge Set Black
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
Active humbucker set for 8-string guitars, neck and bridge. For extended-range players who need clarity on a low F# under high gain.
Strong match
Who this is for
- 8-string metal rhythm where low strings turn to mud
- Players already running a battery cavity or willing to add one
- Tight, defined palm-muted riffing at high gain
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Anyone unwilling to deal with a 9V battery
- Players wanting dynamic, touch-sensitive passive response
- 6- and 7-string guitars — the spacing will not line up
What matters in use
The specifications, translated
Catalog numbers tell only part of the story. These are the details most likely to change how this product feels, sounds, or fits into a setup.
Detail 02
Active preamp (needs 9V)
Onboard preamp drives the signal, so cable length and long pedal chains bleed off less high end.
Detail 03
530 Hz bridge / 750 Hz neck resonant peak
Bridge peaks lower for thickness on the low strings; neck peaks higher, keeping lead lines from going woolly.
Detail 04
EQ 8/5/6 treble/mid/bass
Scooped mids with lifted treble and bass. That is the modern metal curve, not a mid-forward rock voice.
Detail 05
3-conductor shielded cable
Shielded lead reduces noise pickup in the control cavity. Wiring is more involved than a two-wire passive swap.
Detail 06
Neck and bridge set
Both positions are voiced to work together. Buying the set avoids output mismatch between positions.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Requires a 9V battery and a cavity or compartment to hold it.
- 02Verify your guitar's 8-string pickup route matches these dimensions before ordering.
- 03Active pickups need a stereo output jack to switch the battery off.
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01Do I need a battery for these?
Yes. Blackouts are active and run on a 9V battery. Without a battery and a stereo jack to switch it off, the pickups will not pass signal.
02Will these fit a 7-string or 6-string guitar?
No. These are built to 8-string dimensions and string spacing. A narrower route will not accept them, and the pole coverage would be wrong.
03Are these good for the low F# string?
That is the design target. The bar magnet and 530 Hz bridge peak are aimed at keeping the lowest string defined rather than flubby.
04Can I swap these in for passive pickups myself?
It is possible, but it means adding battery wiring and a stereo output jack. If you have not done active conversions before, use a tech.
Reference
Full specifications
The complete catalog record, organized around the decisions musicians make when comparing gear.
1 detailsBody & build
- Color
- Black
1 detailsIn the box
- Cable
- 3-Con shielded
3 detailsOther
- Equalization
- 8/5/6 (Treble/Mid/Bass)
- Magnet
- Alnico V Bar
- Resonant Peak
- 530 Hz (Bridge), 750 (Neck)
