Seymour Duncan has officially pulled back the curtain on the MortalCoil, a new three-voice active humbucker set. Designed specifically for the high-stakes world of modern metal, the MortalCoil promises to bridge the gap between surgical precision and classic tonal warmth.
For years, metal players have navigated a trade-off: the power of active pickups often came at the cost of organic character. The MortalCoil ends that compromise. Built with high-density copper coils and a cutting-edge preamp, this set is engineered for maximum clarity, even when tuned down to the depths of the abyss.
One Pickup, Three Distinct Personalities
The standout feature of the MortalCoil is its triple-voice architecture, allowing players to toggle between three entirely different sonic signatures:
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Voice 1 (The Modern Standard): The primary MC1 voice is a high-gain masterpiece. It offers a razor-sharp transient response that keeps palm-mutes percussive and complex chords “fizz-free.” It is said to be “mix-ready,” cutting through dense drum-and-bass layers with ease.
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Voice 2 (The Heritage Tone): In a nod to their legacy, Seymour Duncan has integrated the DNA of the iconic JB Bridge and Jazz Neck into an active format. This voice provides the sag, bloom, and organic feel of classic passive pickups while maintaining the silent operation of an active circuit.
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Voice 3 (The High-Output Single Coil): Forget the thin, weak sounds of traditional coil-tapping. This voice provides a robust, glassy single-coil chime that holds its own against high-gain rigs, perfect for ambient cleans or “edge-of-breakup” textures.
Advanced Engineering Under the Hood
To achieve this level of versatility, Seymour Duncan utilized precision-wound coils and advanced audio op-amps. The result is a pickup that reacts instantly to the player’s pick attack, making it an ideal choice for technical genres like djent, tech-death, and progressive metal.
“The MortalCoil isn’t just a pickup; it’s a complete tonal toolkit for the modern guitarist who refuses to be pigeonholed into one sound.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much do the Seymour Duncan MortalCoil pickups cost?
The MortalCoil set starts at $169, making it a competitive option for professional-grade active electronics.
Does it require a battery?
Yes, as an active system, the MortalCoil requires a standard 9V battery or a rechargeable power pack to fuel its internal preamp.
Is it suitable for 7-string and 8-string guitars?
Absolutely. The MortalCoil was designed with extended-range players in mind, ensuring the low end remains tight and defined even on the lowest strings.
Can I install these myself?
The MortalCoil follows standard active pickup wiring conventions. However, for the most reliable performance and to ensure the three-way voicing is correctly toggled, professional installation is recommended.
Conclusion
With the release of the MortalCoil, Seymour Duncan has effectively future-proofed the active humbucker. By combining the aggressive clarity required for 2026’s metal scene with the timeless soul of the JB/Jazz combo, they have created a pickup set that is as versatile as the artists who use them.
These could be perfect if you are tracking a studio masterpiece or hitting the stage; the MortalCoil provides the precision, power, and personality needed to stand out.
More Information
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