Seymour Duncan 8-String Pickups- Metal

Quick links- Full Mix
0:15 - Pegasus bridge
1:17 - Sentient neck (lead guitar)
1:29 - Nazgul bridge
2:30 - Sentient neck (lead guitar)
2:43 - Distortion bridge
3:46 - Distortion neck (lead guitar)
3:57 - Invader bridge
5:00 - Invader neck (lead guitar)
5:12 - Blackouts bridge
6:14 - Blackouts neck (lead guitar)
Guitars Only-
6:27 - Pegasus bridge
6:37 - Nazgul bridge
6:46 - Distortion bridge
6:55 - Invader bridge
7:04 - Blackouts bridge
7:13 - Pegasus bridge
7:22 - Nazgul bridge
7:31 - Distortion bridge
7:41 - Invader bridge
7:50 - Blackouts bridge
Signal Chain-
Guitar - Protone "Merrow" overdrive - Alien Evolution custom amp - Two Notes Torpedo Live - Presonus Firestudio - Presonus DAW.
Guitars used- I (Keith) am using a 2014 Schecter Banshee prototype 8. For the Blackout clip at the end, I used a 2014 Schecter Blackjack SLS C-8. Wes is using a Jackson SLAT 8.
As with all of my other pickup shootouts, the amp tone settings remain the same throughout the demo so that you can hear the nuances of each pickup. In the full mix, some people may not be able to notice a huge difference between them. So, I've added the guitar only section at the end, so that you can hear them easier. During the guitar only section, there are no post effects added (no EQ or Comp, just raw tracks). For best results, listen in HD with high quality headphones or studio monitors. One thing worth noting, is that all of these pickups have a different FEEL to them. Unfortunately, that's something that cannot be demonstrated. But the differences definitely extend beyond the pickup tones. Finally, keep in mind that using a baseline tone is only to show the differences between each of these models. Under normal circumstances, you would dial in a tone with whatever pickup you use. So, ALL of these are capable of a wide variety of sounds. -KM
For more info, visit www.seymourdunc...
www.schectergui...
Follow me on Facebook- / keith.merrow1
If you like what I do, and would like to help me continue my adventure, please purchase some of my music, or a shirt, guitar picks, etc. It all helps! www.keithmerrow...

[@robscallon]

This is strangely one of my favorite metal songs…

[@boggsty]

I love it, too... just found it again right now

[@judemisura4323]

One of the best 8 string songs. Plus with 2 of my favorite guitarists and guitar companies.

[@macdiaz1]

I listen to this all the time.

[@BananaKyat]

6 years later i'm still listening to this.

[@malettastudios9416]

8 years later so am I

[@seba.makron]

@@malettastudios9416 and play in repeat hours

[@haydentaylor279]

Same 🤘🏼🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@terrinpeterson9899]

9 years later I'm here. 😁🤘 KEEP IT GOING!

[@BananaKyat]

@@terrinpeterson9899 You damn right I'm still here!

[@levimcelrath9232]

Call me crazy but I don't like how Wes looks at me at 0:38 Its like "Hey I'm gonna get nasty right now."

[@MrJujubies1]

I feel that exact same way bro haha

[@NavidKhan84]

like take it in the bummey bitches...look!

[@markjoshuabulay-og9515]

Thats what im here for 😂

[@sobasage1958]

It always amazes me how Wes can play the most complicated riffs and solos and still make it look like his fingers aren't moving at all.

[@BlakeBagnell]

He's god the technique of a god.

[@metalheadblues]

Economy of motion

[@StricklandAssistantManager]

Damn Wes's technique is fucking so efficient. He hardly moves.

[@ashtweth]

Hank Hill That can be TONE and amp setting MOSTLY too BTW...every seen the difference in attack and response on amp settings, plays a big role... what puzzles me is my 9 string agile has NO chug, i cant get how these doods can stand chug on 8, 9 strings, its practically a fucking bass....ow well at least Agile is there for NO chug, i fucking guitar with 9 strings...that does not chug...who would have thought....

[@StricklandAssistantManager]

ashtweth Yep.

[@Eidolon11]

***** ive played with him in person, the power is all there.

[@StricklandAssistantManager]

prunefeatures You are a wise man.

[@thiago88smart]

+Hank Hill takes a few years to get your fingers so strong that a miserable movement will press the string on the fret ;) that's why I do workouts for my hands - I train my grip and my fingers so they get bulky and it gets a lot easier to play.

[@givemeajackson]

i'm really trying to emulate wes' playing style. he's the definition of efficiency. he moves like half as much as keith when playing the same stuff, and keith is already one of the tightest players i know.

[@noxify5873]

he was in the marines they show you how to work smarter not harder and in this case its how to make things easier with your finger placement and not having to move your hand in unnecessary places across the fret board

[@tromboneman4517]

Noxify, I believe he was in the navy. Not the marines. But I get the point you are making anyway.

[@thane_snipes]

@@tromboneman4517 I didn't think Wes could possibly get any cooler. Guess I was wrong. What a beast!

[@Marcastic666]

He's moving his thumb less because he's playing a jackson and Keith is playing a shecter on an 8 string the neck difference is crazy!

[@RobertBakerGuitar]

so heavey awesome video as always Keith

[@Soilwar]

Pegasus seems to be the best sounding mixture.

[@OdysseyDawnMusic]

I completely agree

[@Seandude223]

The Nazgul to me seemed to be the clearest of them all in the lower range of the 8-string. Even more than the Blackouts, which surprises me. Awesome!

[@MARIO.GUITAR]

Nazgul and Blackouts were my favorites. Sick riffing O_o

[@federz666]

Came to see pups compared.. Keep coming back cause that riff fucking crushes!!

[@reidfredd9684]

I never realized how fucking sick the blackouts were!!!!

[@BiotreXOldChannelold]

8 String guitar and NOT Djent I AM HAPPY DEATH METAL STILL CONQUERS THE 8th!! \m/

[@bmhyakiri]

Beyond Creation play 8 string death metal.

[@BiotreXOldChannelold]

Yup more like Death and Prog Metal which is VERY unique and VERY Brutal!!

[@JakeyBaby6]

Listen to Allegaeon, straight up Melodic Death Metal but heavier than Arch Enemy with more Melody than Whoracle era In Flames.

[@TheCypherFR]

+1 JakeyBaby6, and this song was supposed to be part of Wes (Hauch) and Ryan Glisan (of ...Allegaeon) side project, you can hear it on their channel. Allegaeon ftw !

[@Khaled-bu4kh]

and also Ihsahn and Leprous for Extreme Progressive Metal, and same for Animals As Leaders

[@ryanj6011]

Best comparison video I've seen on YT. That NAZGUL is out of control. I'm glad to see the blackouts really held their own against these newer pups. Thanks Keith and Wes. Speaking of which, can't wait to hear some new Glass Casket with Wes Hauch!!!

[@musickman123]

Every time I hear the Pegasus it grows on me more and more. I'm starting to really love that pickup

[@Metal_Dinosaur]

Good call I was torn between the Naz and Peg, also leaning Pegawards

[@MorrisChannel4]

Brian J. Musick I have the 7 String Version of the Pegasus, i love its versatility, you even can get away with very very light picking without messing with the volume knobs,

[@musickman123]

+KiMBo Scott BUT DOES IT DJENT?!?!?!?!

[@MorrisChannel4]

fairly djenty, LOL not bright enough djenty, more mid bassy djenty

[@harro333]

Duncan Distortion. Old faithful still sounds freakishly awesome to me.

[@ianurbaitis]

Hey Keith! Tell SD we need a demo of the 8 string black winters! Thanks dude \m/

[@jipjipjip2]

+Ian Urbaitis I didn't even know you could get a Black Winter 8

[@countskippy]

I think my favorite set was the Pegasus-bridge/Sentient-neck set for everything but the lowest 8-string notes. In that case, it would be the Nazgul instead of the Pegasus.

[@loganclarke5129]

Is there anyway you could do an in depth break down of these riffs? Or just like a slower walk through. I just got my eight string with some blackouts in it and I've been racking my brain, eyes and ears trying to get it right. I'm pretty close but with riffs like this, pretty close doesn't cut it.

[@MXmulisha199]

This is such an awesome video, gnarliest riffing!! For me it's a toss up between the Distortion or Blackouts, love that raspy tone on the opens and how fucking heavy those mutes are!!

[@isthatjake]

What song was this? Or was it just made for the demo?

[@SnakePool]

Where can I get the tabs??! Nazgul/sentient set is my favorite!

[@RyanBills]

Wes' picking technique for lead is flawless, so smooth and effortless, that riff is totally killer too.

[@palfaypeti]

IMO Pegasus is the best.

[@Tuttermuts]

Right? I'm deciding on pickups right now and just double checking before I send out the order...I can't shake the idea that it's the clearest/up front sounding of them all.

[@Possum_Wagons]

Three things: 1. Thank you for finally making an 8 string demo for all these pickups, 2. I love those Seymour Duncan shirts, 3. I've decided on a Nazgul/Sentient combo due to the clarity and absolute awesome tone.

[@thecompletejake]

I am absolutely in love with the pegasus tone. So glad I bought one for my 7 string.

[@BlvckjvckRecordings]

That 8-string Jackson looks and sounds killer!

[@9000ryan]

to me, the Pegasus sounds the fullest and most rounded, providing enough bite and chunk, but not too clanky like the Nazgul, and not too bassy and fizzy as some others. I think I've decided what to get for my 7.

[@williamschaffer2858]

Ryan Simmons So, after presumably having them for some time, how are they?

[@9000ryan]

William Schaffer Love them. At first I didnt, but it happened to be the guitar I had them in. the bridge pickup was too close to the bridge and has this awful honk to it, but I swapped them to another and they're perfectly fine.

[@jeanrigo]

I like the Nazgul sound, very cool tone!

[@michaelz1387]

Спасибо! Как всегда - чётко и чисто! Мне нравятся Pegasus - bridge / Invader - neck.

[@scootercrunch11]

Getting my Nazgul 7 and Sentient 7 installed right now by my old teacher. Can't wait to rip it up on my Jr-V 7!

[@jessemartin5604]

They sound GORGEOUS.

[@zizzleplix]

Here is my top three for this pickup comparison: 1. Pegasus 2. Blackouts 3. Nazgul

[@JBBQband]

This is how a true demo/comparison should be done! Excellent work gentlemen!

[@obviouslypepsi]

T4i? I have been looking at getting one in the future! What's your opinion of it so far? Do you just use the kit lens, or do you use another? Also, out of the lot of these pickups, what was your personal choice? I lean towards the Nazgul myself. It seemed to keep a consistent tone across all 8 strings, while the Pegasus struggled a little more with the lowest one. Thanks for the awesome videos, dude. I enjoy them all immensely.

[@techniqueswithtodd]

How cool would it be to just call up WES HAUCH and say "Hey man, wanna stop by and shoot a vid and rip it up on some 8 string guitars?" Your a lucky man Keith Merrow!!! Keep up the cool collab vids!

[@StormTroy]

This video is part of what encouraged me to get the Nazgül/Sentient set in my RG8. Sounds even better in person. Sentient is by far the best sounding and most versatile neck pickup I have ever heard. Nazgül has a nice sound and cleans up very well, though if you want only high gain metal, other pickups might suit you better.

[@Mammongorothkar]

I dream of the Nazgul!! Love that pickup!

[@aidanmiller5697]

It's the heaviest sounding passive pickup in my opinion!

[@KFieLdGaming]

The Dimarzio Titan is up there with it, along with BKPs.

[@chriselt777]

Blackouts Pegasus/Sentinent Nazgul/Sentinent Good for my playing. (Riffs and Chords, etc.)

[@HarisDT]

Well...gotta say after searching 8 string guitar videos and demonstrations...this is the way it's done. Keep going guys you rule.

[@ErnestoPicazo92]

the nazgul, my fucking god...

[@SimonRobbswol]

just getting both installed today!

[@blistersonmyfingers9321]

Was going to post this. Leviticus 6:37

[@drfeelgordo]

i liked the blackouts. i thought the distortion pickups sounded really good in the mid range but got muddy on the low end. pegasus pick ups were also crispy and clear but i liked the sound of the blackouts a little more.

[@AnthonyESP94]

Nazgul for Bridge and Distortions for Neck = Perfect combination.

[@JoeyVanden]

Keith, I am thinking about going with the Duncan Distortion for the bridge and the Invader for the neck. Would you advise that I mix and match or should I go with a set of the same kind?

[@thgpage8136]

Keith Merrow , what guitar did you played on this video (i dont see clearly) and is Seymour Duncan pick up work great on 8-string guitar compare to EMG808? (which i'm playing Schecter Damien Platinum 8-string) Thanks , Killer.

[@prognosis77]

Man so effortless and smooth. Mr.Merrow you are in my top 10 favorite guitar players. Epic man!!!!

[@Leppits]

The tightness of this riffage is just pure awesome!

[@MirkoFustinoni]

Were the riffs written specifically for this video or are they taken from a song? They're awesome!

[@onkel44lekno]

great playing guys! i think the nazgul and the blackouts sounded really really awesome.

[@flips220]

I've never liked the Invader, and this video just further reinforces that in my head. It's just too dark/muddy/muffled for me. Plus it's kind of ugly, but that's neither here nor there, since it's the sound of it that I'm mostly put off by.

[@mikescanlan4653]

@snakymen13 its a gruvgear fret wrap. It mutes the strings softly for cleaner tapping runs and such and makes the strings sustain less. They're nice to have for recording

[@85MasterV]

Trying to have a completely unbiased opinion, I think the Distortion sounds the meatiest. The Nazgul probably has more clarity but I think I'de choose the SH-6 still.

[@alessandrocannatelli4655]

The Distorsion is my favourite too ;) To my ears it sounds the more "mid-ranged" and, correct me if I'm wrong, because of this has more presence in the solo part. The Invader is definitely "beefier" with such "liquid" lows, but the best is still the SH-6... \m/ :) P.S.: sorry but... Thumbs down for the Blackouts :P

[@serginhosena]

Alessandro Cannatelli my favourite too! :-)

[@bastaudio]

***** the invader is an amazing neck pickup though because it has some of the best lead and clean tones I've ever heard

[@bastaudio]

***** it takes a lot of work to dial in a guitar with invaders. It takes more boosting and tone manipulation, but I've found that I do like it in the end. I do see where people don't like it though. I'm an EMG man myself but I still love my Duncans

[@JohnnyRaven69]

Distortion is my fav too! ;)

[@Pray4Plagues]

Nazgul, and that invader sound amazing.!!!! Distortion was pretty cool...

[@hectikmgj]

So I'm sold, getting that Jackson SLATFXQMG 3-8 and loading it with the Pegasus and Sentient pickups! I have the Nazgul and Sentient in my Jackson JS327Q Dinky and it made that guitar all the much better!! Love my Jacksons and Seymour Duncans! Great video show off.

[@splatterhousethorn]

Thank you for the last 2 minutes or so of this video with the isolated and direct comparisons one after the other like that! That was very helpful!

[@MatheusManente]

I never thought I would prefer active pickups... But the blackouts are sounding great here.

[@IAmKingHomey]

I want one of these Seymour Duncan SHirts, where can i get one ?

[@hsdgfasdg5646]

Such an efficient comparison and a riff that I actually enjoyed sitting though 8 minutes of. This should be the standard to meet for demo videos.

[@heyjoetofu]

Interestingly, the Pegasus definitly sounds the best out of those (even considering they are recorded with the same Amp-Settings). Seems like you did an awesome job designing it.

[@MarkDonnison]

I like the sound of the Blackouts, very much.

[@rmangual69]

Hello Keith, is there anyway you guys could make this track available for purchase?, and could you make some tabs for it?. I will be so happy to get this, along several other fans. Thanks in advance.

[@malcolmrff]

Keith, what do you feel would work best in the bridge position in an rg8?

[@magsuns7648]

pegasus and blackout wins?

[@DanielMartinez-is6rb]

esta langgeng Totally agree!

[@somerandomarmydude]

Daniel Martinez Me too.

[@rawdoggin125]

Nazgul all the way, I like the Pegasus at first tho

[@guitarvillain100]

+eek estaa I aggree, next would be invaders I think...

[@Pure_KodiakWILD_Power]

eek estaa definitely. & nazgul sounds like a mosquito with a mic.

[@jrose92081]

I have the nazgul 8 and I love the tone you guys are getting. As always sick!

[@TedRackley]

The first 4 note groups, palm-muted on a low string. Are you feeling those as 16th notes? Or as 16th-note triplets? 1e&a or di-duh-lee dat?

[@mikered3700]

that first solo is fucking amazing! i wish i could sit with you guys and just listen and watch...

[@gotd4m]

SOMEONE PLEASE TAB THIS!! That solo sounds so cool.

[@CraigFromBlackstarUS]

Nice job, Peyton. Just watched the video of you playing "Walk". Marzi is one of my faves.

[@TheIronyGiant]

This was actually the most helpful demo I’ve watched for all of these. And my decision might actually be made.

[@jacquard2009]

it seems the invader may be well suited for my 30"scale because of the extra brightness the 30" has would the invader hold up to fast articulate playing like the second example i posted below in d# below f# tuning?

[@HeavyDude3000]

They all sound killer, really. The 'Distortion' reminds me a bit of that fear factory sound. Nice one!

[@BusinessFreedom2011]

Are the pickups being tested active or passive? I notice that the pegasus and nazgul have both passive and active models available.

[@johnnyrotten6955]

Invaders sounds so evil! \m/

[@12345monoriginal]

Where can I get ahold of the nazgul/sentient? I cant find em anywhere online =\ am i just not looking hard enough?

[@seanpacker8264]

I have a Ibanez S8 with standard passive pickups and I'm wanting to replace them with a set of Sentient, Nazgul which i recently bought. however it appears that the standard pickups are bigger than the Seymour Duncan set. which will leave me with some open space in the pickup cavity. also it's not squared off for soapbar mounts either. any solutions?

[@macheleon]

Keith, this is an awesome format for demoing tone. I've gone back and forth between the in-mix and guitar-only parts a bunch of times, comparing all, and it has worked wonders towards me selecting my next pickup set that will sit perfectly in a mix. Please keep it up. Also, goddamn good playing. Please keep that up too.

[@bellmeisterful]

Im a metal guitarist and Ive been playing leads in the minor scale only for so long I wish someone would tell me what scales or mode to study to expand. Like what mode or scale is Wes using here for his solo? Diminished something or other? lol

[@jonnelson5881]

If you're familiar with the natural minor scale then the harmonic is a nice exotic sounding alternative with only one note changed. To get the harmonic minor scale all you have to do is take the natural minor scale and raise the seventh. So if you are playing A natural minor: A B C D E F G you would raise the seventh note is this case G to a G#, so A harmonic Minor is A B C D E F G#. Once you have that scale down feel free to explore the various modes of that scale, they're great fun. We is also A huge fan of fully diminished and Half diminished arpeggios. For a fully diminished seven arpeggio, let's say A fully diminished for this example, its all minor thirds. A to C is a minor third, C to Eb is a minor third and Eb to Gb is a minor third, therefore A fully diminished seven is spelled A C Eb Gb. The "formula" for a fully diminished seven chord is 1 b3 b5 bb7, this just means that if you had a standard A major 7 chord those are the actions you'd need to take to make it diminished. You have the 1: A, you take the 3: C# and lower it to C, you take the 5: E and lower it to Eb and last but not least you take the 7: G# and lower it twice to get Gb. The half diminished chord/arpeggio is exactly the same as the fully diminished arpeggio exept for the last note, you only lower it once instead of twice. In a half diminished arpeggio the formula is 1 b3 b5 b7, so an A half dimished chord (also called a minor 7 b5) is spelled A C Eb G. I hope this helped. feel free to ask anymore questions and I'll try to help to the best of my ability.

[@bellmeisterful]

Jonathan Nelson dude thanks a lot. I did 3 screenshots to save your comment.

[@EthanRogers]

What song is this?? And I totally concur. A decade later and I’m still obsessed with this video🤣

[@JamesDavisIV]

Cant choose between Nazgul or Pegasus! Throwing it in an older LTD H-1000, opinions?

[@DemonLlama25]

do you have a band that this is made for cause the song is awesome, or do you just make stuff for your demos?

[@MrFeeshMan]

I know this is an old video but did this riffage eventually become a full song?

[@AleArzMusic]

I come back watching this video at least once a week

[@jasoncrump1886]

Two of my favorite players right here. These guys on an album together would be killer.

[@Cbuzz1399]

are you serious?

[@jasoncrump1886]

@@Cbuzz1399 Alluvial lol

[@Kranex100]

I really love all your videos, and i think you're doing an amazing job! But i have a question. Are you using the passive or active version of the Pegasus and Nazgül?

[@coldragoon]

What that wristband kind of thin around the nut of the guitars? Is that just a wristband or something like a jimmyclip ?!

[@25carl0s]

what size string are u guys using specially on top strings, it looks by the way you are playing some light like 72 and under, higher than that is hard to play fast it would sound muggy and you guys sound very clean

[@PeanutButterPavement]

I love watching your pickup comparison videos! Killer riffs and great quality recording!

[@kilnikator]

Finally!! I am so happy that there are people like this and use every string

[@illuminoid22]

Sick Af..Nazgul and invader ftw

[@PHIllip324]

Great video as always, Keith...it's always a treat to have someone like Wes be a guest star as well. The only thing I'd have to say about this demo is that I wish you'd have used more of the 8th string, so we can really hear that thunderous rumble of the lower register. Other than that, great video, and these pickup shootouts are always appreciated.

[@CyborgBlade]

That Jackson 8-String is really beautiful :-)

[@Exponerad]

Holy crap! The Nazguls sound so damn tight! Great playing of you both! Wes Hauch needs to show himself more often imo! Keep up the good work! You are both a real inspiration!

[@RDdaNINJA]

Is there any way I can download this?

[@blackjackmcgack]

Hey guys, Very sad time at the moment and i need your help. I recently bought a SD Nazgul for my Ibanez S8QM-TRB. Its a currently discontinued model. One large issue is that the stock pickups are oversized. to place a normal pickup over the stock ones, the stock pickups oversize e.g. a Nazgul with a passive cover with at least half a cm (0.5cm or 5mm's) I just purchased a Nazgul with passive metal covers. just got home to see that my pickups are so stupidly oversized. Is there anyway that i can make the undersized Nazgul fit? Thanks for all responses as this pickup is costing me $200 In my eyes its well spent but i need it to fit :/ Thanks

[@bargoldstein4898]

i think in the part of the nazgul they should've demo the pegasus in the neck instead of the sentient. even though the pegasus and the sentient is the best combination

[@anthonycook7384]

They don't make a neck version of the pegasus. It was designed as a bridge pickup so it would be illogical to demo it in the neck. The suggested sets are either the Nazgul and Sentient or the Pegasus and Sentient.

[@bargoldstein4898]

maybe Distortion and Sentient

[@ronson3161]

I think Pegasus bridge and Nazgul neck would be sick. Neck pups are always to warm and thin for me.

[@The_Kevinist]

>pegasus and the sentient is the best combination i can vouch for that, had the combo in my RG7421 that i unfortunately had to sell last september i fucking miss that axe

[@zerothahero00]

I am curious as to what tuning you guys are in on this one. This video helped me decide on a Nazgul and Sentient set in my new 8 string. Thanks Keith!!!

[@matthewstuart3482]

Keith and wes look like brothers from another mother

[@Lollerkid]

Nazgul fits all the types of metal on 6-7-8 string because of the instant boost-mid range. Wonderful pickup for bridge position

[@tomwilliams2136]

What's the name of the pedal your using?

[@chrioguitarist2]

Question for Wes, what size strings are you using and what tuning? I just bought the slat 8 and tried to fit an 80 and it wouldn't go threw the tuner?

[@Pure_KodiakWILD_Power]

i dunno if wes will see your comment, but you have to drill the tuner, slightly widen the nut slot under that string & mod the bridge saddle a bit to properly seat an 80. or some ppl say you can unwind the top of a fat string so it will fit into the tuner, but i'd rather leave the string intact.