This line of pickups features two slotted pole pieces per string, which removes distortion from the string’s vibration pattern.
Performing lightning-fast arpeggio sweeps, aggressive tremolo picking, and propulsive down-tuned riffs requires guitar tone that can keep up the pace and cut through the mix. While experimenting with different Seymour Duncan pickups over his career, Brandon’s sound became defined by our Parallel Axis humbuckers. This line of pickups features two slotted pole pieces per string, which removes distortion from the string’s vibration pattern. This ensures better note separation and extended sustain by creating a decentralized magnetic field.
Seymour Duncan Custom Shop Brandon Ellis Dyad Parallel Axis Humbucker
Dabbling in pickup design himself, Brandon concocted a hybrid pickup combining two of his favorite Parallel Axis models: The North coil of a Crazy 8 and the hotter South coil of a Parallel Axis Trembucker Distortion, along with the Alnico 2 bar magnet from an RTM.
The result is the Dyad, a high output Humbucker with a sizzly bite and a super articulate pick attack that perfectly suited Brandon’s needs. Despite being a single bridge pickup, the Dyad offers more tones than meets the eye. Flipping the pickup upside down, in Brandon’s words “offers a chewier, mid-range focused sound for guitarists looking for more body out of their instrument in standard tunings.”
Seymour Duncan - Brandon Ellis Signature Dyad Parallel Axis™ Humbucker
The Dyad is available in humbucker and trembucker spacing, and comes standard with dual Seymour Duncan logos facing inward in tribute to Brandon’s original homemade design.
MSRP - $180
For more information, please visit seymourduncan.com.
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“The distinctive pickup configurations of these five guitars deliver a versatile tonal platform, whether you’re exploring subtle textures or pushing the envelope. The deep dive into our Narrowfield technology is obvious with this launch. With both the S2 models made in our Maryland factory and the SE models made in Indonesia, our goal has been to create guitars that will inspire you and spark creativity, all at an exceptional value,” said PRS Guitars COO, Jack Higginbotham.
S2 Special Semi-Hollow
The PRS S2 Special Semi-Hollow features a pair of 58/15 LT humbuckers in the bass and treble positions and a PRS Narrowfield in the middle. A 5-way blade switch and two mini-toggles allow players to tap the humbuckers, creating twelve distinct pickup combinations for sonic exploration. The carved maple top and mahogany back encompass a semi-hollow body that adds a natural airiness and depth to the guitar’s tone while enhancing sustain.
S2 Studio
The PRS S2 Studio delivers a wide range of sonic possibilities through its distinctive single-single-hum configuration. Featuring two proprietary PRS Narrowfield pickups in the bass and middle positions and a 58/15 LT humbucker in the treble position, the S2 Studio offers a palette of sounds from single-coil clarity to vocal humbucker tones. This model also has a 5-way blade switch and push/pull tone control.
SE Special Semi-Hollow
The PRS SE Special Semi-Hollow is designed with the versatility of a hum/“single”/hum setup, bringing PRS’s Narrowfield DD pickup design to the SE Series in a classic maple-top guitar. The semi-hollow construction also enhances sustain and resonance, while the f-hole adds a classic aesthetic. The coil-tap switching system unlocks a wide range of tones through a pair of 58/15 LT “S” pickups in the bass and treble positions and a PRS Narrowfield DD “S” in the middle.
SE Studio
The PRS SE Studio’s “single”/”single”/hum pickup configuration provides a wide range of tonal options. This combination of PRS Narrowfield DD “S” bass and middle pickups with a PRS 58/15 LT “S” treble humbucker offers humbucking warmth, single-coil sparkle, and everything in between. The 5-way blade switch and push/pull tone control further enhance its versatility.
SE Studio Standard
The only bolt-on neck in this release group, the PRS SE Studio Standard brings the tone, playability, and versatility of the Studio model to the SE Series and into an all-mahogany design with a vintage-style pickguard aesthetic. At the heart of the SE Studio Standard is its versatile trio of pickups: an 58/15 LT “S” humbucker in the treble position with two Narrowfield DD “S” pickups in the middle and bass positions. The 5-way blade switch and push/pull tone control allow for an array of pickup configurations.
PRS Guitars continues its schedule of launching new products each month in 2025. Stay tuned to see new gear and 40th Anniversary limited-edition guitars throughout the year.
