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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Shubb C8b Partial Capo for Drop-D Tuning - Brass
The C8 covers five of the six strings, leaving either the low E or high E string open, depending on how it's positioned.
- Standard setup: Placed on the 2nd fret while leaving the low E string open, it simulates Drop D-style sounds—except you're still in standard tuning (key of E). You get that big, droning bass feel without retuning.
- Reverse setup: Flipping the capo allows the high E string to ring, giving you shimmering drones and new melodic options across familiar chord shapes.
- A flexible tool that lets you simulate alternate tunings and create rich sonic textures—all while keeping your guitar in standard tuning.
Shubb C7b Partial Capo for DADGAD Tuning - Brass
The C7 covers three of the six strings—either D, G, and B or A, D, and G—depending on how it's flipped.
- Typical setup (D, G, B): Creates an open A chord shape at the 2nd fret without needing your fingers. This frees you up for new voicings and droning notes in the key of A.
- Reversed setup (A, D, G): Gets you close to a DADGAD-style tuning vibe, but still keeps you in standard tuning—great for modal, spacious textures often found in folk or cinematic guitar parts.
Use it alone or stack it with the C8 for wild, layered effects and truly out-of-the-box inspiration.
