If you need some new pickups to deliver absolutely devastating riffs, look no further than Jeff Loomis’ Blackouts and Noumenon pickups. Both of which you can check out Loomis demoing below.
Before active pickups became synonymous with Jeff Loomis’ sound in bands such as Nevermore, Arch Enemy, and throughout his solo career, his early tonal foundation was shaped by passive humbuckers. The Noumenon Signature Humbuckers are a tribute to those early years, offering the dynamics and control inherent in passive pickups, which Jeff specifically sought to revisit.
The 6-string Noumenon set is constructed with Alnico 8 magnets. These deliver high output and a thick bass response, while preserving a smooth, articulate treble. For the 7-string version, Alnico 5 magnets are used to ensure a tighter low end and sharper attack—essential for extended-range guitars.
All Noumenon Signature Humbuckers come equipped with triangular feet bottom plates, compatible with standard humbucker routes and designed for direct mounting in Jeff Loomis’ signature guitar models.
Then there’s his signature Blackouts set that stay articulate under intense distortion, offer aggressive pick attack for fast passages, and support his fluid legato and sweep-picking techniques with ample sustain and dynamic range.
The Jeff Loomis Blackouts are voiced to emulate the character of high-output passive humbuckers while offering the benefits of active electronics—such as higher output, greater headroom, and minimal noise. These active pickups are engineered to sound more organic and expressive than traditional actives.
The bridge humbucker, built with an Alnico 5 bar magnet, delivers the power needed for massive-sounding chords and a strong midrange presence. It also ensures a clear, defined pick attack for high-speed riffing. In the neck position, Alnico 5 rod magnets are used to enhance the sensitivity to both picking and legato playing. The result is a balanced sound with a slight treble boost and controlled low end that avoids muddiness.
Available in 6-string and 7-string configurations, the Jeff Loomis Blackouts can be ordered in a passive mount with black brushed nickel covers or in an active mount soapbar housing, offering flexibility to suit a wide range of guitar builds.
Get the Blackouts and the Noumenon pickups here.
