11102-96-P-Blk-7Str vs 11402-32 — Compare
Seymour Duncan 7-String Nazgûl Bridge, Passive Mount, Matte Black Pickup vs Seymour Duncan SMB-5A 5-String Alnico Magnet Pickup For Music Man
The Nazgûl is a 7-string guitar pickup built for extreme metal and djent with aggressive high output and ceramic clarity, while the SMB-5A is a 5-string bass pickup engineered for funk and progressive music with warm alnico tone and articulate midrange punch. Choose the Nazgûl if you play extended-range guitar; choose the SMB-5A if you play 5-string Music Man bass.
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Seymour Duncan 7-String Nazgûl Bridge, Passive Mount, Matte Black Pickup
Seymour Duncan SMB-5A 5-String Alnico Magnet Pickup For Music Man
Specs side by side
| Seymour Duncan 7-String Nazgûl Bridge, Passive Mount, Matte Black Pickup | Seymour Duncan SMB-5A 5-String Alnico Magnet Pickup For Music Man | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $125.00 | $125.00 |
| Brand | Seymour Duncan | Seymour Duncan |
| Pickup Type | — | Any Position |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Seymour Duncan 7-String Nazgûl Bridge, Passive Mount, Matte Black Pickup
- ✓ 7-string guitar format with 16.7K high-output ceramic design
- ✓ Aggressive scooped-mid tone perfect for metal, djent, and drop tunings
- ✓ Factory wax potted and nickel silver shielded against feedback at extreme gain
- ✓ Tight low-end definition and articulate treble across extended range
Why choose Seymour Duncan SMB-5A 5-String Alnico Magnet Pickup For Music Man
- ✓ Hand-built 5-string Music Man bass pickup from Santa Barbara
- ✓ Warm vintage alnico V tone with excellent sustain and clarity
- ✓ 8.35 kHz resonant peak cuts through dense mixes without harshness
- ✓ Moderate 5.01 kΩ output works with both passive and active preamps
Frequently asked questions
Can I use either pickup on the same instrument?
No. The Nazgûl is designed exclusively for 7-string guitars, while the SMB-5A is built specifically for 5-string Music Man basses. They are not interchangeable.
Which pickup has higher output?
The Nazgûl delivers much higher output at 16.7K DC resistance compared to the SMB-5A's 5.01 kΩ resistance. The Nazgûl is designed for extreme gain and distortion, while the SMB-5A is a moderate-output bass pickup suited to clarity and mix definition.
What's the main tonal difference between ceramic and alnico magnets here?
The Nazgûl's ceramic magnets emphasize snap, aggression, and treble articulation ideal for metal, while the SMB-5A's alnico V magnets deliver a warmer, vintage-influenced core with excellent sustain. Ceramic is brighter and punchier; alnico is warmer and more organic.
Are both pickups suitable for studio and live use?
Yes. Both are vacuum wax potted to eliminate microphonic feedback and designed for professional intermediate to advanced players. The Nazgûl suits high-gain live metal; the SMB-5A suits studio and live funk, progressive, and session work on bass.