11106-40-B vs 11405-40 — Compare

Seymour Duncan AHB-2B Blackouts Metal Bridge Pickup Black Cover vs Seymour Duncan SSB-4N Passive Soapbar 4-String Neck Pickup

The AHB-2B is an active bridge pickup for electric guitar metal applications, while the SSB-4N is a passive neck pickup designed for 4-string bass. These are entirely different instrument classes and cannot be compared as alternatives.

No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.

Seymour Duncan AHB-2B Blackouts Metal Bridge Pickup Black Cover

$125.00
View Seymour Duncan AHB-2B Blackouts Metal Bridge Pickup Black Cover

Seymour Duncan SSB-4N Passive Soapbar 4-String Neck Pickup

$125.00
View Seymour Duncan SSB-4N Passive Soapbar 4-String Neck Pickup

Specs side by side

Seymour Duncan AHB-2B Blackouts Metal Bridge Pickup Black CoverSeymour Duncan SSB-4N Passive Soapbar 4-String Neck Pickup
Price$125.00$125.00
BrandSeymour DuncanSeymour Duncan
Pickup TypeAny PositionNeck
ConditionNewNew

Why choose Seymour Duncan AHB-2B Blackouts Metal Bridge Pickup Black Cover

  • High-output active design with tight low-end and midrange punch ideal for metal
  • Alnico V magnet with 1.2 kHz resonant peak delivers articulation in dense mixes
  • Battery-powered dual-mode configuration fits standard humbucker cavities

Why choose Seymour Duncan SSB-4N Passive Soapbar 4-String Neck Pickup

  • Passive soapbar format designed specifically for 4-string bass neck position
  • Direct EMG 35/40 replacement requires no routing or modification
  • Balanced 6.3 kΩ DC resistance and ceramic magnet provide punchy midrange with note clarity
Bottom line: The AHB-2B is for electric guitar players seeking aggressive metal tones; the SSB-4N is for 4-string bass players wanting a passive soapbar replacement. Choose based on your instrument, not tone preference, as these are incompatible product categories.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use either pickup on my instrument?

No. The AHB-2B is a bridge humbucker for electric guitar requiring an active battery and humbucker routing. The SSB-4N is a soapbar neck pickup for 4-string bass only. They address different instrument classes entirely.

Which pickup is passive?

The SSB-4N is passive, requiring only standard volume and tone controls. The AHB-2B is active and requires a 9V battery for operation.

What is the price difference?

Both products are listed in the budget price tier by the retailer, making them comparable in cost within their respective categories.

Do either of these work as drop-tuning pickups?

The AHB-2B is specifically engineered for drop tunings on electric guitar with tight low-end response. The SSB-4N is a bass pickup optimized for standard 4-string bass tuning, not guitar drop tunings.

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