11106-40-W vs 11405-40 — Compare
Seymour Duncan AHB-2B Blackouts Metal Bridge Pickup White Cover vs Seymour Duncan SSB-4N Passive Soapbar 4-String Neck Pickup
The AHB-2B is an active metal bridge pickup for guitar with aggressive high output and midrange focus, while the SSB-4N is a passive bass neck pickup with balanced, moderate output for four-string instruments. These serve entirely different instruments and genres—choose the AHB-2B for modern metal guitar, and the SSB-4N for bass work.
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Seymour Duncan AHB-2B Blackouts Metal Bridge Pickup White Cover
Seymour Duncan SSB-4N Passive Soapbar 4-String Neck Pickup
Specs side by side
| Seymour Duncan AHB-2B Blackouts Metal Bridge Pickup White Cover | Seymour Duncan SSB-4N Passive Soapbar 4-String Neck Pickup | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $125.00 | $125.00 |
| Brand | Seymour Duncan | Seymour Duncan |
| Pickup Type | Any Position | Neck |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Seymour Duncan AHB-2B Blackouts Metal Bridge Pickup White Cover
- ✓ Active design with dual output modes for flexible gain staging
- ✓ High output and tight low end optimized for palm-muted metal riffs
- ✓ Alnico V magnets and 1.2 kHz midrange peak deliver articulate note separation under distortion
- ✓ Complete hardware and battery clip included
Why choose Seymour Duncan SSB-4N Passive Soapbar 4-String Neck Pickup
- ✓ Passive design requires no battery or active electronics maintenance
- ✓ Direct EMG 35/40 replacement—installs without routing or modification
- ✓ Balanced tone sits well in mix without being dark or brittle
- ✓ Two-conductor cable works with passive controls or optional active tone circuits
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the AHB-2B on bass or the SSB-4N on guitar?
No. The AHB-2B is designed exclusively as a guitar bridge pickup for high-output metal applications. The SSB-4N is a bass-specific neck pickup with 4-string spacing and passive bass electronics. They are not interchangeable.
Does the SSB-4N require a battery like the AHB-2B?
No. The SSB-4N is fully passive and operates without a battery. The AHB-2B is active and requires a battery to function. If you want active tone stacking on the SSB-4N, you can add Seymour Duncan's optional STC-2 or STC-3 circuits.
Will the SSB-4N fit my existing bass without modification?
The SSB-4N is a direct mechanical and electrical replacement for EMG 35 or 40 pickups and requires no routing or cavity modification. Compatibility with other bass cavities depends on your specific instrument.
Which pickup is better for clarity and articulation?
Both excel at articulation in their respective domains. The AHB-2B prioritizes midrange aggression and controlled feedback for heavily distorted guitar. The SSB-4N delivers defined note separation and punchy midrange suited to bass playing and studio recording.