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Seymour Duncan P-Bass, 5 Str Quarter Pound Pickup vs Seymour Duncan APB-2 Lightin' Rods For P-Bass Pickup

The Quarter Pound is a passive pickup with aggressive high-output character ideal for modern funk, slap, and pick-driven styles that need to cut through dense mixes. The APB-2 Lightnin' Rods is an active pickup that blends vintage P-bass warmth with modern punch, better suited for players who want classic tone with contemporary clarity. Choose the Quarter Pound for maximum aggression and definition; choose the APB-2 for vintage character with active amplification.

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

Seymour Duncan P-Bass, 5 Str Quarter Pound Pickup

$165.00
View Seymour Duncan P-Bass, 5 Str Quarter Pound Pickup

Seymour Duncan APB-2 Lightin' Rods For P-Bass Pickup

$169.00
View Seymour Duncan APB-2 Lightin' Rods For P-Bass Pickup

Specs side by side

Seymour Duncan P-Bass, 5 Str Quarter Pound PickupSeymour Duncan APB-2 Lightin' Rods For P-Bass Pickup
Price$165.00$169.00
BrandSeymour DuncanSeymour Duncan
Pickup TypeAny Position
ConditionNewNew

Why choose Seymour Duncan P-Bass, 5 Str Quarter Pound Pickup

  • Higher DC resistance (14 kOhm) delivers extreme output without requiring active electronics
  • Alnico 5 rod magnets create aggressive transient response perfect for slap and pick techniques
  • Punchy midrange and tight low end cut through the densest mixes
  • Simpler passive design requires no battery or preamp support

Why choose Seymour Duncan APB-2 Lightin' Rods For P-Bass Pickup

  • Active circuitry provides modern output while preserving vintage P-bass warmth and organic midrange
  • Ceramic magnets offer focused, defined response with vintage character
  • Hum-cancelling split-coil eliminates 60-cycle noise without sacrificing tone
  • Includes 3-conductor lead wire and complete installation hardware
Bottom line: Buy the Quarter Pound P-Bass if you play aggressive styles like funk and slap and want maximum articulate punch without onboard electronics. Buy the APB-2 Lightnin' Rods if you want classic vintage P-bass tone with active amplification for studio and live work where subtle vintage character matters as much as cutting clarity.

Frequently asked questions

Which pickup requires a preamp or active electronics?

The APB-2 Lightnin' Rods is an active pickup with built-in circuitry and requires a battery to operate. The Quarter Pound is passive and works with any standard bass amplifier without additional electronics.

Which is better for traditional jazz or vintage tone?

Neither is ideal for traditional jazz, but the APB-2 Lightnin' Rods comes closer due to its vintage warmth and organic midrange. The Quarter Pound is explicitly designed away from vintage tone, prioritizing modern aggression and definition.

What is the main tonal difference between them?

The Quarter Pound delivers punchy, aggressive midrange with articulate definition for modern styles. The APB-2 balances vintage P-bass warmth with focused response, offering more classic character with active amplification.

Do both work as drop-in replacements?

Yes, both are drop-in replacements for American Standard Precision Bass pickups. The APB-2 includes mounting hardware and a 3-conductor lead wire; the Quarter Pound includes a two-wire shielded cable and black cover.

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