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Seymour Duncan SMB-4DS 4-String Ceramic Magnet Pickup & 3-Band Tone Circuits For Music Man vs Seymour Duncan SMB-5S 5-String Ceramic Magnet Pickup & 3-Band Tone Circuits For Music Man

The SMB-4DS is a 4-string pickup for standard Music Man StingRay basses, while the SMB-5S is a 5-string model designed for extended-range instruments. Choose the SMB-4DS if you play a 4-string StingRay; choose the SMB-5S if you need to upgrade a 5-string StingRay with period-correct vintage tone.

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

Seymour Duncan SMB-4DS 4-String Ceramic Magnet Pickup & 3-Band Tone Circuits For Music Man

$250.00
View Seymour Duncan SMB-4DS 4-String Ceramic Magnet Pickup & 3-Band Tone Circuits For Music Man

Seymour Duncan SMB-5S 5-String Ceramic Magnet Pickup & 3-Band Tone Circuits For Music Man

$250.00
View Seymour Duncan SMB-5S 5-String Ceramic Magnet Pickup & 3-Band Tone Circuits For Music Man

Specs side by side

Seymour Duncan SMB-4DS 4-String Ceramic Magnet Pickup & 3-Band Tone Circuits For Music ManSeymour Duncan SMB-5S 5-String Ceramic Magnet Pickup & 3-Band Tone Circuits For Music Man
Price$250.00$250.00
BrandSeymour DuncanSeymour Duncan
Pickup TypeSetSet
ConditionNewNew

Why choose Seymour Duncan SMB-4DS 4-String Ceramic Magnet Pickup & 3-Band Tone Circuits For Music Man

  • Fits 4-string Music Man StingRay basses without modification
  • Proprietary Slap Switch adds fourth layer of tonal control
  • 9.4 kHz resonant peak delivers articulate midrange presence
  • 2.6 kΩ per coil DC resistance balances brightness and punch

Why choose Seymour Duncan SMB-5S 5-String Ceramic Magnet Pickup & 3-Band Tone Circuits For Music Man

  • Purpose-built for 5-string StingRay instruments
  • Two large ceramic bar magnets with Forbon flatwork for vintage character
  • 1.5k DCR bass specification ensures tight, defined low-end
  • Handcrafted in Santa Barbara with vacuum wax potting for durability
Bottom line: Purchase the SMB-4DS if you own a 4-string Music Man StingRay bass; get the SMB-5S if you play a 5-string model and want period-correct 1980s–90s tone with enhanced articulation and cut-through.

Frequently asked questions

What's the main difference between these pickups?

The SMB-4DS is engineered for 4-string basses with a 2.6 kΩ per coil configuration and includes a proprietary Slap Switch. The SMB-5S is designed for 5-string instruments with two large ceramic bar magnets, a 1.5k DCR bass specification, and delivers a period-correct vintage tone.

Which one should I choose if I play slap bass?

Both are listed as suitable for funk and slap bass. The SMB-4DS includes an additional Slap Switch for dedicated tonal flexibility in this style, while the SMB-5S achieves slap tones through its bright ceramic magnet design and 3-band EQ.

Can these pickups be used on non-Music Man basses?

Both are specifically designed as drop-in replacements for Music Man StingRay basses—the SMB-4DS for 4-string models and the SMB-5S for 5-string models. Installation outside these instruments would require modifications.

Do both include active tone circuits?

Yes, both feature 3-band active EQ preamps. The SMB-4DS offers ±7, ±8, and ±6 dB ranges for bass, midrange, and treble respectively. The SMB-5S uses the integrated STC-3M4 preamp with similar control capabilities.

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