11402-25 vs 11403-07 — Compare
Seymour Duncan SMB-4DS 4-String Ceramic Magnet Pickup & 3-Band Tone Circuits For Music Man vs Seymour Duncan Apollo J-Bass, 4 Str, Set Pickup
The SMB-4DS is a complete active pickup-and-electronics package for Music Man StingRay basses with 3-band EQ and a slap switch, while the Apollo is a passive J-bass pickup set using Alnico magnets that fit standard J-bass routes. Choose the SMB-4DS if you own a StingRay and want sculpted active tone; choose the Apollo if you have a J-bass and prefer passive, hand-built clarity.
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
Seymour Duncan Apollo J-Bass, 4 Str, Set Pickup
Specs side by side
| Seymour Duncan SMB-4DS 4-String Ceramic Magnet Pickup & 3-Band Tone Circuits For Music Man | Seymour Duncan Apollo J-Bass, 4 Str, Set Pickup | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $250.00 | $249.00 |
| Brand | Seymour Duncan | Seymour Duncan |
| Pickup Type | Set | — |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Seymour Duncan SMB-4DS 4-String Ceramic Magnet Pickup & 3-Band Tone Circuits For Music Man
- ✓ Complete drop-in package for Music Man StingRay with active 3-band EQ
- ✓ Proprietary slap switch adds genre-specific tonal flexibility
- ✓ High headroom and low noise ideal for both aggressive and nuanced playing
- ✓ Ceramic magnet design delivers bright highs and solid low-end definition
Why choose Seymour Duncan Apollo J-Bass, 4 Str, Set Pickup
- ✓ Hand-built Alnico 5 magnets in Santa Barbara deliver classic J-bass character
- ✓ Vacuum wax potting eliminates microphonic feedback and squealing
- ✓ Linear humbucking design cancels hum while preserving articulation
- ✓ Passive design—no battery needed, simpler installation and maintenance
Frequently asked questions
Which one fits my bass?
The SMB-4DS is engineered specifically for Music Man StingRay basses and drops in as a complete replacement. The Apollo is designed for standard J-bass routes with 56 mm neck and 59 mm bridge string spacing.
Do I need a battery?
The SMB-4DS includes a 3-band active EQ circuit, so it requires a battery for tone shaping. The Apollo is fully passive and needs no battery.
Which is better for funk and slap?
The SMB-4DS is specifically optimized for funk and slap with its punchy ceramic design and dedicated slap switch. The Apollo excels in funk and rock but offers less genre-specific switching.
How do they handle noise in live settings?
Both use hum-canceling designs—the SMB-4DS via ceramic magnet hum-canceling construction, the Apollo via linear humbucking with vacuum wax potting. Both are stage-ready with minimal noise.