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Seymour Duncan SSB-4N Passive Soapbar 4-String Neck Pickup vs Seymour Duncan SSB-4B Passive Soapbar 4-String Bridge Pickup
The SSB-4N is a neck pickup with higher resistance (6.3 kΩ) and a warmer midrange presence, while the SSB-4B is a bridge pickup with lower resistance (3.7 kΩ) and tighter, more articulate attack. Choose the SSB-4N if you're building a complete pickup set or need balanced neck tone; choose the SSB-4B if you want focused punch and clarity in the bridge position.
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Seymour Duncan SSB-4N Passive Soapbar 4-String Neck Pickup
Seymour Duncan SSB-4B Passive Soapbar 4-String Bridge Pickup
Specs side by side
| Seymour Duncan SSB-4N Passive Soapbar 4-String Neck Pickup | Seymour Duncan SSB-4B Passive Soapbar 4-String Bridge Pickup | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $125.00 | $125.00 |
| Brand | Seymour Duncan | Seymour Duncan |
| Pickup Type | Neck | Bridge |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Seymour Duncan SSB-4N Passive Soapbar 4-String Neck Pickup
- ✓ Higher DC resistance (6.3 kΩ) yields warmer, fuller midrange character typical of neck pickups
- ✓ Balanced, articulate voice works well for diverse genres without dominating the mix
- ✓ Designed specifically for neck position, complementing bridge-position pickups naturally
Why choose Seymour Duncan SSB-4B Passive Soapbar 4-String Bridge Pickup
- ✓ Lower DC resistance (3.7 kΩ) produces tighter, more focused output ideal for attack and definition
- ✓ 8.1 kHz resonant peak cuts through with minimal mud in bridge position
- ✓ Voiced for funk and rock players seeking percussive punch and clarity
Frequently asked questions
Can I use both pickups together as a matched pair?
Yes. The SSB-4N (neck) and SSB-4B (bridge) are designed to complement each other in a 4-string bass setup, with the neck providing warmth and the bridge delivering attack and clarity.
What's the practical difference in output between the two?
The SSB-4N's 6.3 kΩ resistance produces moderate output with fuller tone, while the SSB-4B's 3.7 kΩ resistance yields higher output with tighter articulation. Bridge position typically benefits from the higher-output, tighter character of the SSB-4B.
Do these work with passive volume and tone controls?
Yes, both are passive pickups with two-conductor cables that work with passive controls. They can also integrate with Seymour Duncan's STC-2 or STC-3 active tone circuits if you want expanded flexibility.
Which pickup suits jazz or folk playing?
The SSB-4N's warmer, more balanced character is better suited for jazz and folk. The SSB-4B is specifically not ideal for these genres, as its tight, punchy voicing is optimized for funk and rock.