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Seymour Duncan SSB-5N Passive Soapbar 5-String Neck Pickup vs Seymour Duncan SSB-5B Passive Soapbar 5-String Bridge Pickup
The SSB-5N is a neck-position pickup delivering balanced, transparent fundamentals ideal for jazz and studio work, while the SSB-5B is a bridge-position pickup emphasizing punchy midrange and note separation for funk and live performance. Choose the SSB-5N if you need neck clarity; choose the SSB-5B if you need bridge punch and dynamics.
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Seymour Duncan SSB-5N Passive Soapbar 5-String Neck Pickup
Seymour Duncan SSB-5B Passive Soapbar 5-String Bridge Pickup
Specs side by side
| Seymour Duncan SSB-5N Passive Soapbar 5-String Neck Pickup | Seymour Duncan SSB-5B Passive Soapbar 5-String Bridge Pickup | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $135.00 | $135.00 |
| Brand | Seymour Duncan | Seymour Duncan |
| Pickup Type | Neck | Bridge |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Seymour Duncan SSB-5N Passive Soapbar 5-String Neck Pickup
- ✓ Neck-position voicing with balanced EQ (6/4/7) sits transparently in the mix
- ✓ 6.3 kΩ DC resistance and 9.2 kHz peak optimized for controlled mid-range
- ✓ Passive design with no battery maintenance required
- ✓ Direct EMG 40 drop-in compatibility for easy installation
Why choose Seymour Duncan SSB-5B Passive Soapbar 5-String Bridge Pickup
- ✓ Bridge-position design emphasizes organic punch and articulate low-end
- ✓ Dual-blade construction with dual-coil design for consistent magnetic field across strings
- ✓ Punchy midrange response excels in fingerstyle, slap, and pick applications
- ✓ Passive design eliminates battery dependency and circuit noise
Frequently asked questions
Can I use both pickups together in a 5-string bass?
Yes. The SSB-5N is purpose-designed for neck position while the SSB-5B is engineered for bridge position. Both are passive soapbars in EMG 40 format, so they can be paired to create a complete pickup set for a 5-string instrument.
What is the key tonal difference between neck and bridge position?
The SSB-5N (neck) delivers balanced, transparent fundamentals with controlled mids ideal for clarity. The SSB-5B (bridge) emphasizes punchy midrange and articulate low-end with greater dynamic response, making it better for note separation and attack definition.
Are these pickups suitable for metal or drop tunings?
Both pickups are listed as not ideal for metal and drop tunings. The SSB-5B is specifically noted as not ideal for drop tunings. These passive pickups prioritize clarity and balanced response over the aggressive output typically favored in heavy music.
Do these pickups require any special wiring or batteries?
No. Both the SSB-5N and SSB-5B are fully passive designs with two-conductor cables that integrate into standard wiring schemes. Neither requires batteries or external power, making installation straightforward and maintenance-free.