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Seymour Duncan SSB-5S Passive Soapbar 5-String Pickup Set vs Seymour Duncan ASB-BO-4S Blackouts For Bass 4-String Pickup Set
The SSB-5S is a passive 5-string pickup set for players seeking articulate, balanced tone across jazz, funk, metal, and progressive genres, while the ASB-BO-4S is an active 4-string set engineered specifically for aggressive metal and hard rock with onboard EQ sculpting. Choose the SSB-5S if you play 5-string bass and want versatility without batteries; choose the ASB-BO-4S if you play 4-string and need modern metal aggression with active tone shaping.
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Seymour Duncan SSB-5S Passive Soapbar 5-String Pickup Set
Seymour Duncan ASB-BO-4S Blackouts For Bass 4-String Pickup Set
Specs side by side
| Seymour Duncan SSB-5S Passive Soapbar 5-String Pickup Set | Seymour Duncan ASB-BO-4S Blackouts For Bass 4-String Pickup Set | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $269.00 | $269.00 |
| Brand | Seymour Duncan | Seymour Duncan |
| Pickup Type | Set | Set |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Seymour Duncan SSB-5S Passive Soapbar 5-String Pickup Set
- ✓ Passive design eliminates battery dependency and active circuit noise floor
- ✓ 5-string configuration with 3.10" string spacing for modern 5-string basses
- ✓ Balanced dual-peak frequency response (8.1 kHz and 9.2 kHz) suits jazz, funk, metal, and progressive
- ✓ Direct EMG 40 cavity replacement for easy installation
Why choose Seymour Duncan ASB-BO-4S Blackouts For Bass 4-String Pickup Set
- ✓ Active onboard EQ (9/5/9) sculpts modern metal and hard rock tone with scooped mids
- ✓ High-output aggressive character with punchy attack and controlled sustain ideal for heavy genres
- ✓ 4-string configuration fits standard bass setups
- ✓ Direct EMG 35 cavity replacement for straightforward installation
Frequently asked questions
What's the main difference between passive and active pickups?
The SSB-5S is passive, meaning it requires no battery and has no onboard electronics—it relies on ceramic magnet construction for tone. The ASB-BO-4S is active and includes a 9/5/9 Bass/Mids/Treble EQ circuit powered by a battery, allowing you to shape tone electronically.
Can I use these pickups on my current bass?
The SSB-5S fits 5-string basses with EMG 40-sized cavities and 3.10" string spacing. The ASB-BO-4S fits 4-string basses with EMG 35-sized cavities and up to 2.70" string spacing. Check your bass cavity size and string count before purchasing.
Which set is better for metal?
Both are suitable for metal, but the ASB-BO-4S is specifically optimized for modern metal and hard rock with its aggressive active EQ and scooped midrange. The SSB-5S offers articulate metal tone with broader genre versatility across jazz and funk as well.
Do I need to replace my bass electronics with either set?
The SSB-5S requires no electronics changes—it's a direct passive replacement. The ASB-BO-4S includes active onboard EQ, so you'll need compatible wiring and a battery cavity, or existing active-ready electronics in your bass.