11406-10 vs 11407-26 — Compare

Seymour Duncan AJB-2ASB Steve Bailey Fundamental Fretless System 2-Band Tone Circuit vs Seymour Duncan ASB2-6S Active Soapbar 6-String Neck/Bridge Pickup Set

The Steve Bailey Fundamental Fretless System is a complete pre-wired active electronics solution tailored exclusively for fretless bass with Jazz Bass configuration, while the ASB2-6S is a pickup-only set designed for 6-string electric bass in modern metal and hard rock contexts. Choose the Steve Bailey system if you own or are building a fretless Jazz Bass; choose the ASB2-6S if you need high-output pickups for a 6-string instrument in drop tunings or studio work.

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

Seymour Duncan AJB-2ASB Steve Bailey Fundamental Fretless System 2-Band Tone Circuit

$309.00
View Seymour Duncan AJB-2ASB Steve Bailey Fundamental Fretless System 2-Band Tone Circuit

Seymour Duncan ASB2-6S Active Soapbar 6-String Neck/Bridge Pickup Set

$309.00
View Seymour Duncan ASB2-6S Active Soapbar 6-String Neck/Bridge Pickup Set

Specs side by side

Seymour Duncan AJB-2ASB Steve Bailey Fundamental Fretless System 2-Band Tone CircuitSeymour Duncan ASB2-6S Active Soapbar 6-String Neck/Bridge Pickup Set
Price$309.00$309.00
BrandSeymour DuncanSeymour Duncan
Pickup TypeAny PositionSet
ConditionNewNew

Why choose Seymour Duncan AJB-2ASB Steve Bailey Fundamental Fretless System 2-Band Tone Circuit

  • Complete pre-wired system—no additional electronics sourcing required
  • Engineered specifically for fretless dynamics and nuance
  • 2-band tone circuit with frequency contour switch for expressive control
  • Includes calibrated neck and bridge active J bass pickups

Why choose Seymour Duncan ASB2-6S Active Soapbar 6-String Neck/Bridge Pickup Set

  • Compact soapbar form factor fits modern 6-string bass designs
  • 3-band EQ (Bass/Mid/Treble) for precise tonal shaping across three frequency regions
  • Direct EMG 45 replacement with identical mounting—easy retrofit
  • Split-blade internal design delivers transparent, articulate response in high-output applications
Bottom line: Fretless Jazz Bass players should choose the Steve Bailey Fundamental System for its integrated, fretless-optimized design. Electric bassists with 6-string instruments in metal, hard rock, or drop-tuning contexts should choose the ASB2-6S for its modern soapbar form factor and 3-band EQ flexibility.

Frequently asked questions

Are these systems compatible with the same instruments?

No. The Steve Bailey Fundamental Fretless System is engineered for Jazz Bass-sized control cavities and fretless instruments specifically. The ASB2-6S is a soapbar pickup set for 6-string modern bass guitars and serves as an EMG 45 direct replacement. They address entirely different instrument platforms and playing styles.

What's the difference in control options between the two?

The Steve Bailey system offers a 2-band Tone Circuit (bass and treble controls) plus a frequency contour switch for sculpting fretless tone. The ASB2-6S provides a 3-band EQ (Bass/Mid/Treble) with cut-and-boost capability, giving more granular mid-range control suited to articulation-focused genres like metal and progressive music.

Is one system better for live touring?

Both deliver approximately 1,000 continuous hours per battery set, making them equally practical for touring. The Steve Bailey system can run two 9V batteries in series for added headroom on longer tours, while the ASB2-6S is a pickup set only—battery life depends on your external preamp or amplifier.

Which system requires more installation work?

The Steve Bailey Fundamental Fretless System is pre-wired and designed for drop-in installation into a Jazz Bass control cavity. The ASB2-6S is a pickup-only set requiring integration with your existing bass electronics or a separate active preamp, making it more involved for installation.

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