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Seymour Duncan ASB-5S Active Soapbar 5-String Bridge/Neck Pickup Set vs Seymour Duncan ASB-BO-5S Blackouts For Bass 5-String Pickup Set

The ASB-5S is a traditionally voiced active pickup emphasizing warm clarity and balanced tone across all strings, while the ASB-BO-5S Blackouts are high-output aggression-focused pickups with punchy presence and controlled mids. Choose the ASB-5S for modern jazz, funk, and studio work; choose the Blackouts for metal, hard rock, and heavy genres where cutting through dense mixes matters.

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

Seymour Duncan ASB-5S Active Soapbar 5-String Bridge/Neck Pickup Set

$289.00
View Seymour Duncan ASB-5S Active Soapbar 5-String Bridge/Neck Pickup Set

Seymour Duncan ASB-BO-5S Blackouts For Bass 5-String Pickup Set

$289.00
View Seymour Duncan ASB-BO-5S Blackouts For Bass 5-String Pickup Set

Specs side by side

Seymour Duncan ASB-5S Active Soapbar 5-String Bridge/Neck Pickup SetSeymour Duncan ASB-BO-5S Blackouts For Bass 5-String Pickup Set
Price$289.00$289.00
BrandSeymour DuncanSeymour Duncan
Pickup TypeSetSet
ConditionNewNew

Why choose Seymour Duncan ASB-5S Active Soapbar 5-String Bridge/Neck Pickup Set

  • Split-blade design eliminates string-spacing compromise on 5-string basses
  • Warm, traditionally voiced tone with natural high-end clarity
  • Balanced low-end response and detailed articulation ideal for studio and funk
  • Direct replacement for Bartolini P2 and P4 configurations

Why choose Seymour Duncan ASB-BO-5S Blackouts For Bass 5-String Pickup Set

  • High-output ceramic magnets designed to cut through heavy, dense mixes
  • Punchy, aggressive EQ voicing (9/5/9) optimized for metal and hard rock
  • Full 8.0 kHz resonant peak delivers snap and presence in upper midrange
  • Direct EMG 40 sized cavity compatibility for straightforward retrofitting
Bottom line: Choose the ASB-5S if you play modern jazz, funk, progressive rock, or studio sessions and want warm, articulate tone. Choose the ASB-BO-5S Blackouts if you play metal, hard rock, or heavy styles and need aggressive punch with tight lows and bright treble.

Frequently asked questions

Which pickup set has higher output?

The ASB-BO-5S Blackouts are specifically engineered as high-output pickups with ceramic bar magnets and a strong 8.0 kHz resonant peak. The ASB-5S delivers moderate output from its active preamp, prioritizing warm tone over raw volume.

Are these direct replacements for the same bass cavities?

No. The ASB-5S is a direct replacement for Bartolini P2 and P4 configurations, while the ASB-BO-5S Blackouts mount directly into EMG 40 sized cavities. Check your bass cavity type before purchasing.

Which is better for slap bass?

The ASB-BO-5S Blackouts are explicitly recommended for slap applications due to their 9/5/9 EQ voicing that emphasizes punch and treble snap. The ASB-5S, with its warm and balanced character, is better suited to fingerstyle and traditional approaches.

How long do the batteries last?

The ASB-5S provides approximately 1,000 continuous hours of battery life per set. The ASB-BO-5S specification sheet does not list battery life duration details.

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