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Seymour Duncan ASB-BO-5N Blackouts For Bass 5-String Neck Pickup vs Seymour Duncan ASB2-5B Active Soapbar 5-String Bridge Pickup
The ASB-BO-5N is a neck pickup engineered for articulate mids and controlled lows, while the ASB2-5B is a bridge pickup designed for aggressive midrange and cutting attack. Choose the neck pickup if you're building a complete 5-string setup or need clarity across the fingerboard; choose the bridge if you want maximum punch and cutting power at the bridge position.
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Seymour Duncan ASB-BO-5N Blackouts For Bass 5-String Neck Pickup
Seymour Duncan ASB2-5B Active Soapbar 5-String Bridge Pickup
Specs side by side
| Seymour Duncan ASB-BO-5N Blackouts For Bass 5-String Neck Pickup | Seymour Duncan ASB2-5B Active Soapbar 5-String Bridge Pickup | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $145.00 | $145.00 |
| Brand | Seymour Duncan | Seymour Duncan |
| Pickup Type | Neck | Bridge |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Seymour Duncan ASB-BO-5N Blackouts For Bass 5-String Neck Pickup
- ✓ Neck position pickup with balanced string-to-string response across full fingerboard width
- ✓ Controlled lows and articulate mids suit both fingerstyle and slap techniques
- ✓ Dual-blade design ensures consistent response across all five strings
- ✓ Preset EQ curve emphasizes presence without harshness
Why choose Seymour Duncan ASB2-5B Active Soapbar 5-String Bridge Pickup
- ✓ Bridge position pickup with aggressive cutting midrange for dense mixes
- ✓ Split-blade single-coil punch design without hum noise
- ✓ Higher attack character ideal for metal, funk, and drop-tuning styles
- ✓ Tight, defined low end cuts through aggressive playing
Frequently asked questions
Can I use both of these pickups together in the same bass?
Yes. The ASB-BO-5N is a neck pickup and the ASB2-5B is a bridge pickup, so they are designed to work as a complementary pair in a 5-string bass. Each position serves a different sonic role—the neck for clarity and the bridge for punch.
Which one should I choose for funk and slap bass?
The ASB-BO-5N neck pickup is specifically listed as ideal for funk and slap bass, with articulate mids and a presence peak that supports both fingerstyle articulation and slap techniques. The ASB2-5B bridge is also suitable for funk but excels more in metal and aggressive styles.
What is the key tonal difference between them?
The ASB-BO-5N emphasizes articulate mids and controlled lows for balanced clarity across the fingerboard, while the ASB2-5B delivers aggressive, heightened midrange with a harder attack designed to cut through dense mixes. The neck pickup is more refined; the bridge is more combative.
Are both pickups active, and what does that mean for my bass?
Both are active pickups requiring a battery (approximately 1,000 continuous hours per battery set). Active electronics provide high headroom, low noise, and high output without the need for external preamps, making them compatible with standard bass wiring.