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Seymour Duncan ASB2-5N Active Soapbar 5-String Neck Pickup vs Seymour Duncan ASB2-5B Active Soapbar 5-String Bridge Pickup

The ASB2-5N is a neck pickup designed for articulate chord work and fast bass lines, while the ASB2-5B is a bridge pickup built for aggressive midrange cut and punchy attack. Choose the ASB2-5N if you need clarity across complex playing; choose the ASB2-5B if you want a cutting, aggressive tone that sits prominently in a mix.

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Seymour Duncan ASB2-5N Active Soapbar 5-String Neck Pickup

$145.00
View Seymour Duncan ASB2-5N Active Soapbar 5-String Neck Pickup

Seymour Duncan ASB2-5B Active Soapbar 5-String Bridge Pickup

$145.00
View Seymour Duncan ASB2-5B Active Soapbar 5-String Bridge Pickup

Specs side by side

Seymour Duncan ASB2-5N Active Soapbar 5-String Neck PickupSeymour Duncan ASB2-5B Active Soapbar 5-String Bridge Pickup
Price$145.00$145.00
BrandSeymour DuncanSeymour Duncan
Pickup TypeNeckBridge
ConditionNewNew

Why choose Seymour Duncan ASB2-5N Active Soapbar 5-String Neck Pickup

  • Neck position optimized for balanced string-to-string response across all five strings
  • Emphasizes articulate clarity and responsive dynamics for fast, intricate bass lines
  • Split-blade design prevents dead spots and maintains even tone from B to G
  • Direct EMG 40 rout replacement with included mounting hardware

Why choose Seymour Duncan ASB2-5B Active Soapbar 5-String Bridge Pickup

  • Bridge position delivers heightened midrange and cutting tone that sits in dense mixes
  • Ceramic magnet design produces aggressive punch ideal for metal, funk, and drop tunings
  • Harder attack character excels when pushing hard into preamps or effects pedals
  • Direct EMG 40 rout replacement with simple 2-conductor cable connectivity
Bottom line: Get the ASB2-5N if you play complex chord work, progressive music, or studio sessions requiring clarity. Get the ASB2-5B if you play metal, aggressive funk, or rock and need a cutting, high-output bridge pickup.

Frequently asked questions

Can these pickups be used together in the same bass?

Yes. The ASB2-5N is designed for neck position and the ASB2-5B for bridge position, so they can be paired in a single 5-string bass for a balanced setup combining neck clarity with bridge aggression.

What is the main tonal difference between neck and bridge position here?

The ASB2-5N prioritizes balanced articulation and string definition across all five strings for complex playing. The ASB2-5B emphasizes aggressive midrange presence and cutting attack, making it sit more prominently in a mix.

Are these suitable for jazz or blues?

The ASB2-5N is better suited to those genres than the ASB2-5B. The neck pickup's articulate clarity and balanced response work well for jazz and blues, while the ASB2-5B's aggressive midrange and hard attack are specifically designed for metal, funk, and rock.

What is the battery life on active circuitry?

Both pickups offer approximately 1,000 continuous hours of battery life per set, making them practical for regular gigging and studio use.

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