What cavity size does this pickup fit?

The ASB-BO-5N is a direct replacement for EMG 40-sized soapbar cavities and accommodates maximum string spacing of 3.10 inches, making it compatible with modern 5-string bass neck widths.

Is this pickup suitable for traditional jazz tones?

No—the ASB-BO-5N is voiced for high-output, articulate mids and punchy character. Players seeking vintage or warm jazz tones should consider alternatives; this pickup excels in funk, slap, and contemporary styles.

What kind of active electronics does it use?

The pickup features active circuitry with high headroom and quiet operation, preset EQ values of 9 Bass / 5 Mid / 9 Treble, and an 8.0 kHz resonant peak that emphasizes definition without harshness.

How does the dual-blade design help with 5-string performance?

The dual-blade configuration ensures consistent string-to-string balance across all five strings, delivering even response and articulation across the full fingerboard width.

What's included with the pickup?

The ASB-BO-5N includes the pickup itself with a two-conductor cable for simple wiring integration into your bass.

Do I pay sales tax on this order?

We collect sales tax only on orders shipped to California. Orders shipped to any other US state are charged $0 sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. On this item that is roughly $10 less out the door than the same listed price at a national retailer or on a marketplace. Marketplaces such as eBay, Reverb and Amazon collect sales tax in nearly every state as marketplace facilitators no matter who the seller is, so the same item at the same price costs less bought direct. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included. Some states ask buyers to self-report use tax on out-of-state purchases.

Seymour Duncan ASB-BO-5N Blackouts For Bass 5-String Neck Pickup

The ASB-BO-5N is a high-output active neck pickup engineered to capture clarity and punch without noise in the studio. Its dual-blade design and ceramic bar magnet deliver articulate mids and controlled lows across the full fingerboard width, translating to defined tracking on tape or DAW. Built as a direct replacement for EMG 40-sized soapbar cavities, this pickup integrates seamlessly into existing instruments while bringing modern active electronics to your recording chain.

Tone & Electronics

Active circuitry with high headroom keeps transients clean and preserves dynamic range, crucial for capturing natural finger dynamics and pick attack through the tracking chain. The full 8.0 kHz resonant peak emphasizes definition in the crucial midrange, ensuring neck-position articulation cuts through dense mixes in both fingerstyle and slap recordings. With preset EQ values of 9 (Bass) / 5 (Mid) / 9 (Treble), the pickup shapes tone across the frequency spectrum to deliver presence in the mix without harshness or mud.

Design & Specifications

The dual-blade configuration ensures consistent string-to-string balance across the 5-string format, critical for even multitrack recording and DI capture, with a maximum string spacing of 3.10" accommodating modern bass neck widths. Two-conductor cable simplifies wiring in your studio setup, and the ceramic bar magnet provides the high-output character Blackouts deliver while maintaining the quiet operation essential for clean recording without preamp noise.

Key Features

High-output active pickup design with high headroom
Ceramic bar magnet construction
Dual-blade configuration for balanced 5-string response
Maximum string spacing: 3.10" (78.5mm)
Resonant peak: Full 8.0 kHz
Two-conductor cable
EQ values: 9 Bass / 5 Mid / 9 Treble
Direct replacement for EMG 40-sized soapbar pickups
Quiet operation with active electronics

The ASB-BO-5N combines Seymour Duncan's reputation for active pickup engineering with the practical advantage of EMG 40 compatibility, making it a no-compromise choice for 5-string bass players tracking and mixing in the studio.

Condition	New
Country of Manufacture	United States