Is this pickup suitable for my 5-string bass, and will it fit my current instrument?

Yes, if your bass has an EMG 40 sized pickup rout. This is a direct replacement for that footprint. If you're unsure, check your current pickup dimensions or consult your bass manufacturer.

What makes this active pickup different from a passive neck pickup?

The onboard active preamp boosts volume and presence, giving the neck position the cut and authority usually found only in bridge pickups. You also get single-coil punch without hum interference—active electronics eliminate the noise that plagues passive designs.

Will the strings sound even across all five, or will the B string feel dead?

The split-blade internal design ensures balanced string-to-string response from low B to G, preventing dead spots and maintaining even tone across all five strings.

What's included, and how hard is installation?

Mounting and wiring hardware, logo covers, and full instructions are included. Installation is straightforward for anyone comfortable with basic soldering and electronics work; no modifications to your bass rout are needed.

How long does the battery last?

Approximately 1,000 continuous hours of battery life per set of batteries, so you'll get solid touring or session use before replacement is needed.

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 ASB2-5N Active Soapbar 5-String Neck Pickup

The ASB2-5N captures the aggressive, punchy character of a single-coil pickup without the hum that typically plagues passive designs. Built as an active neck pickup for 5-string bass, this soapbar delivers articulate string definition and responsive dynamics across the lower register, making it ideal for tracking sessions where clarity in fast-moving bass lines and complex chord work is essential to the final mix.

Active Design & Output

The onboard active preamp boosts overall volume and presence, allowing the neck position to sit prominently in the mix with the cut and authority usually reserved for bridge pickups. The split-blade internal design ensures balanced string-to-string response across all five strings, preventing dead spots and maintaining even tone from low B to G during recording and mixing.

Compatibility & Installation

This pickup is a direct replacement for EMG 40 sized pickup routs, making it a straightforward retrofit in basses already configured for that footprint. Mounting and wiring hardware are included, along with logo covers, streamlining the installation process and minimizing studio downtime.

Key Features

Active soapbar design for 5-string bass neck position
Split-blade internal construction for balanced string response
Onboard active preamp for increased volume and presence
Single-coil punch without hum interference
Direct EMG 40 sized rout replacement
Approximately 1,000 continuous hours of battery life per set
Includes mounting and wiring hardware
Logo covers included

The ASB2-5N combines the aggressive character of active electronics with the clarity of a split-blade design, delivering a versatile neck pickup that captures definition across your 5-string sessions without compromise.

Condition	New
Country of Manufacture	United States