Will this pickup fit my guitar?

The ASB2-6N is a direct replacement for EMG 40 and 45 sized soapbar cavities. If your guitar currently has either of those pickups or was routed for that size, this will drop in with the included mounting hardware.

What genres and playing styles is this pickup best suited for?

This pickup is voiced for metal, progressive, studio sessions, and live performance. It is not recommended for jazz or blues, where its punchy articulation and controlled output may feel too aggressive.

Does the active preamp require a battery, and how long does it last?

Yes, the onboard active preamp requires a battery; you get approximately 1,000 continuous hours of battery life per set. The two-conductor cable and included wiring hardware make installation and battery access straightforward.

What tonal control do I get with the onboard EQ?

The ASB2-6N has three independent controls: Bass (8), Mid (4), and Treble (7), allowing you to shape the frequency response to fit your tone. The 6.5 kHz resonant peak is factory-tuned for the neck position to maintain definition without muddiness.

How does this compare to other active neck pickups like the EMG 40 or Fishman Fluence Modern?

The ASB2-6N is built specifically for neck-position voicing with a tuned midrange peak, onboard active EQ, and ceramic construction. It shares the form factor of EMG 40/45 pickups but offers Seymour Duncan's active platform design and tonal character suited to metal and progressive styles.

Seymour Duncan ASB2-6N Active Soapbar 6-String Neck Pickup

The ASB2-6N delivers articulate, controlled output in the neck position with the responsiveness of an active design. This Phase II soapbar addresses the specific tonal demands of neck-position recording—clarity without muddiness, sustain without feedback in your mix.

Tone & Electronics for Studio Tracking

A 6.5 kHz resonant peak tailored for neck-position voicing ensures defined midrange response ideal for layered lead work and clean rhythm passages that sit naturally in a mix. The onboard active preamp with EQ controls (Bass 8 / Mid 4 / Treble 7) gives you precise tonal shaping across the frequency spectrum during session work, while the ceramic bar magnet construction delivers punchy, focused articulation that translates to tape or DAW.

Integration & Installation

Built as a direct replacement for EMG 40 and 45 sized soapbar cavities, the ASB2-6N integrates seamlessly into existing systems without modification. The internal split-blade design optimizes string-to-magnet alignment for consistent capture across neck-position voicing, and two-conductor cabling keeps wiring straightforward for quick session setup.

Key Features

Direct replacement for EMG 40 and 45 sized soapbar cavities
Ceramic bar magnet construction
6.5 kHz resonant peak tuned for neck position
Onboard active preamp with Bass / Mid / Treble controls (8 / 4 / 7)
Two-conductor cable configuration
Internal split-blade design for optimized string response
Battery life approximately 1,000 continuous hours per set
Includes mounting and wiring hardware

The ASB2-6N pairs aggressive tonal control with the reliability of Seymour Duncan's active platform, delivering consistent performance across recording sessions, rehearsals, and live work.

Condition	New
Country of Manufacture	United States