Seymour Duncan SMB-4A 3 Coil Pickup
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- Brand new in original box
- Full Seymour Duncan manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- 11402-24
Description
Seymour Duncan SMB-4A 3 Coil Pickup
The SMB-4A is a hand-built replacement pickup engineered specifically for Music Man StingRay basses, delivering the articulate, punchy response that defines the instrument's recording character. This three-coil design combines vintage construction methods with modern versatility, offering three distinct tonal voices via a simple blade switch without sacrificing hum rejection—critical for clean tracking in any studio setting.
Recording Tone & Frequency Response
Built with oversized alnico 5 rod magnets and vacuum wax potting for clarity and sustain, the SMB-4A produces a resonant peak at 9.9 KHz that emphasizes the upper midrange definition—essential for maintaining bass articulation and punch in dense mixes. The EQ curve—8/8/5 (Bass/Mid/Treble)—delivers aggressive low-end presence that sits firmly in a mix while keeping mids cutting and the top end controlled.
Design & Switching Flexibility
Each coil measures 4.18 kΩ DC resistance and connects via a 4-conductor leadwire for maximum wiring flexibility in your signal chain. All three switching modes—series, parallel, and split—maintain full hum-canceling performance, eliminating noise issues during recording sessions and enabling real-time tonal sculpting across takes without re-amping. Hand-built in Santa Barbara, California, this pickup is a direct replacement for StingRay basses from 1976 to present.
Key Features
- Three-coil design with hand-built construction in Santa Barbara, CA
- Oversized alnico 5 rod magnets for powerful magnetic response
- DC resistance: 4.18 kΩ per coil
- Resonant peak at 9.9 KHz (parallel configuration)
- Three tonal settings via 3-way blade switch: series, parallel, and split
- All three settings are hum-canceling
- EQ curve: 8 Bass / 8 Mid / 5 Treble
- Four-conductor leadwire for flexible wiring options
- Vacuum wax potted for clarity and sustain
- Forbon flatwork construction
- Direct replacement for Music Man StingRay basses 1976–present
The SMB-4A captures the StingRay's fundamental voice with studio-grade clarity while the three-way switching expands your palette—dial in series for warmth on ballads, parallel for cutting presence on rock, or split for a hybrid midpoint between sessions.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The Seymour Duncan SMB-4A is a hand-built three-coil pickup that restores or upgrades the fundamental StingRay voice while providing three distinct tonal characters via a blade switch for studio flexibility. Its resonant peak at 9.9 kHz emphasizes upper-midrange definition and articulation, while the 8/8/5 EQ curve keeps low end tight and present—ideal for capturing punchy, well-defined bass tracks in the studio. All three switching modes maintain full hum cancellation, so you can explore tonal options during tracking and overdubs without noise compromises.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Funk
- ✓ Rock
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Live Performance
Not the best pick for
- – Folk
- – Traditional Jazz
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What bass does this pickup fit?
The SMB-4A is a direct replacement for Music Man StingRay basses from 1976 to present. It is engineered specifically for the StingRay body and electronics.
What are the three switching modes, and do they all cancel hum?
The three modes are series, parallel, and split. All three maintain full hum-canceling performance, eliminating the noise trade-offs found in single-coil designs.
What is the tone character of this pickup?
The SMB-4A delivers articulate, punchy response with a resonant peak at 9.9 kHz that emphasizes upper-midrange definition. The 8/8/5 EQ curve (Bass/Mid/Treble) balances aggressive low-end presence with controlled highs, making it ideal for funk, rock, and studio sessions.
Is this pickup hand-built, and where?
Yes, the SMB-4A is hand-built in Santa Barbara, California. It uses oversized alnico 5 rod magnets, vacuum wax potting for clarity and sustain, and forbon flatwork construction.
What is included, and what wiring flexibility does it offer?
The pickup comes ready to install with a four-conductor leadwire that provides maximum wiring flexibility for different configurations and switching schemes.
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