Seymour Duncan SMB-5A 3 Coil Pickup
Share
- Brand new in original box
- Full Seymour Duncan manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- 11402-34
Description
Seymour Duncan SMB-5A 3 Coil Pickup
The SMB-5A is engineered to capture the articulate, punchy character that defines Music Man basses in the studio, with genuine tonal flexibility built into the coil configuration. This hand-built pickup cuts through dense mixes while maintaining clarity across all frequency ranges, making it the essential choice for producers and engineers tracking bassists who demand versatility in the box without compromise.
Recording & Tonal Control
Three distinct tonal settings—series, parallel, and split—are accessed via a 3-way blade switch, each mode completely hum-canceling for clean, noise-free tracking in any session environment. The 4.4k Ohms DC resistance and oversized Alnico 5 rod magnets work together to produce punchy mids, tight lows, and articulate highs that capture playing dynamics with transparency, giving you maximum control in post-production mixing.
Construction & Reliability
Hand-built in Santa Barbara, California, this pickup uses premium materials throughout: Forbon flatwork ensures stability and consistency across recording sessions, while vacuum wax potting eliminates microphonic feedback for pristine signal integrity and extends component life. The 4-conductor leadwire provides wiring flexibility for different switching configurations and studio setups.
Key Features
- Oversized Alnico 5 rod magnets
- Forbon flatwork construction
- 4-conductor leadwire
- Vacuum wax potted for stability
- 4.4k Ohms DC resistance
- Three tonal settings: series, parallel, split
- 3-way blade switch for mode selection
- All settings are hum-canceling
- Hand-built in Santa Barbara, California
- Designed for Music Man 3-coil pickups (Stingray or Sterling models)
- Compatible with 4-string and 5-string basses
The SMB-5A stands as the premium upgrade path for home studios and professional facilities tracking Music Man basses, delivering professional-grade tone shaping, bulletproof reliability, and the flexibility to adapt to any session's sonic requirements.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The Seymour Duncan SMB-5A is a hand-built 3-coil pickup for Music Man basses that gives studio and session players three distinct sonic characters—series, parallel, and split—all accessed via a 3-way switch and fully hum-canceling for clean recording. The punchy mid-range and articulate high end cut through mixes naturally while the tight low end maintains definition in dense arrangements, making it ideal for capturing everything from funk to progressive bass on 4-string or 5-string instruments. Vacuum wax potting and Alnico 5 magnets ensure consistent, feedback-free tracking across multiple takes.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Bass
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Live Performance
- ✓ Funk
- ✓ Progressive
Not the best pick for
- – Acoustic instruments
- – Beginners
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What basses is the SMB-5A compatible with?
The SMB-5A is designed specifically for Music Man basses with 3-coil pickups, including Stingray and Sterling models. It works on both 4-string and 5-string configurations.
What's the difference between the three tonal modes?
The 3-way blade switch provides three hum-canceling settings—series, parallel, and split—each delivering a distinct sonic character. All modes maintain clarity and punch while responding naturally to your playing dynamics.
Is this pickup suitable for beginners?
No; the SMB-5A is designed for intermediate, advanced, and professional players who can take full advantage of its three tonal modes and high-output character in studio and live settings.
What makes this pickup quieter than stock Music Man pickups?
All three tonal modes are fully hum-canceling, and vacuum wax potting eliminates microphonic feedback, ensuring clean operation on stage or in the studio regardless of electrical interference.
What's included with the pickup?
The SMB-5A comes with a 4-conductor leadwire that provides wiring flexibility for different switching configurations, allowing you to customize how the tonal modes are accessed in your bass.
Compare With
Similar Gear
Complete the Rig
Gear that pairs well with this.
✨ For You
Based on what you've been looking at.