Seymour Duncan SMB-5S 5-String Ceramic Magnet Pickup & 3-Band Tone Cir
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Seymour Duncan SMB-5S 5-String Ceramic Magnet Pickup & 3-Band Tone Circuits For Music Man
In stock
- SKU
- 11402-35
Description
Seymour Duncan SMB-5S 5-String Ceramic Magnet Pickup & 3-Band Tone Circuits For Music Man
The SMB-5S captures the articulate, punchy character that defined 1980s and early '90s Music Man StingRay bass recordings. This handcrafted pickup and preamp combination restores clarity and presence to vintage 5-string sessions, replacing original electronics with period-correct components that emphasize note definition and cut through dense mixes with authority.
Pickup Design & Output
Two large ceramic bar magnets with Forbon flatwork generate the SMB-5S's signature bright, defined response ideal for tracking. The 1.5k DCR bass specification ensures tight low-end articulation without mud, while the 4-conductor shielded cable minimizes noise and allows flexible wiring options for different preamp configurations during setup.
Tone Shaping & Control
The integrated STC-3M4 3-band EQ preamp provides active studio control over bass, midrange, and treble frequencies, enabling producers to shape anything from aggressive slap tones to warm, rounded fingerstyle response within the mix. This onboard electronics suite expands the instrument's sonic palette without requiring external effects or outboard gear.
Key Features
- Ceramic magnet construction for bright, articulate tone
- Two large ceramic bar magnets with Forbon flatwork
- 1.5k DCR bass specification
- 4-conductor shielded cable included
- Vacuum wax potted for reliability and noise rejection
- 3-band EQ preamp with STC-3M4 tone circuit
- Includes logo cover
- Handmade in Santa Barbara, California
- Designed as direct replacement for 5-string Music Man StingRay basses up to 1992
This Seymour Duncan assembly combines road-proven pickup design with thoughtful preamp architecture, making it an essential choice for restoring or upgrading vintage Music Man instruments in the studio or live setting.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Country of Manufacture | United States |
Reviews
At a Glance
The Seymour Duncan SMB-5S brings bright, articulate ceramic-magnet character and flexible 3-band EQ shaping to studio sessions on 5-string Music Man basses, capturing tight low-end definition and aggressive slap tones or warm fingerstyle response. Handcrafted with vacuum wax potting for quiet, interference-free recording and the sonic clarity that defined '80s–'90s Music Man tone. Pick this for home or professional recording when you need a Music Man 5-string that tracks cleanly and sits naturally in the mix without additional processing.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Funk
- ✓ Slap Bass
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Gigging
Not the best pick for
- – Folk
- – Traditional Jazz
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What bass models does this pickup fit?
The SMB-5S is designed as a direct replacement for 5-string Music Man StingRay basses manufactured up to 1992. It includes a logo cover and is handmade in Santa Barbara, California.
What tone character should I expect?
Ceramic bar magnets deliver bright, articulate, and punchy tone with tight low-end definition and high cut-through—ideal for funk, slap bass, and studio work. The integrated STC-3M4 3-band EQ preamp lets you shape everything from aggressive slap tones to warm fingerstyle response.
What comes included with this pickup?
The assembly includes the SMB-5S ceramic pickup, STC-3M4 3-band active preamp, a 4-conductor shielded cable for flexible wiring, and a logo cover.
Is this pickup noisy or prone to hum?
No—the pickup is vacuum wax potted for reliability and noise rejection, and the 4-conductor shielded cable minimizes noise while allowing flexible preamp configuration options.
What genres is this best suited for?
The SMB-5S excels in funk, slap bass, studio sessions, and live gigging contexts where clarity and presence are essential. It is not recommended for folk or traditional jazz applications.
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