What string spacing does the SSB-5B accommodate?

The full-length dual blade design accommodates string spacings up to 3.10 inches (78.5mm), fitting most modern 5-string bass routes designed for soapbar pickups in EMG size format.

Does this pickup require a battery?

No—the SSB-5B is fully passive, so it requires no battery or active electronics, eliminating maintenance concerns and the noise floor associated with powered systems.

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

The SSB-5B excels in funk, jazz, studio sessions, and live performance where note separation and dynamic clarity are priorities; its articulate tone works equally well with fingerstyle, slap, and pick-driven techniques but is not optimized for metal or extreme drop tunings.

How does the output level compare to other 5-string bridge pickups?

The SSB-5B offers moderate output and trades aggressive volume for tonal clarity and organic voicing, making it ideal for players and engineers who prioritize transparent note definition over raw signal level.

What magnet type does it use?

The pickup features ceramic magnets in a dual-coil construction, providing consistent magnetic field strength across the entire 5-string range.

Seymour Duncan SSB-5B Passive Soapbar 5-String Bridge Pickup

The SSB-5B captures organic punch and articulate low-end response in a compact soapbar format engineered specifically for 5-string bass bridge duty. This passive pickup trades aggressive output for tonal clarity and midrange definition, making it essential for tracking sessions where note separation and dynamic nuance cut through dense mixes.

Design & Compatibility

Built in EMG size format with a full-length dual blade that accommodates string spacings up to 3.10" (78.5mm), the SSB-5B integrates seamlessly into most modern 5-string bass routes designed for soapbar pickups. The dual-coil construction with ceramic magnets provides consistent magnetic field strength across the entire string range.

Recording Performance & Studio Versatility

Passive electronics mean no battery is required, eliminating maintenance concerns and circuit noise that can compromise studio recordings. The moderate output level and organic voicing deliver consistent, transparent tracking across fingerstyle, slap, and pick-driven parts—each technique preserves its own character in the mix while maintaining clarity and sustain.

Key Features

Passive Phase II soapbar pickup for 5-string bass
Bridge position configuration
Full-length dual blade design
Accommodates string spacings up to 3.10" (78.5mm)
EMG size format compatibility
Dual coil design
Ceramic magnet construction
Moderate output level
Passive electronics — no battery required
Organic tone with punchy midrange response

The SSB-5B is a straightforward, dependable bridge pickup for 5-string players tracking transparent bass tones without electronic complexity or noise in the control room.

Condition	New
Country of Manufacture	United States