What bass models is this pickup compatible with?

The NYC Passive Soapbar fits any 5-string bass with a standard DC 40 rout—no modification needed. String spacing is 74mm (center of low B to center of G), so it accommodates contemporary narrow-spaced 5-string geometries.

Do I need a preamp or battery to use this pickup?

No—this is a fully passive design with no battery dependency. It connects directly to your bass electronics and relies on the Alnico 2 magnet and dual-coil design for its tone.

What kind of tone should I expect?

Expect articulate, punchy mids with a focused low-midrange that cuts through dense mixes, warm and defined lows, and controlled highs without breakup. The 2.4 kHz resonant peak emphasizes midrange presence, making it ideal for funk, jazz, and progressive styles.

What are the three wiring modes, and how do they change the sound?

The four-conductor cable unlocks three distinct configurations: you can dial in split-coil character for a thinner, more articulate voice, full humbucking output for maximum thickness, or a middle ground. Specific wiring details will depend on your bass's electronics and preferences.

Is this a bridge or neck pickup?

This is a bridge pickup optimized for the punchy, focused tone needed in the bridge position. DC resistance is 21.43 kΩ and the EQ voicing is set at 9 (bass) / 8 (mid) / 5 (treble) for bridge deployment.

Seymour Duncan SSB-5NYCB NYC Passive Soapbar 5-String Bridge Pickup

The NYC Passive Soapbar delivers an articulate, focused low-midrange character that cuts through dense mixes without sacrificing low-end extension. This bridge pickup is engineered for 5-string bass sessions seeking a modern passive voice with vintage construction values—hand-built in Santa Barbara with hand-selected components for reliable studio performance.

Tone & Electronics

Built on a dual coil J-type design with exposed Alnico 2 pole pieces, this pickup exhibits a 2.4 kHz resonant peak and 21.43 kΩ DC resistance that yields punchy mids and controlled high-end without breakup. The passive design eliminates battery dependency while the four-conductor cable unlocks three distinct wiring configurations, letting you dial in everything from split-coil character to full humbucking output—essential flexibility for tracking and overdubbing varied bass parts.

Design & Build

Fitted for standard DC 40 routs, this soapbar installs directly into any modern 5-string bass platform without modification. The 74mm string spacing (center of low B to center of G) accommodates contemporary narrow-spaced 5-string geometries, and the hand-built construction in Santa Barbara ensures consistent output and longevity across recording sessions.

Key Features

Dual coil J-type pickup design with exposed Alnico 2 pole pieces
Alnico 2 magnet material for warm, defined response
74mm string spacing (B to G center)
21.43 kΩ DC resistance (bridge configuration)
2.4 kHz resonant peak for punchy midrange presence
Four-conductor cable enabling three wiring modes
Passive design—no batteries required
Fits standard DC 40 bass rout
Hand built in Santa Barbara, CA
EQ voicing: 9 (bass) / 8 (mid) / 5 (treble)

This bridge pickup combines modern 5-string voicing with the proven Seymour Duncan passive architecture, making it a direct drop-in for recording clarity and definition without electronic coloration—a studio workhorse that translates well across genres and production contexts.

Condition	New
Country of Manufacture	United States