What bass models is this pickup compatible with?

The SSB-5NYCN fits any 5-string bass with a standard EMG 40 sized pickup rout. It's a straightforward retrofit, though you'll want to confirm your bass's rout dimensions before purchasing.

Is this pickup good for slap and fingerstyle playing?

Yes. The dual-coil J-type design and Alnico 2 magnets are specifically voiced to handle both techniques, delivering punchy lows and articulate mids that respond to dynamic playing without losing clarity or control.

What does the 4-conductor cable and three wiring modes mean for tone?

The 4-conductor shielded cable allows you to voice the pickup in three different ways, letting you dial in the exact tonal character your rig needs—whether you want more warmth, more articulation, or a balance of both.

Will this work as a drop-in replacement for active pickups?

If your bass has an EMG 40 sized rout, yes—it's a direct mechanical fit. However, switching from active to passive will remove any onboard EQ or noise reduction you had from active electronics, so keep that in mind for your overall tone chain.

What genres is this pickup best suited for?

It's built for funk, jazz, and studio sessions where articulate mids and responsive dynamics matter. The tight low end and natural harmonics work less well in metal or hard rock, where you typically want more aggression and sustain.

Do I pay sales tax on this order?

We collect sales tax only on orders shipped to California. Orders shipped to any other US state are charged $0 sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. On this item that is roughly $12 less out the door than the same listed price at a national retailer or on a marketplace. Marketplaces such as eBay, Reverb and Amazon collect sales tax in nearly every state as marketplace facilitators no matter who the seller is, so the same item at the same price costs less bought direct. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included. Some states ask buyers to self-report use tax on out-of-state purchases.

Seymour Duncan SSB-5NYCN NYC Passive Soapbar 5-String Neck Pickup

The NYC Passive Soapbar delivers the warm, articulate character that defined New York's bass scene, with a tight low end and defined midrange response. This neck pickup sits comfortably in the soapbar format, offering smooth string-to-string balance across a 5-string instrument. The exposed Alnico 2 pole pieces provide direct magnetic coupling to the strings, resulting in responsive dynamics and natural harmonic complexity that translates clearly in the mix.

Tone & Design

Built with a dual coil J-type design and Alnico 2 magnets, this pickup produces warm, punchy lows with articulate mids—capturing both fingerstyle definition and slap attack with equal precision. The 4.6 kΩ DC resistance balances output and clarity without excessive noise, delivering a professional passive tone that remains focused and present across genre and session context.

Installation & Versatility

The 4-conductor shielded cable enables three wiring modes, allowing you to voice the pickup to your session's tonal needs and tracking requirements. This pickup fits the standard EMG 40 sized pickup rout, making it a straightforward retrofit for compatible 5-string bass instruments in your recording setup.

Key Features

Magnet type: Alnico 2
DC Resistance (Neck): 4.6 kΩ
Dual coil J-type pickup design
Double row of exposed Alnico 2 pole pieces
4-conductor shielded cable
Three wiring mode capability
Length: 4.026" (102.26 mm)
Width: 1.516" (38.50 mm)
Fits standard EMG 40 sized pickup rout
Passive design
Color: Black

The SSB-5NYCN combines Seymour Duncan's deep understanding of vintage bass tone with modern passive pickup engineering, delivering a reliable, great-sounding neck position that captures authentic punch and presence for any 5-string bass in the studio.

Condition	New
Country of Manufacture	United States