Seymour Duncan SSB-5S Passive Soapbar Bass Pickup Set (5-String)

Seymour Duncan SSB-5S Passive Soapbar Bass Pickup Set (5-String) – Organic Sound for Modern 5-String Basses

The Seymour Duncan SSB-5S Passive Soapbar Bass Pickup Set brings the full, dynamic tone of modern soapbar pickups to a passive format —ideal for bassists who want to avoid batteries without compromising on sound. With moderate output, powerful punch and an organic, natural tone, this set offers an excellent alternative to active systems—perfect for modern 5-string basses.

The set includes the SSB-5N for the neck position and the SSB-5B for the bridge. Both pickups deliver an expressive, warm tone with exceptional clarity and rich bass. The EMG-format design allows for easy retrofitting or installation in custom basses, while the dual-coil design ensures a wide frequency response and minimal hum.

Seymour Duncan – Sound Quality from California

For decades, Seymour Duncan has stood for handcrafted “Made in the USA” pickups with the highest sound quality. Whether for guitar or bass, the brand enjoys the trust of professionals and discerning musicians worldwide. The SSB-5S Soapbar Pickup Set expands the portfolio with a passive solution that leaves nothing to be desired in terms of expression, dynamics, and richness of tone.

This set offers the perfect solution, especially for musicians who value the flexibility and reliability of passive electronics but don’t want to sacrifice modern sound: no battery changes, full control, and a sound that effortlessly holds its own in the mix.

Technical Details of the Seymour Duncan SSB-5S Pickup Set

The two soapbar pickups feature a dual-coil design and are equipped with powerful ceramic magnets. This setup delivers precise response, clearly defined mids, and a punch that impresses both in the studio and live. The DC resistance is 3.9 kOhm (bridge) and 3.4 kOhm (neck), indicating a medium-high output characteristic with balanced dynamic response.

Thanks to the 2-wire connection cable, installation is simple and straightforward—perfect for classic passive circuits. The design is tailored to the EMG format and is therefore compatible with many popular bass models and bodies. The black finish blends seamlessly into modern bass designs and ensures a clean, professional look.

The pickups are available both as a set and individually—ideal for custom builds, custom projects, or specific tone adjustments.

Why the Seymour Duncan SSB-5S Pickup Set Is the Ideal Choice for 5-String Basses

With the SSB-5S set, you get the punch, clarity, and warmth of active soapbar pickups—but in a maintenance-free, passive version. You don’t have to worry about batteries, can use your usual wiring, and still benefit from a modern, assertive sound that shines in all musical styles.

This set is an especially strong choice for 5-string basses, as it offers a balanced frequency response that reproduces even the low B string with punch and definition. Whether fingerstyle, slap, or pick—the pickups respond sensitively to every playing style and convey your individual sound directly to the audience or onto the recording.

For bassists who value authentic tone, high dynamics, and reliable technology, the Seymour Duncan SSB-5S Pickup Set is an excellent choice—made for the stage, the studio, and all the sonic adventures in between.

Features:

• Soapbar pickup set for 5-string electric basses
• Includes SSB-5B (bridge) and SSB-5N (neck)
• Passive dual-coil design – no battery required
• Ceramic magnets for a clear, modern tone
• Organic sound with powerful punch and added warmth
• DC resistance: 3.9 kOhm (bridge), 3.4 kOhm (neck)
• Medium-high output
• 2-conductor connection cable for easy integration
• EMG-compatible housing format
• Color: Black
• Made in the USA
• Both pickups also available individually

Specs:

• Pickup type: Humbucker
• Pickup-Type: passive
• Strings: 5
• Color: Black
• Type: Pickups for electric Guitars
• Theme: Guitars and Basses

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