Seymour Duncan SSB-5S Passive Soapbar 5-String Pickup Set

The SSB-5S delivers the articulate, defined response that five-string bass players expect from a high-output passive design. Full-length dual blades ensure even string response across the entire width of the fingerboard, while the ceramic magnet construction provides clarity and punch without requiring active circuitry or batteries. These pickups are engineered as a direct replacement for EMG 40 configurations, making them an ideal upgrade path for players already committed to that form factor.

Tone & Output Characteristics

The bridge pickup's 8.1 kHz resonant peak combined with the neck's 9.2 kHz peak creates a balanced frequency response across the set, with the bridge unit's 3.9 kOhm DC resistance delivering substantial output suitable for modern active amplification chains. This passive design eliminates the noise floor and battery dependency of active systems while maintaining the articulate midrange and tight low-end definition that five-string players require for genres ranging from jazz to heavy music.

Build & Compatibility

Hand-built in Santa Barbara, California, these pickups feature dual coil ceramic magnet construction calibrated specifically as a matched neck and bridge pair. The 3.10" (78.5mm) maximum string spacing accommodates modern five-string bass configurations, and the full mounting hardware is included for straightforward installation into EMG 40-compatible cavities.

Key Features

• Configuration: 5-string soapbar pickup set with dual coil design
• Magnet type: Ceramic magnets
• Bridge pickup DC resistance: 3.9 kOhm
• Resonant peak — Neck: 9.2 kHz
• Resonant peak — Bridge: 8.1 kHz
• String spacing: Full-length dual blades accommodate maximum 3.10" (78.5mm)
• Direct EMG 40 replacement with calibrated neck and bridge set
• Passive design — no battery required
• Hand-built in Santa Barbara, California
• Complete mounting hardware included

The SSB-5S stands as a no-compromise passive option for five-string players seeking the clarity and sustain that Seymour Duncan's hand-built craftsmanship delivers.