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Seymour Duncan M Holcomb Alpha & Omega Set Matte Black 8-String Pickup vs Seymour Duncan SSB-5NYCS NYC Passive Soapbar 5-String Pickup Set

The Holcomb Alpha & Omega is an 8-string guitar pickup set engineered for modern metal and djent, while the SSB-5NYC is a 5-string bass pickup set designed for jazz, funk, and studio versatility. Choose the Holcomb if you play downtuned extended-range guitar; choose the SSB-5NYC if you're a bass player seeking tonal flexibility.

No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.

Seymour Duncan M Holcomb Alpha & Omega Set Matte Black 8-String Pickup

$329.00
View Seymour Duncan M Holcomb Alpha & Omega Set Matte Black 8-String Pickup

Seymour Duncan SSB-5NYCS NYC Passive Soapbar 5-String Pickup Set

$329.00
View Seymour Duncan SSB-5NYCS NYC Passive Soapbar 5-String Pickup Set

Specs side by side

Seymour Duncan M Holcomb Alpha & Omega Set Matte Black 8-String PickupSeymour Duncan SSB-5NYCS NYC Passive Soapbar 5-String Pickup Set
Price$329.00$329.00
BrandSeymour DuncanSeymour Duncan
Pickup Type—Set
ConditionNewNew

Why choose Seymour Duncan M Holcomb Alpha & Omega Set Matte Black 8-String Pickup

  • ✓ Matched 8-string configuration with high output (18.27K bridge DCR) cuts through dense tunings
  • ✓ Articulate treble and controlled midrange preserve clarity in heavy palm-muted passages
  • ✓ Collaborative design with Mark Holcomb (Trivium) specifically voiced for metal and progressive genres
  • ✓ 4-conductor wiring enables series, parallel, and split-coil flexibility

Why choose Seymour Duncan SSB-5NYCS NYC Passive Soapbar 5-String Pickup Set

  • ✓ Three distinct wiring modes (vintage warmth, quiet articulation, maximum output) from one pickup set
  • ✓ Hand-built in Santa Barbara with Alnico 2 magnets deliver warm yet defined tone for jazz and funk
  • ✓ Balanced output (18.72K neck, 21.43K bridge DCR) with minimal crosstalk across 5-string range
  • ✓ Standard DC 40 rout compatibility fits most 5-string basses without modification
Bottom line: Buy the Holcomb Alpha & Omega if you own an 8-string guitar and play metal, djent, or progressive music. Buy the SSB-5NYC if you play 5-string bass and need versatile tones for studio, jazz, funk, or live performance.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use the Holcomb set on a standard 6-string guitar?

No. The Holcomb Alpha & Omega is specifically designed for 8-string instruments and will not fit standard 6-string guitars without significant modification.

Can I use the SSB-5NYC on a 4-string bass?

No. The SSB-5NYC is configured for 5-string bass with specific string spacing geometry (70mm neck, 74mm bridge) and will not work properly on a 4-string instrument.

Which pickup set is better for jazz?

The SSB-5NYC is purpose-built for jazz with warm vintage character via Alnico 2 magnets and multiple wiring modes for tonal shaping. The Holcomb Alpha & Omega is voiced for metal and will be too aggressive and high-output for jazz applications.

Do both sets come with installation hardware?

The Holcomb includes mounting screws, springs, rubber tubing, wiring instruction sheet, and pre-terminated lead wire. The SSB-5NYC includes four-conductor lead wire; specific mounting hardware details are not provided in the description.

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