11102-96-P-Blk-7Str vs 11402-32 — Compare
Seymour Duncan 7-String Nazgûl Bridge, Passive Mount, Matte Black Pickup vs Seymour Duncan SMB-5A 5-String Alnico Magnet Pickup For Music Man
The Nazgûl is a high-output 7-string guitar pickup built for metal and djent with aggressive tone and ceramic magnets, while the SMB-5A is a moderate-output 5-string bass pickup with warm alnico magnets designed for funk and progressive bass. Choose the Nazgûl if you play extended-range guitar in heavy styles; choose the SMB-5A if you play 5-string Music Man bass across funk, progressive, and studio work.
No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.
Seymour Duncan 7-String Nazgûl Bridge, Passive Mount, Matte Black Pickup
Seymour Duncan SMB-5A 5-String Alnico Magnet Pickup For Music Man
Specs side by side
| Seymour Duncan 7-String Nazgûl Bridge, Passive Mount, Matte Black Pickup | Seymour Duncan SMB-5A 5-String Alnico Magnet Pickup For Music Man | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $125.00 | $125.00 |
| Brand | Seymour Duncan | Seymour Duncan |
| Pickup Type | — | Any Position |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Seymour Duncan 7-String Nazgûl Bridge, Passive Mount, Matte Black Pickup
- ✓ High-output ceramic magnet design (16.7K DC resistance) cuts through extreme gain and distortion
- ✓ 7-string configuration with razor-sharp articulation across all strings in drop tunings
- ✓ Aggressive treble peak (4.28 kHz) and scooped mids perfect for modern metal and djent tones
- ✓ Nickel silver bottom plate and vacuum wax potting eliminate microphonic feedback under high gain
Why choose Seymour Duncan SMB-5A 5-String Alnico Magnet Pickup For Music Man
- ✓ Hand-built in Santa Barbara with Alnico V magnets delivering warm, vintage-influenced sustain
- ✓ Moderate output (5.01 kΩ) works with both passive and active Music Man preamps
- ✓ Upper-midrange punch at 8.35 kHz cuts through dense mixes without harshness
- ✓ Purpose-built for 5-string Music Man bass with balanced EQ (8/8/5) for studio and live funk/progressive work
Frequently asked questions
Can these pickups be used interchangeably?
No. The Nazgûl is a 7-string guitar humbucker designed for bridge position passive mount. The SMB-5A is a 5-string bass pickup engineered specifically for Music Man instruments. They are not compatible with each other's instruments.
Which has higher output?
The Nazgûl is significantly higher output at 16.7K DC resistance, delivering aggressive, high-gain response. The SMB-5A is moderate output at 5.01 kΩ (in parallel), balancing clarity and sustain without overwhelming the signal chain.
What's the tone difference between ceramic and alnico magnets here?
The Nazgûl's ceramic magnet emphasizes snap, aggression, and treble articulation (scooped mids, 4.28 kHz peak) ideal for metal. The SMB-5A's Alnico V magnets deliver warmth, vintage character, and focused midrange punch (8.35 kHz peak) suited to funk and progressive bass.
Are both suitable for intermediate players?
Yes, both are rated for intermediate, advanced, and professional skill levels. The Nazgûl demands genre-specific application (metal/djent), while the SMB-5A is more versatile across funk, progressive, and studio work.