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Seymour Duncan APH-2s Slash Black Nickel 4-Conductor SE Pickup vs Seymour Duncan SSB-5NYCS NYC Passive Soapbar 5-String Pickup Set
The APH-2s is a guitar humbucker for rock and lead work, while the SSB-5NYCS is a bass soapbar pickup set for funk and jazz. Choose the APH-2s if you play electric guitar and want articulate rock tones; choose the SSB-5NYCS if you play 5-string bass and need warm, punchy passive pickups.
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Seymour Duncan APH-2s Slash Black Nickel 4-Conductor SE Pickup
Seymour Duncan SSB-5NYCS NYC Passive Soapbar 5-String Pickup Set
Specs side by side
| Seymour Duncan APH-2s Slash Black Nickel 4-Conductor SE Pickup | Seymour Duncan SSB-5NYCS NYC Passive Soapbar 5-String Pickup Set | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $338.00 | $329.00 |
| Brand | Seymour Duncan | Seymour Duncan |
| Pickup Type | — | Set |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Seymour Duncan APH-2s Slash Black Nickel 4-Conductor SE Pickup
- ✓ Hand-built Alnico 2 humbucker with warm, compressed tone perfect for rock lead work
- ✓ 4-conductor wiring unlocks coil-splitting and series/parallel switching for tonal versatility
- ✓ Cuts through the mix with refined harmonic content and muscular sustain without harshness
Why choose Seymour Duncan SSB-5NYCS NYC Passive Soapbar 5-String Pickup Set
- ✓ Passive bass soapbar set designed specifically for 5-string basses with warm low-mids
- ✓ Articulate, punchy attack with vintage character suits funk and jazz playing styles
- ✓ Alnico II rods and controlled brightness deliver clarity in studio and home recording environments
Frequently asked questions
Can I use either pickup on a guitar or bass interchangeably?
No. The APH-2s is a guitar humbucker (neck or bridge position), while the SSB-5NYCS is a bass soapbar pickup set for 5-string bass. They are not compatible with each other's instruments.
Which is better for metal and thrash?
Neither pickup is ideal for metal or thrash metal. Both are explicitly designed for warmer, more articulate tones suited to rock, blues, funk, and jazz rather than high-gain metal applications.
Does the APH-2s require special wiring to use its 4-conductor feature?
Yes. The 4-conductor wiring on the APH-2s enables advanced options like coil-splitting and series/parallel switching, but your guitar's control setup must support these wiring schemes to take advantage of them.
Is the SSB-5NYCS set active or passive?
The SSB-5NYCS is a passive pickup set, meaning it requires no batteries or power supply and delivers a natural, vintage tone without electronic boost or tone-shaping circuits.