11402-25 vs 11402-35 — Compare
Seymour Duncan SMB-4DS 4-String Ceramic Magnet Pickup & 3-Band Tone Circuits For Music Man vs Seymour Duncan SMB-5S 5-String Ceramic Magnet Pickup & 3-Band Tone Circuits For Music Man
The SMB-4DS is a 4-string pickup with bright, modern articulation and a proprietary Slap Switch, while the SMB-5S is a 5-string pickup with warmer, vintage-voiced Alnico magnets suited to classic rock and blues. Choose the SMB-4DS if you play 4-string and want cutting highs for funk and slap; choose the SMB-5S if you play 5-string and prefer a warmer, more vintage tone.
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Seymour Duncan SMB-4DS 4-String Ceramic Magnet Pickup & 3-Band Tone Circuits For Music Man
Seymour Duncan SMB-5S 5-String Ceramic Magnet Pickup & 3-Band Tone Circuits For Music Man
Specs side by side
| Seymour Duncan SMB-4DS 4-String Ceramic Magnet Pickup & 3-Band Tone Circuits For Music Man | Seymour Duncan SMB-5S 5-String Ceramic Magnet Pickup & 3-Band Tone Circuits For Music Man | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $250.00 | $250.00 |
| Brand | Seymour Duncan | Seymour Duncan |
| Pickup Type | Set | Set |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Seymour Duncan SMB-4DS 4-String Ceramic Magnet Pickup & 3-Band Tone Circuits For Music Man
- ✓ 4-string configuration matches modern Music Man StingRay models
- ✓ Bright ceramic magnets with punchy, articulate tone ideal for slap and funk
- ✓ Proprietary Slap Switch adds genre-specific tonal flexibility
- ✓ ±7/±8/±6 dB active EQ ranges for precise control
Why choose Seymour Duncan SMB-5S 5-String Ceramic Magnet Pickup & 3-Band Tone Circuits For Music Man
- ✓ 5-string design accommodates both classic (up to 1992) and some modern 5-string StingRays
- ✓ Alnico magnets deliver warmer lows and more detailed highs than ceramic versions
- ✓ Vintage 1976-voiced character suits blues, classic rock, and Southern rock
- ✓ Extended frequency response on both ends of the spectrum for fuller tone
Frequently asked questions
Which pickup should I choose based on my bass model?
The SMB-4DS is for 4-string Music Man StingRay basses. The SMB-5S fits 5-string StingRays from 1976 to 1992; for post-1992 5-strings, the description recommends checking the three-coil version instead.
What's the tonal difference between ceramic and Alnico magnets in these pickups?
The SMB-4DS uses ceramic magnets for bright, cutting highs and articulate midrange with a 9.4 kHz resonant peak. The SMB-5S uses Alnico magnets, which extend both frequency extremes—warmer lows and more detailed highs—with a vintage character.
Which pickup is better for slap bass?
The SMB-4DS is specifically designed for slap with its ceramic magnets, articulate response, and proprietary Slap Switch for genre-specific flexibility. The SMB-5S is voiced more toward blues and classic rock styles.
Do both pickups include tone circuits?
The SMB-4DS includes a complete 3-band active EQ circuit with Bass, Midrange, and Treble controls. The SMB-5S is generally used with separate STC-3M3 or -3M4 tone circuits for optimal control.