11405-48 vs 11407-11 — Compare
Seymour Duncan SSB-5S Passive Soapbar 5-String Pickup Set vs Seymour Duncan ASB-BO-4S Blackouts For Bass 4-String Pickup Set
The SSB-5S is a passive 5-string pickup set with articulate midrange and tight lows, while the Blackouts ASB-BO-4S is an active 4-string set with aggressive punch and onboard EQ. Choose the SSB-5S if you play 5-string bass and prefer passive simplicity; choose the Blackouts if you play 4-string and want modern active aggression with tone-shaping controls.
No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.
Seymour Duncan SSB-5S Passive Soapbar 5-String Pickup Set
Seymour Duncan ASB-BO-4S Blackouts For Bass 4-String Pickup Set
Specs side by side
| Seymour Duncan SSB-5S Passive Soapbar 5-String Pickup Set | Seymour Duncan ASB-BO-4S Blackouts For Bass 4-String Pickup Set | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $269.00 | $269.00 |
| Brand | Seymour Duncan | Seymour Duncan |
| Series | Seymour Duncan Bass Pickups | Seymour Duncan Blackouts |
| Pickup Type | Set | Set |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Seymour Duncan SSB-5S Passive Soapbar 5-String Pickup Set
- ✓ Passive design—no battery dependency or active circuitry noise floor
- ✓ 5-string configuration with 3.10" string spacing for modern five-string basses
- ✓ Balanced neck and bridge resonant peaks (9.2 kHz and 8.1 kHz) for clarity across genres
- ✓ Direct EMG 40 cavity replacement—straightforward upgrade path
Why choose Seymour Duncan ASB-BO-4S Blackouts For Bass 4-String Pickup Set
- ✓ Active EQ onboard with 9/5/9 Bass/Mids/Treble for sculpting modern metal and hard rock tones
- ✓ Aggressive, punchy low-end attack optimized for heavy genres
- ✓ 4-string configuration suits the majority of bass players
- ✓ Minimal noise and focused midrange clarity from dual-blade ceramic design
Frequently asked questions
Which is better for jazz and funk?
The SSB-5S is engineered for jazz, funk, metal, and progressive, with articulate midrange and clear definition. The Blackouts are explicitly not ideal for jazz and are optimized for aggressive metal and hard rock, making the SSB-5S the better all-genre choice for jazz and funk players.
Do these pickups require a battery?
The SSB-5S is fully passive and requires no battery. The Blackouts ASB-BO-4S are active and require a battery to power the onboard EQ; you will need to manage battery replacement.
What's the key difference in output and tone character?
The SSB-5S delivers high output with tight, articulate definition through ceramic magnets in a passive design. The Blackouts deliver higher aggression and punch with an onboard active EQ that scoops mids and boosts bass and treble for a modern metal tone.
Which cavity do they fit?
The SSB-5S is a direct EMG 40 replacement. The Blackouts ASB-BO-4S are a direct EMG 35 cavity replacement. Check your bass cavity size before purchasing to ensure compatibility.