11405-51 vs 11993-17 — Compare
Seymour Duncan SSB-5NYCB NYC Passive Soapbar 5-String Bridge Pickup vs Seymour Duncan STC-2ASB Fundamental 2-Band Tone Circuit For Active Pickups
The NYC Soapbar is a passive bridge pickup for 5-string bass, while the Fundamental is an active preamp circuit for managing active pickups—they serve different roles in your signal chain. Choose the NYC Soapbar if you want a standalone passive pickup with modern tone and vintage construction; choose the Fundamental if you already have active pickups and need refined EQ control and low-noise amplification.
No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.
Seymour Duncan SSB-5NYCB NYC Passive Soapbar 5-String Bridge Pickup
Seymour Duncan STC-2ASB Fundamental 2-Band Tone Circuit For Active Pickups
Specs side by side
| Seymour Duncan SSB-5NYCB NYC Passive Soapbar 5-String Bridge Pickup | Seymour Duncan STC-2ASB Fundamental 2-Band Tone Circuit For Active Pickups | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $165.00 | $165.00 |
| Brand | Seymour Duncan | Seymour Duncan |
| Pickup Type | Bridge | Any Position |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Seymour Duncan SSB-5NYCB NYC Passive Soapbar 5-String Bridge Pickup
- ✓ Standalone passive pickup—no battery required
- ✓ Dual J-coil design with Alnico 2 for warm, punchy midrange presence
- ✓ Four-conductor cable enables three distinct wiring configurations
- ✓ Hand-built in Santa Barbara with modern 74mm spacing for contemporary 5-string basses
Why choose Seymour Duncan STC-2ASB Fundamental 2-Band Tone Circuit For Active Pickups
- ✓ Active preamp with low noise and high headroom for clean articulate tone
- ✓ Minimalist three-knob layout keeps control cavity uncluttered
- ✓ Frequency contour switch accessed via pull-up volume control for instant EQ voicing
- ✓ Optional dual 9V battery wiring for increased dynamic range
Frequently asked questions
Can I use both products together?
No. The NYC Soapbar is a pickup (the transducer itself), while the Fundamental is a preamp circuit that processes signal from existing active pickups. They operate at different stages of your signal chain.
Which one is better for a beginner?
The NYC Soapbar is more forgiving for intermediate to advanced players seeking plug-and-play passive tone. The Fundamental requires existing active pickups and preamp installation experience, making it unsuitable for beginners.
Does the NYC Soapbar work on fretless bass?
Yes—the product description lists 'Studio Sessions' and does not exclude fretless. However, the Fundamental is specifically optimized for fretless bass players seeking articulate, responsive control.
What's the real difference in tone philosophy?
The NYC Soapbar delivers fixed passive character (articulate low-midrange, punchy mids, warm response) shaped by its design. The Fundamental gives you active tone shaping tools—bass, treble, blend, and frequency contours—to sculpt your active system's output in real time.