11406-05 vs 11993-06 — Compare

Seymour Duncan APB-2 Lightin' Rods For P-Bass Pickup vs Seymour Duncan STC-3P 3-Band Tone Circuit For Passive Pickups

The APB-2 is a complete active pickup replacement offering vintage tone with modern punch in a drop-in package, while the STC-3P is an onboard EQ circuit that adds tonal shaping to existing passive pickups. Choose the APB-2 if you want an all-in-one pickup upgrade; choose the STC-3P if you want to keep your current pickups but add versatile active EQ control.

No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.

Seymour Duncan APB-2 Lightin' Rods For P-Bass Pickup

$169.00
View Seymour Duncan APB-2 Lightin' Rods For P-Bass Pickup

Seymour Duncan STC-3P 3-Band Tone Circuit For Passive Pickups

$165.00
View Seymour Duncan STC-3P 3-Band Tone Circuit For Passive Pickups

Specs side by side

Seymour Duncan APB-2 Lightin' Rods For P-Bass PickupSeymour Duncan STC-3P 3-Band Tone Circuit For Passive Pickups
Price$169.00$165.00
BrandSeymour DuncanSeymour Duncan
Pickup TypeAny PositionAny Position
ConditionNewNew

Why choose Seymour Duncan APB-2 Lightin' Rods For P-Bass Pickup

  • Drop-in replacement—no routing or modification needed
  • Hand-built in USA with vintage warmth plus modern active output
  • Hum-cancelling split-coil design eliminates 60-cycle noise
  • Complete package with wiring, hardware, and covers included

Why choose Seymour Duncan STC-3P 3-Band Tone Circuit For Passive Pickups

  • Works with your existing passive pickups—no replacement necessary
  • Dedicated 3-band EQ with mid-range control for surgical tone shaping
  • Proprietary Slap Switch for instant EQ contour optimized for slap style
  • High headroom and low noise with 18V upgrade option available
Bottom line: Buy the APB-2 if your P-bass pickup is tired and you want a fresh, cohesive active solution. Buy the STC-3P if your pickups sound good but you need flexible EQ control and don't want to replace the entire pickup.

Frequently asked questions

Which one is better for funk and slap bass?

Both suit funk well. The APB-2 delivers articulate low-end and tight punch out of the box; the STC-3P adds a dedicated Slap Switch and mid-range control for deeper tone-shaping during slap styles. The APB-2 is simpler if you want plug-and-play funk tone; the STC-3P is better if you want on-the-fly EQ adjustment during slap playing.

Do I need to modify my bass for either of these?

The APB-2 requires no routing—it drops into a standard Fender American Standard P-bass cavity with included hardware. The STC-3P requires removing your existing onboard electronics and installing a new preamp circuit with new pots and jacks, so installation is more involved.

Can I use both together?

Technically yes—you could install the APB-2 active pickup and add the STC-3P onboard EQ for even more tonal range. However, the APB-2 already includes active circuitry, so stacking might add unnecessary complexity unless you want maximum EQ control.

What skill level do I need to install each?

The APB-2 is intermediate-friendly as a straightforward drop-in swap requiring basic soldering knowledge. The STC-3P is more advanced because it involves complete electronics replacement, cavity routing for new potentiometers, and jack relocation—many players prefer professional installation for this.

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