11406-10 vs 11407-26 — Compare

Seymour Duncan AJB-2ASB Steve Bailey Fundamental Fretless System 2-Band Tone Circuit vs Seymour Duncan ASB2-6S Active Soapbar 6-String Neck/Bridge Pickup Set

The Steve Bailey system is a complete pre-wired fretless-optimized electronics package with integrated pickups and tone shaping, while the Soapbar set is individual pickups designed for modern, articulate tone in standard bass configurations. Choose the Steve Bailey system for fretless bass requiring a cohesive, ready-to-install solution; choose the Soapbar pickups if you need versatile active pickups for a 5- or 6-string bass in rock, funk, or progressive genres.

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

Seymour Duncan AJB-2ASB Steve Bailey Fundamental Fretless System 2-Band Tone Circuit

$309.00
View Seymour Duncan AJB-2ASB Steve Bailey Fundamental Fretless System 2-Band Tone Circuit

Seymour Duncan ASB2-6S Active Soapbar 6-String Neck/Bridge Pickup Set

$309.00
View Seymour Duncan ASB2-6S Active Soapbar 6-String Neck/Bridge Pickup Set

Specs side by side

Seymour Duncan AJB-2ASB Steve Bailey Fundamental Fretless System 2-Band Tone CircuitSeymour Duncan ASB2-6S Active Soapbar 6-String Neck/Bridge Pickup Set
Price$309.00$309.00
BrandSeymour DuncanSeymour Duncan
Pickup TypeAny PositionSet
ConditionNewNew

Why choose Seymour Duncan AJB-2ASB Steve Bailey Fundamental Fretless System 2-Band Tone Circuit

  • Complete pre-wired system engineered specifically for fretless bass dynamics
  • Integrated 2-band tone circuit with frequency contour switch for precise fretless voice shaping
  • Designed in collaboration with fretless pioneer Steve Bailey
  • Jazz Bass cavity format with calibrated neck and bridge pickups tuned for fretless articulation

Why choose Seymour Duncan ASB2-6S Active Soapbar 6-String Neck/Bridge Pickup Set

  • Soapbar format compatible with standard 5- and 6-string bass cavities
  • Modern hi-fi tone with punchy attack and smooth response across funk, rock, and progressive styles
  • Split-blade design eliminates hum while delivering single-coil punch
  • Direct EMG 40/45 replacement allows retrofitting into existing instruments
Bottom line: Buy the Steve Bailey system if you own or are building a fretless Jazz Bass and want a turnkey, fretless-specific solution. Buy the Soapbar set if you need active pickups for a standard-cavity 5- or 6-string bass in modern rock, funk, or studio contexts and plan to add your own tone circuit.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use the Soapbar pickups on a fretless bass?

While the Soapbars deliver modern, articulate tone, they are not specifically voiced for fretless playing. The Steve Bailey system is engineered for the unique dynamic demands of fretless bass, making it the better choice for that application.

Does the Steve Bailey system come with a tone circuit, and does the Soapbar set?

The Steve Bailey system includes a complete 2-band tone circuit with bass, treble, and frequency contour controls built in. The Soapbar pickups are pickups only and typically pair with an external STC-2 or STC-3 tone circuit for full tonal control.

What bass cavity shapes do these fit?

The Steve Bailey system is designed for Jazz Bass cavity space with standard control layout. The Soapbar set uses soapbar cavity format and is a direct replacement for EMG 40/45 sized cavities in 5- or 6-string basses.

How long does the battery last on each system?

Both systems deliver approximately 1,000 continuous hours per battery set. The Steve Bailey system runs on a single 9v battery or two in series for added headroom.

🎸

Welcome! Before we chat…

Drop your name and email so we can follow up if you reach us after hours.

We never share your info.

🟢 Specialist connected