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

The STC-3A is built for active pickups and offers surgical control with dual-voltage operation up to 18V, while the STC-3P is designed for passive pickups with a simpler, more streamlined approach. Choose the STC-3A if your bass has active pickups and you want maximum headroom; choose the STC-3P if you have passive pickups and prefer a more straightforward tone stack.

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

Seymour Duncan STC-3A 3-Band Tone Circuit For Active Pickups

$165.00
View Seymour Duncan STC-3A 3-Band Tone Circuit For Active Pickups

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 STC-3A 3-Band Tone Circuit For Active PickupsSeymour Duncan STC-3P 3-Band Tone Circuit For Passive Pickups
Price$165.00$165.00
BrandSeymour DuncanSeymour Duncan
Pickup TypeAny PositionAny Position
ConditionNewNew

Why choose Seymour Duncan STC-3A 3-Band Tone Circuit For Active Pickups

  • Designed specifically for active pickups with optimized impedance matching
  • Supports 18V dual-battery operation for increased headroom and dynamic range
  • Includes trim pots for fine-tuning frequency contours by technician or player
  • Stacked bass/treble control plus dedicated midrange and blend circuit

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

  • Purpose-built for passive pickup systems without requiring active electronics
  • Voiced specifically for electric bass with tight lows and punchy mids
  • Proprietary Slap Switch engages with volume knob pull for dedicated slap EQ contour
  • Complete prewired package with all hardware, potentiometers, and knobs included
Bottom line: If your bass uses active pickups, the STC-3A delivers superior headroom and tuning flexibility. If your bass uses passive pickups, the STC-3P is the correct choice and provides everything needed in one package.

Frequently asked questions

What's the main difference between these two circuits?

The STC-3A is engineered for active pickups and supports dual 9V/18V operation, while the STC-3P is designed for passive pickups only. They are not interchangeable—you must match the circuit to your pickup type.

Do both circuits include the Slap Switch?

Yes, both the STC-3A and STC-3P feature the proprietary Slap Switch, which engages when you pull up on the volume knob to activate a special EQ contour optimized for slap-style playing.

Can I run either circuit at higher voltage?

Yes, both can operate at 18V using two 9V batteries wired in series for increased headroom and dynamic range, though the STC-3A explicitly emphasizes this feature in its design.

Which circuit is better for studio work?

Both are listed as suitable for studio sessions. The choice depends on whether your bass has active or passive pickups—pick the matching circuit, and both deliver low noise, low distortion, and transparent signal for recording.

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