Seymour Duncan SMB-5A 3 Coil Pickup
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- Brand new in original box
- Full Seymour Duncan manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- 11402-34
Description
Seymour Duncan SMB-5A 3 Coil Pickup
The SMB-5A delivers the articulate, punchy character Music Man players expect, with genuine tonal flexibility built into the coil configuration. This hand-built pickup excels at cutting through a mix while maintaining clarity across all frequency ranges, making it the go-to choice for bassists who demand versatility without compromise.
Tone & Electronics
Three distinct tonal settings—series, parallel, and split—are accessed via a 3-way blade switch, each mode completely hum-canceling for clean operation in any environment. The 4.4k Ohms DC resistance and oversized Alnico 5 rod magnets work together to produce punchy mids, tight lows, and articulate highs that respond naturally to playing dynamics.
Design & Build
Hand-built in Santa Barbara, California, this pickup uses premium materials throughout: Forbon flatwork ensures stability and consistency, while vacuum wax potting eliminates microphonic feedback and extends component life. The 4-conductor leadwire provides wiring flexibility for different switching configurations.
Key Features
- Oversized Alnico 5 rod magnets
- Forbon flatwork construction
- 4-conductor leadwire
- Vacuum wax potted for stability
- 4.4k Ohms DC resistance
- Three tonal settings: series, parallel, split
- 3-way blade switch for mode selection
- All settings are hum-canceling
- Hand-built in Santa Barbara, California
- Designed for Music Man 3-coil pickups (Stingray or Sterling models)
- Compatible with 4-string and 5-string basses
The SMB-5A stands as the premium upgrade path for Music Man bass players seeking professional-grade tone shaping and bulletproof reliability.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The Seymour Duncan SMB-5A is a hand-built 3-coil pickup engineered for Music Man basses (Stingray/Sterling), delivering punchy mids, tight lows, and articulate highs with three switchable tonal modes—series, parallel, and split—all hum-canceling for clean stage operation. Intermediate to professional bassists working in funk, progressive, and studio settings will appreciate the high output, natural response to dynamics, and genuine versatility without sacrificing the cutting clarity that defines modern bass tone. Built in California with Alnico 5 magnets and vacuum wax potting, it's a bulletproof upgrade for gigging and session players who demand reliable tone-shaping in any environment.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Bass
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Live Performance
- ✓ Funk
- ✓ Progressive
Not the best pick for
- – Acoustic instruments
- – Beginners
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What basses is the SMB-5A compatible with?
The SMB-5A is designed specifically for Music Man basses with 3-coil pickups, including Stingray and Sterling models. It works on both 4-string and 5-string configurations.
What's the difference between the three tonal modes?
The 3-way blade switch provides three hum-canceling settings—series, parallel, and split—each delivering a distinct sonic character. All modes maintain clarity and punch while responding naturally to your playing dynamics.
Is this pickup suitable for beginners?
No; the SMB-5A is designed for intermediate, advanced, and professional players who can take full advantage of its three tonal modes and high-output character in studio and live settings.
What makes this pickup quieter than stock Music Man pickups?
All three tonal modes are fully hum-canceling, and vacuum wax potting eliminates microphonic feedback, ensuring clean operation on stage or in the studio regardless of electrical interference.
What's included with the pickup?
The SMB-5A comes with a 4-conductor leadwire that provides wiring flexibility for different switching configurations, allowing you to customize how the tonal modes are accessed in your bass.
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