What output level does the SMB-5A deliver, and will it work with my preamp?

The SMB-5A has a 5.01 kΩ DC resistance (in parallel) and moderate output designed to work with both passive and active preamp setups. The four-conductor leadwire provides flexible wiring options to match your bass configuration.

How does the SMB-5A compare to other 5-string bass pickups like the Bartolini M4 CBC or DiMarzio Ultra Jazz?

The SMB-5A emphasizes articulate midrange punch and focused clarity with an 8/8/5 EQ profile (Bass/Mid/Treble), making it more aggressive than traditional jazz-voiced pickups; it's optimized for funk, progressive, and studio work rather than traditional jazz applications.

What's included with the SMB-5A, and what are the key construction details?

The pickup ships with a four-conductor hookup cable, logo cover, and features alnico V rod magnets, vacuum wax potting for feedback elimination, and Forbon flatwork construction materials. It's hand-built in Santa Barbara specifically for Music Man 5-string basses.

Will this pickup eliminate feedback during live performance?

Yes; the vacuum wax potting eliminates microphonic feedback and ensures consistent performance under stage conditions, making it reliable for gigging and live sound environments.

What tone should I expect from the alnico V magnet and 8.35 kHz resonant peak?

Alnico V delivers a warm, vintage-influenced core with excellent sustain and note definition, while the 8.35 kHz resonant peak adds upper-midrange presence without harshness, giving you clarity and aggression that cuts through dense mixes.

Seymour Duncan SMB-5A 5-String Alnico Magnet Pickup For Music Man

The SMB-5A is a hand-built 5-string Music Man pickup engineered for aggressive articulation and focused midrange punch. Designed by Seymour Duncan in Santa Barbara, this alnico-magnet design cuts through dense mixes with clarity while maintaining the tight, controlled response that active bass players demand on stage and in the studio.

Tone & Magnetic Characteristics

Alnico V rod magnets deliver a warm, vintage-influenced core with excellent sustain and note definition across the fundamental frequencies. The 8.35 kHz resonant peak provides upper-midrange presence without harshness, while the EQ profile of 8/8/5 (Bass/Mid/Treble) emphasizes low-end body and midrange aggression with controlled high-end extension—ideal for sitting locked in a live mix without losing your voice.

Construction & Wiring

This pickup features vacuum wax potting to eliminate microphonic feedback and ensure reliable performance under touring and venue conditions. The four-conductor leadwire allows flexible wiring configurations, and a 5.01 kΩ DC resistance (in parallel) positions this pickup as a moderate-output design suited to both passive and active preamp setups, giving you the headroom to dial in your tone without compromise.

Key Features

Hand built in Santa Barbara, California
Alnico V rod magnets
Four-conductor leadwire for flexible wiring options
5.01 kΩ DC resistance (in parallel)
8.35 kHz resonant peak frequency (in parallel)
Forbon flatwork construction materials
Vacuum wax potted for feedback elimination
EQ profile: 8 Bass / 8 Mid / 5 Treble
Designed specifically for 5-string Music Man bass applications
Four-conductor hookup cable included
Logo cover included

The SMB-5A delivers the clarity, sustain, and articulate midrange control that professional and gigging bass players trust when every note has to count.

Condition	New
Country of Manufacture	United States