Seymour Duncan SMB-5S 5-String Ceramic Magnet Pickup & 3-Band Tone Cir
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Seymour Duncan SMB-5S 5-String Ceramic Magnet Pickup & 3-Band Tone Circuits For Music Man
In stock
- SKU
- 11402-35
Description
Seymour Duncan SMB-5S 5-String Ceramic Magnet Pickup & 3-Band Tone Circuits For Music Man
The SMB-5S restores the articulate, punchy character that defined 1980s and early '90s Music Man StingRay bass tone. This handcrafted pickup and preamp combination brings clarity and presence back to vintage 5-string instruments, replacing worn original electronics with period-correct components engineered for note definition and cut through any live mix.
Pickup Design & Output
Two large ceramic bar magnets with Forbon flatwork generate the SMB-5S's signature bright, defined response. The 1.5k DCR bass specification keeps the low end tight and articulate without muddiness, while the 4-conductor shielded cable eliminates noise and opens up flexible wiring options for different preamp configurations on stage or in the studio.
Tone Shaping & Control
The integrated STC-3M4 3-band EQ preamp puts active bass, midrange, and treble control directly in your hands, letting you dial in anything from aggressive slap tones to warm, rounded fingerstyle response. This onboard electronics suite transforms the instrument's sonic range without requiring external effects or workarounds.
Key Features
- Ceramic magnet construction for bright, articulate tone
- Two large ceramic bar magnets with Forbon flatwork
- 1.5k DCR bass specification
- 4-conductor shielded cable included
- Vacuum wax potted for reliability and noise rejection
- 3-band EQ preamp with STC-3M4 tone circuit
- Includes logo cover
- Handmade in Santa Barbara, California
- Designed as direct replacement for 5-string Music Man StingRay basses up to 1992
Built with road-proven pickup engineering and solid preamp architecture, this Seymour Duncan assembly delivers the dependability and tonal character that working bass players count on when restoring or upgrading their vintage Music Man instruments.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Country of Manufacture | United States |
Reviews
At a Glance
The Seymour Duncan SMB-5S is a handcrafted ceramic pickup and 3-band active preamp designed to restore or upgrade 5-string Music Man StingRay basses with period-correct 1980s–90s tone. Built for funk, slap, and gigging players who need articulate note definition, tight low end, and cut-through presence on stage without mud or feedback. Choose this if you're restoring a vintage instrument or want the classic StingRay punch that sits perfectly in a live mix.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Funk
- ✓ Slap Bass
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Gigging
Not the best pick for
- – Folk
- – Traditional Jazz
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What bass models does this pickup fit?
The SMB-5S is designed as a direct replacement for 5-string Music Man StingRay basses manufactured up to 1992. It includes a logo cover and is handmade in Santa Barbara, California.
What tone character should I expect?
Ceramic bar magnets deliver bright, articulate, and punchy tone with tight low-end definition and high cut-through—ideal for funk, slap bass, and studio work. The integrated STC-3M4 3-band EQ preamp lets you shape everything from aggressive slap tones to warm fingerstyle response.
What comes included with this pickup?
The assembly includes the SMB-5S ceramic pickup, STC-3M4 3-band active preamp, a 4-conductor shielded cable for flexible wiring, and a logo cover.
Is this pickup noisy or prone to hum?
No—the pickup is vacuum wax potted for reliability and noise rejection, and the 4-conductor shielded cable minimizes noise while allowing flexible preamp configuration options.
What genres is this best suited for?
The SMB-5S excels in funk, slap bass, studio sessions, and live gigging contexts where clarity and presence are essential. It is not recommended for folk or traditional jazz applications.
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