What bass models does this pickup fit?

The SSB-5N is a direct drop-in replacement for EMG 40 sized pickup cavities and accommodates string spacing up to 3.10 inches, making it compatible with most modern 5-string bass guitars that use that footprint.

Do I need a battery for this pickup?

No—the SSB-5N is fully passive, so it requires no battery or external power. You get low-noise operation and simplified wiring with standard two-conductor cabling.

What tone character should I expect?

Expect articulate, balanced response with a 6-4-7 EQ curve (Bass-Mid-Treble) and crisp attack from the ceramic bar magnets. The 9.2 kHz resonant peak and 6.3 kΩ DC resistance keep fundamentals clear and mids controlled without excessive coloration.

What styles is this pickup best suited for?

The SSB-5N excels in funk, jazz, rock, and studio sessions where transparent tone and definition matter. It's not designed for metal or thrash metal genres that typically call for high-output, aggressive character.

How does this compare to active pickups?

Passive pickups like the SSB-5N offer simplicity and low-noise performance without battery management; they deliver moderate output and let your bass's natural acoustics shine through, whereas active pickups provide boosted output and built-in EQ shaping at the cost of added electronics and power dependency.

Seymour Duncan SSB-5N Passive Soapbar 5-String Neck Pickup

The SSB-5N delivers articulate, balanced neck-position response for 5-string bass guitars without any battery dependency. This passive design excels at reproducing clear fundamentals and controlled mid-range presence, making it a reliable choice for players who prefer simplicity and low-noise operation in their signal chain.

Tone & Output Character

With a 6.3 kΩ DC resistance and 9.2 kHz resonant peak, the SSB-5N produces moderate output and a balanced EQ curve—6 (Bass) / 4 (Mid) / 7 (Treble)—that sits well in the mix without excessive coloration. The ceramic bar magnets provide crisp attack and definition across the frequency spectrum.

Installation & Compatibility

This pickup installs as a direct drop-in replacement into EMG 40 sized pickup slots and accommodates string spacing up to 3.10" (78.5mm), making it a straightforward retrofit for most modern 5-string instruments. The two-conductor cable integrates cleanly with standard wiring schemes.

Key Features

Passive design—no batteries or external power required
DC Resistance: 6.3 kΩ
Resonant Peak: 9.2 kHz
Ceramic bar magnet construction
EQ Profile: 6 Bass / 4 Mid / 7 Treble
Maximum string spacing: 3.10" (78.5mm) for 5-string configuration
Direct drop-in compatibility with EMG 40 sized cavities
Two-conductor cable
Moderate output level
Purpose-designed for 5-string neck position

The SSB-5N pairs reliability with straightforward passive operation, ideal for bass players seeking transparent tone without complex electronics on the road or in the studio.

Condition	New
Country of Manufacture	United States