What type of magnets are used in this pickup?

The SMB-5D uses ceramic magnets, which contribute to its high output and clear, punchy tonal profile.

Is the SMB-5D a hum-cancelling pickup?

Yes, it features a hum-cancelling design that eliminates unwanted 60-cycle hum while maintaining a powerful signal.

What genres of music is this pickup suitable for?

The SMB-5D is highly versatile and works well for funk, R&B, classic rock, and metal due to its balanced tone contour.

How does the SMB-5D compare to Alnico-based pickups?

Ceramic magnets generally offer more high-end clarity and a more aggressive attack compared to the smoother, warmer response of Alnico magnets.

Will this pickup fit a 4-string Music Man bass?

No, this specific model is sized and voiced for 5-string instruments. A 4-string variant would be required for those models.

Why is the 'pre-1992' distinction important?

Music Man changed certain specifications and layouts over time; this pickup is physically and electronically matched to the dimensions of the earlier 5-string versions.

What is the typical price range for the SMB-5D in the UK?

The typical price for this pickup is approximately £138, though this may vary slightly by retailer.

Does this pickup require active electronics?

While it can be paired with active preamps common in StingRay basses, it is a passive pickup that can also be used in various wiring configurations.

Does the pickup come with a cover?

Yes, the pickup is housed in a standard Music Man-style black cover to fit existing pickguard routs.

Is this pickup suitable for fretless basses?

Yes, its balanced frequency response and clear midrange can help articulate the unique 'mwah' sound and nuances of a fretless 5-string bass.

Can I install this in a non-Music Man bass?

It is possible if the bass has the correct routing dimensions, but it is specifically designed to match the sonic and physical footprint of the 5-string StingRay.

Gear article

Seymour Duncan SMB-5D 5-String Music Man Ceramic Pickup

The Seymour Duncan SMB-5D is a hum-cancelling replacement pickup designed specifically for 5-string Music Man StingRay basses produced before 1992. It utilizes a ceramic magnet design to deliver a balanced, highly musical tone suitable for a wide variety of genres including rock, metal, and funk.

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Overview

The Seymour Duncan SMB-5D is a high-output humbucker designed as a drop-in replacement for the 5-string Music Man StingRay. It is engineered to capture the classic 'StingRay growl' while providing modern performance reliability. The pickup features a dual-coil design that provides hum-cancelling properties, ensuring a quiet signal path even under high-gain settings or in environments with electrical interference.

Design and Construction

This pickup is built with ceramic magnets, which are known for providing a sharper attack and a wider frequency response compared to Alnico alternatives. The SMB-5D is specifically tailored for the dimensions and string spacing of pre-1992 5-string Music Man basses. The construction focuses on durability and tonal consistency, making it a staple choice for bassists looking to refurbish or upgrade older instruments.

Tonal Character

The SMB-5D is characterised by its balanced and highly musical tone contour. Unlike some pickups that may overly emphasise one frequency range, the SMB-5D provides a solid low end, a punchy midrange, and crisp highs. This versatility makes it an ideal choice for diverse playing styles:

Funk and R&B: Provides the percussive snap required for slapping and popping.
Classic Rock: Delivers a warm, driving low-mid presence.
Metal: Offers the clarity and aggressive bite needed to cut through dense mixes.

Compatibility and Installation

It is important for technicians and players to note that this specific model is intended for 5-string versions of the Music Man StingRay. While many aftermarket parts like the Gotoh 203B-4 Bass Bridge or Fender American Standard bridges are designed for generic upgrades, the SMB-5D is a specialist component meant for a specific bass architecture. It is most effective when used in instruments that match the pre-1992 specification.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary application of the Seymour Duncan SMB-5D?: It is a replacement humbucking pickup designed specifically for 5-string Music Man StingRay basses, particularly those manufactured before 1992.
What type of magnets are used in this pickup?: The SMB-5D uses ceramic magnets, which contribute to its high output and clear, punchy tonal profile.
Is the SMB-5D a hum-cancelling pickup?: Yes, it features a hum-cancelling design that eliminates unwanted 60-cycle hum while maintaining a powerful signal.
What genres of music is this pickup suitable for?: The SMB-5D is highly versatile and works well for funk, R&B, classic rock, and metal due to its balanced tone contour.
How does the SMB-5D compare to Alnico-based pickups?: Ceramic magnets generally offer more high-end clarity and a more aggressive attack compared to the smoother, warmer response of Alnico magnets.
Will this pickup fit a 4-string Music Man bass?: No, this specific model is sized and voiced for 5-string instruments. A 4-string variant would be required for those models.
Why is the 'pre-1992' distinction important?: Music Man changed certain specifications and layouts over time; this pickup is physically and electronically matched to the dimensions of the earlier 5-string versions.
What is the typical price range for the SMB-5D in the UK?: The typical price for this pickup is approximately £138, though this may vary slightly by retailer.
Does this pickup require active electronics?: While it can be paired with active preamps common in StingRay basses, it is a passive pickup that can also be used in various wiring configurations.
Does the pickup come with a cover?: Yes, the pickup is housed in a standard Music Man-style black cover to fit existing pickguard routs.
Is this pickup suitable for fretless basses?: Yes, its balanced frequency response and clear midrange can help articulate the unique 'mwah' sound and nuances of a fretless 5-string bass.
Can I install this in a non-Music Man bass?: It is possible if the bass has the correct routing dimensions, but it is specifically designed to match the sonic and physical footprint of the 5-string StingRay.