Our ASB Phase I-sized active 5-string (ASB-5) and 6-string (ASB-6) soapbar bass pickups combine clarity, punch, and warmth in a super-responsive soapbar. These pickups are direct replacements for a traditional Bartolini P2.
DCR – Short for DC Resistance, is measured in Ohms and is the total resistance of the copper wire wound around a coil form. The length of the coil form, the number of turns and the gauge of wire all affect the DCR reading. DCR is often used as a gauge of output because as the turns increase, so does the output, though magnet type and the coil geometry also influence output. Magnet – We use several different magnet formulations: Alnico 2, Alnico 3, Alnico 4, Alnico 5, Alnico 6, Alnico 8 and Ceramic 5/8. In the case of pickups, the most significant characteristic is the gauss strength, which is a measure of the density of the magnetic field. Of the magnets we use, Alnico 3 has the lowest gauss strength. From there in order of ascending strength you have A2, A4, A5, A6, Ceramic and A8. As the gauss strength goes up, so does the output. The magnets at the lower end of the scale tend to produce a softer attack and a degree of “bloom” to the envelope of the note.
Ceramic magnets should be considered as an individual case because they do not contain any nickel or iron. This has the effect of decreasing the inductance of the pickup and significantly raising the resonant frequency. It is for this reason that many consider ceramic magnets to have a brittle sound, not their gauss strength. Looking at this from another point of view, ceramic magnets can be said to produce increased clarity, better note definition and faster response to picking. Output – The overall output of a passive pickup is influenced by several design factors: number of turns of wire on the coil(s), strength of the magnet, coil geometry and magnetic circuit geometry.The output of an active pickup is influenced by the same factors but is predominantly determined by the design of the onboard preamp.
We designed our Active Soapbar bass pickups to be the perfect blend of a traditional active pickup’s punch and snap and a vintage passive pickup’s warmth and tone. The dynamics and response are true, with just a hint of tonal coloring that is musical and not extreme. The sound of the ASB is natural, with an even bass, mid, and treble response that’s perfect for fingerstyle or slap.
The onboard active preamp gives you more overall volume and presence than you can typically get from a passive pickup. Our internal split-blade design allows for the best string-to-string balance of any soapbar bass pickup. The ASB is available in 5- and 6-string models and is a direct replacement for a traditional Bartolini P2.
Many bassists combine the ASB pickups with our STC-2 or STC-3 Tone Circuit preamps to add precision EQ sculpting. Battery life is approximately 1,000 continuous hours per set and we include all necessary mounting and wiring hardware.
The E.Q. chart gives you a general idea as to the bass, mids and treble of each pickup position
Hand Built in California. Period Correct. Every Time.
Our team of master builders have been with us for an average of 21 years—they take pride in crafting our products to create the most amazing sound possible.
Take Your Tone For A Test Drive
If you’re not 100% pleased with the sound of your Seymour Duncan pickups, you can exchange them for up to 21 days after purchase. This offer applies to any pickups bought from an authorized Seymour Duncan dealer in the USA.
