Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $99
Budget/Beginner
$119
$200+
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Price History
Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Seymour Duncan Basslines SPB-3 Quarter Pound Pickups". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Unleash the bold, punchy sound your bass deserves with the Seymour Duncan Basslines SPB-3 Quarter Pound Pickups. Tailored for the discerning bassist, these pickups promise maximum output and an extended frequency range that will make your P Bass roar with rich, full-bodied tones. The SPB-3 is famous for its ability to cut through the mix, whether you're laying it down in the studio or rocking out on stage.
Crafted with precision, these pickups feature oversized 1/4" Alnico 5 rod magnets, which expand the magnetic field for a powerful, fat tone that is both consistent and versatile. The high-output coil windings deliver a dynamic response with tremendous midrange presence, ideal for any genre from rock to jazz. Designed as a drop-in replacement for any American Standard Precision Bass, these pickups come with a sleek black cover and are handbuilt in Santa Barbara, CA.
Whether you're a seasoned pro or an ambitious amateur, the SPB-3 offers unmatched tonal versatility and sustain, making them a favorite among bass players worldwide. Say goodbye to getting lost in the mix and hello to a new era of bass performance.
Key Features:
- Large 1/4" diameter Alnico 5 magnets
- High-output coil windings for a punchy sound
- Extended frequency range for rich, full tones
- Drop-in replacement for American Standard Precision Bass
- Handbuilt in Santa Barbara, CA with vacuum wax potting for squeal-free performance
- Comes with a black cover
Product specs
| Type | Single-coil |
| Format | P-style |
| Active/Passive | Passive |
| Magnet Material | Alnico V |
| Number of Strings | 4 |
| Position | Middle |
| Number of Conductors | 2 wire |
| Features | Split-coil |
FAQs
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What type of music genres are the Seymour Duncan SPB-3 Quarter Pound Pickups best suited for?
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The Seymour Duncan SPB-3 Quarter Pound Pickups are ideal for genres like classic and hard rock, grunge, metal, and punk due to their high output and aggressive tone.
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What is the magnet type used in the Seymour Duncan SPB-3 Quarter Pound Pickups?
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These pickups use Alnico V magnets, which contribute to their powerful and punchy sound, enhancing both the bass and treble frequencies.
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Are the Seymour Duncan SPB-3 Quarter Pound Pickups passive or active?
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The Seymour Duncan SPB-3 Quarter Pound Pickups are passive, allowing for a natural and dynamic response suited for a variety of playing styles.
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How does the Seymour Duncan SPB-3 Quarter Pound Pickup affect the tone of a bass guitar?
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The SPB-3 offers a high output with a pronounced midrange and treble, delivering a punchy and aggressive tone that cuts through the mix, making it ideal for live performances and recording.
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Can the Seymour Duncan SPB-3 Quarter Pound Pickups be used with a 5-string bass?
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No, the Seymour Duncan SPB-3 Quarter Pound Pickups are designed for 4-string bass guitars, specifically fitting the standard P-style bass format.
Videos
Bully Thakidd
Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound SPB-3 P Bass Pickup Upgrade
Reviews
PROS
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Significantly enhances bass tone with more punch and clarity
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Provides a modern sound with strong output, ideal for rock and punk
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Versatile tonal range; capable of vintage sounds by adjusting volume
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Easy installation with clear instructions included
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Enhances the sound quality of budget or stock instruments significantly
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Great value for the price compared to similar high-end pickups
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Robust and durable construction with quality workmanship
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Loud output mimics active pickups without needing a battery
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Ideal for cutting through mixes, ensuring bass presence in live settings
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Consistent and reliable performance across different bass models
CONS
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Larger size may require modifications to fit under standard pickguards
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May require additional padding for correct installation
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High output can be overwhelming without proper adjustment
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Included screws and foam may not fit all instruments properly
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Seymour Duncan Basslines SPB-3 Quarter Pound Pickups.
Features and functionality
Comparisons
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The SPB-3 is described as less nuanced than the SPB-1, which offers a more vintage-correct tone with better definition and breakup.
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Several users find the SPB-3 pickups to have a "scooped" tone with heavy low-end output, contrasting with the SPB-2 Hot Precision's more mid-focused sound.
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While the SPB-3s are favored for their punchy sound, some users recommend DiMarzio Model P pickups as a cost-effective alternative with similar performance to more expensive brands like Fralins.
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Use cases and applications
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Owners report the SPB-3 delivers a fatter, vintage-like vibe, particularly when replacing original vintage pickups.
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The SPB-3 pickups are described as providing too much low-end for those seeking more midrange presence, making them less suitable for certain rock genres needing more high mids.
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Owners find the SPB-3 pickups effective in transforming a budget bass like a Squier into a more professional-sounding instrument, enhancing both live performance and recording situations.
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The SPB-3 pickups are noted for achieving a "fatty and clinky" tone, which can be tailored to suit various styles, ensuring versatility across different musical genres.
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User experience
Mods and upgrades
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Switching to 500kOhm pots can help let more high frequencies through, potentially addressing complaints about the SPB-3's low-end emphasis.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 12 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
Waters uses Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound precision bass pickups in his signature bass.
Mark Hoppus' Signature Jazz Bass comes stock with Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound P Bass pickups.
On the premier guitar article covering the Hear is a Monster sessions, they highlight this: "Greg Edwards has moved away from using Wal basses and now prefers Fender Precisions with Seymour Duncan Quarter Pounder pickups."
Installed in Heller's Fender PB-62, as mentioned in this June 15, 2014 Premier Guitar interview.
Amos remains a bass gear junkie, constantly searching for new tones and sonic toys. He takes a straight-ahead approach to his tone, relying on great basses as opposed to lots of outboard gear. A proud Fender endorsee, Amos used his ’62 RI Precision (loaded with Seymour Duncan Quarter Pounders) on almost everything during the last U.S. tour, though he also carried a Cabronita P-bass and a Dimension 5 for extended range. His one “quirky” bass, a ’71 Orlando, also sees some use. His pedalboard is modest: an Xotic Bass RC Booster, a Radial Classic Tube Distortion, and an ancient Ibanez chorus, all controlled by tech Steve Uncapher. With no amps on stage, Amos runs it all through an Avalon U5 preamp.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Seymour Duncan Basslines SPB-3 Quarter Pound Pickups, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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