The idea of splitting coils, have them spatially separated, and summing the signals is not new at all. This technique has been used on the Fender Precision Bass ever since 1957. The additional benefit is that by adding the coils out-of-phase, you create a humbucker. Of course G&L introduced a Magnetic Field Design (MFD) version of this popular pickup. It was used on the ‘entry level’ 2nd style SB-1 (except for the fingerboard this SB-1 Deluxe is identical to a 2nd style SB-1) starting in 1985. But note that on some early ones, like this 2nd style SB-1, a Schaller PBX pickup was used instead. The 2nd style SB-2, introduced by the start of 1989 and still in production today, has a “Jazz” style MFD in the bridge and a split-coil MFD in the neck. On all these pickups, there are 2 adjustable pole pieces straddling each string. The Custom Shop Matador Bass, introduced in late-2019, comes standard with 2 custom wound LB-100 Alnico V split-coil pickups, but 2 split-coil MFD pups are available upon request.