EMG1215 vs EMG1217 — Compare
EMG Robert Trujillo Rip Tide Active Single Coil Pickup in Ivory vs EMG S Active Single Coil Pickup in Ivory
The Robert Trujillo Rip Tide is a high-output, aggressive J-bass pickup designed for metal and modern styles, while the EMG S is a balanced guitar pickup optimized for clean tones and recording. Choose the Rip Tide if you play aggressive bass in heavy genres; choose the EMG S if you need a versatile, low-noise guitar pickup for studio and lead work.
No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.
EMG Robert Trujillo Rip Tide Active Single Coil Pickup in Ivory
Specs side by side
| EMG Robert Trujillo Rip Tide Active Single Coil Pickup in Ivory | EMG S Active Single Coil Pickup in Ivory | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $105.00 | $105.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG Robert Trujillo Rip Tide Active Single Coil Pickup in Ivory
- ✓ Extreme high output (4.50V thump mode) cuts through dense metal mixes
- ✓ Aggressive midrange peak (3.95 kHz) designed for articulate bass attack
- ✓ J-bass format fits standard J configurations without routing
- ✓ Collaboration with Metallica's bass player ensures metal credibility
Why choose EMG S Active Single Coil Pickup in Ivory
- ✓ Lower, more balanced output (0.6V RMS) suits clean and lead tones
- ✓ Exceptional noise floor (-90 dBV) ideal for recording and high-gain chain transparency
- ✓ Strat-style single-coil delivers classic articulation with modern clarity
- ✓ Includes onboard volume and tone controls for shaping without extra gear
Frequently asked questions
Are these pickups compatible with the same instruments?
No. The Robert Trujillo Rip Tide is a J-bass pickup designed for 4-string bass guitars, while the EMG S is a Stratocaster-style guitar pickup. They are not interchangeable.
Which has better battery life?
Both offer approximately 1000 hours per 9V battery. The Rip Tide draws 80 microamps while the EMG S draws 240 microamps, but both achieve similar total runtime due to their respective designs.
Why is the Rip Tide output so much higher than the EMG S?
The Rip Tide is engineered for bass guitar with high headroom for heavy, articulate playing in loud band contexts (2.00V single string, 4.50V thump). The EMG S targets guitar lead and clean tones at 0.6V RMS, which is appropriate for guitar-level signal chains.
Which pickup is better for recording?
The EMG S is explicitly designed for studio recording with a -90 dBV noise floor for transparent signal capture. The Rip Tide prioritizes aggressive output and midrange punch suitable for bass recording in rock and metal contexts.