EMG1699 vs EMG1701 — Compare
EMG SJCS Active Bass Pickup in Black vs EMG LJCS Active Bass Pickup in Black
The SJCS is a complete plug-and-play kit with solderless installation and all electronics included, ideal for beginners and players who want hassle-free setup. The LJCS is a pickup-only unit requiring existing wiring knowledge and separate installation components, better suited for experienced players upgrading existing electronics or customizing their setup.
No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.
Specs side by side
| EMG SJCS Active Bass Pickup in Black | EMG LJCS Active Bass Pickup in Black | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.00 | $99.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG SJCS Active Bass Pickup in Black
- ✓ Complete kit with all electronics, pots, jacks, and cables included
- ✓ Solderless installation system requires no special tools or soldering skills
- ✓ Budget-friendly all-in-one solution for first-time active pickup upgrade
- ✓ Works in neck or bridge position for 4-string jazz bass
Why choose EMG LJCS Active Bass Pickup in Black
- ✓ Slightly larger 3.70" width fits standard Jazz Bass bridge cavities more precisely
- ✓ Pickup-only format lets experienced players integrate with existing wiring
- ✓ Specified resonant frequency (3.20 kHz) and output specs (1.00V string, 4.50V thump) for technical matching
- ✓ Better for players who already have electronics and just need the core transducer
Frequently asked questions
Do I need soldering experience for either pickup?
The SJCS includes a solderless installation system and all wiring components, making it suitable for beginners with no soldering skills. The LJCS is pickup-only, so you'll need to integrate it into existing electronics or handle wiring yourself, requiring intermediate or advanced experience.
What's included in each package?
The SJCS comes as a complete kit with the pickup, pots, jacks, battery bus, cables, and mounting hardware. The LJCS is the pickup and preamp module only; you supply the rest of the electronics or use existing wiring in your bass.
Which pickup is better for bridge-position installation?
Both are designed for bridge or neck positions, but the LJCS at 3.70" width is optimized for standard Jazz Bass bridge cavities. The SJCS at 3.59" is slightly narrower and works in either position on a 4-string jazz bass.
Are these pickups suitable for metal or hard rock?
Both the SJCS and LJCS are explicitly not ideal for metal, thrash metal, or hard rock. They prioritize warm, smooth tones with reduced high-end bite, making them better choices for jazz, funk, and studio work where articulate low-end and controlled dynamics matter more than aggression.