EMG2170 vs EMG3292 — Compare
EMG S3 Passive Single Coil Pickup in Black vs EMG LJA Active Bass Pickup in Black
The EMG S3 is a passive guitar pickup for Fender-style single-coil tone across blues, country, and indie; the EMG LJ is an active bass pickup for jazz and studio work requiring articulate attack and high output. These are entirely different instruments and applications—compare only if you're choosing between guitar and bass.
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Specs side by side
| EMG S3 Passive Single Coil Pickup in Black | EMG LJA Active Bass Pickup in Black | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.00 | $99.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG S3 Passive Single Coil Pickup in Black
- ✓ Passive design requires no battery maintenance
- ✓ Authentic single-coil character with Alnico magnet
- ✓ Full shielding minimizes hum in single-coil designs
- ✓ Solderless wiring kit simplifies installation
Why choose EMG LJA Active Bass Pickup in Black
- ✓ Active electronics deliver consistent high output (4.50V thump)
- ✓ Complete integrated package includes volume, tone, and all cabling
- ✓ Tight, articulate low-end focus ideal for jazz definition
- ✓ 3.95 kHz resonance emphasizes attack and slap clarity
Frequently asked questions
Can I use either of these pickups interchangeably?
No. The S3 is a guitar pickup; the LJ is a bass pickup. They are incompatible—the S3 fits guitar bodies and works with guitar amplifiers, while the LJ is sized and voiced for 4-string bass bridges and requires active electronics and a bass amplifier.
Which one requires a battery?
Only the EMG LJ requires a battery, as it is an active pickup with built-in preamp electronics. The S3 is completely passive and needs no power source.
What genre fit is best for each?
The S3 excels in blues, country, rock, indie, and funk on guitar. The LJ is designed for jazz bass, studio sessions, and live performance where tight definition and articulate attack are priorities. Neither is suited for metal or extreme tunings.
How do installation and wiring differ?
The S3 includes EMG's solderless wiring kit for straightforward guitar installation. The LJ ships with a complete active electronics package including potentiometers, battery bus, and all necessary cables, requiring more involved wiring but offering all-in-one integration.