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EMG 85X Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Black vs EMG 35JX Active Bass Pickup in Black
The EMG 85X is a guitar humbucker for metal and hard rock players seeking tight, articulate high-gain tones, while the EMG 35JX is a bass pickup for funk, jazz, and studio work requiring punchy midrange and controlled low end. These are instruments for completely different applications—guitar versus bass—so the choice depends entirely on what instrument you're upgrading.
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EMG 85X Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Black
Specs side by side
| EMG 85X Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Black | EMG 35JX Active Bass Pickup in Black | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $119.00 | $119.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG 85X Long Shaft Active Humbucker Pickup in Black
- ✓ Designed specifically for guitar humbucking applications with focused, punchy character ideal for distortion
- ✓ Extremely low noise floor at -101 dB ensures clarity even in high-gain chains
- ✓ Solderless connectivity speeds up installation and future swaps
- ✓ Long battery life of approximately 3000 hours between replacements
Why choose EMG 35JX Active Bass Pickup in Black
- ✓ Dual-coil X-series design optimized for 4-string bass tone and response
- ✓ Prewired volume and active tone controls eliminate additional wiring requirements
- ✓ Custom radiused ceramic magnets ensure even response across all four strings
- ✓ Complete installation package includes output jack, battery clip, and mounting hardware
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the 85X in a bass or the 35JX in a guitar?
No. The 85X is engineered as a humbucker for guitar applications with specifications tuned to guitar frequencies and string spacing. The 35JX is designed exclusively for 4-string bass with dimensions and magnetic configurations matched to bass string width and tuning. Using either outside its intended instrument will result in poor fit, tone, and performance.
What is the main tone difference between these pickups?
The 85X delivers a tight, focused, articulate response designed for heavily distorted guitar tones with punchy character. The 35JX produces a punchy midrange with controlled lows optimized for bass clarity in funk, jazz, and studio contexts. Both are high-output active designs, but they're voiced for their respective instruments.
Which requires more installation work?
The 85X uses solderless connectivity, which speeds installation and future modifications. The 35JX comes fully prewired with volume and tone controls but requires routing an output jack and battery compartment into your bass. Both are rated for intermediate to advanced players.
How long do the batteries last in each?
The 85X delivers approximately 3000 hours of battery life on a single 9V battery at 80 mA draw. The 35JX specifications do not list battery life details in the provided information, so you should contact support for bass battery duration expectations.