EMG4698 vs EMG518 — Compare

EMG HX Long Shaft Active Single Coil Pickup in Black vs EMG 40P 6-String Active Soapbar Bass Pickup in Black

The EMG HX is a guitar pickup for hard rock and metal, while the EMG 40P is a six-string bass pickup for progressive and funk styles. These are fundamentally different instruments—choose based on whether you're upgrading a guitar or bass.

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EMG HX Long Shaft Active Single Coil Pickup in Black

$119.00
View EMG HX Long Shaft Active Single Coil Pickup in Black

EMG 40P 6-String Active Soapbar Bass Pickup in Black

$119.00
View EMG 40P 6-String Active Soapbar Bass Pickup in Black

Specs side by side

EMG HX Long Shaft Active Single Coil Pickup in BlackEMG 40P 6-String Active Soapbar Bass Pickup in Black
Price$119.00$119.00
BrandEMG PickupsEMG Pickups
ConditionNewNew

Why choose EMG HX Long Shaft Active Single Coil Pickup in Black

  • ✓ Designed specifically for guitar single-coil routing
  • ✓ Long shaft accommodates deep cavities and non-standard guitar body designs
  • ✓ Bright, articulate tone ideal for hard rock and metal genres
  • ✓ High output maintains clarity through overdrive and distortion

Why choose EMG 40P 6-String Active Soapbar Bass Pickup in Black

  • ✓ Purpose-built for six-string bass with tight 3-inch string spacing
  • ✓ Extended battery life of 3000 hours between changes
  • ✓ Flexible voltage support up to 27V DC for various bass electronics
  • ✓ 3.20 kHz resonant frequency cuts through dense arrangements with clarity
Bottom line: If you play guitar and need a high-output single-coil for rock or metal, choose the EMG HX. If you play six-string bass in progressive or funk contexts, the EMG 40P is your match.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use the EMG 40P in a guitar?

No. The EMG 40P is engineered as a bass pickup with soapbar housing, split-coil architecture, and 3-inch string spacing designed for six-string bass, not guitar single-coil cavities.

What's the main difference between these two pickups?

The EMG HX is a guitar pickup with a long shaft for deep cavities and bright single-coil tone. The EMG 40P is a bass pickup optimized for six-string instruments with a soapbar housing and articulate midrange focus.

Do both require batteries?

Yes, both are active pickups requiring 9V battery power. The EMG 40P offers exceptional 3000-hour battery life and supports higher voltage schemes up to 27V DC for advanced bass systems.

Which is better for studio work?

The EMG HX suits guitar studio sessions in rock and metal with high output and minimal hum. The EMG 40P suits bass studio work requiring consistent output and extended clarity across frequency ranges.

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