EMG51 vs EMG5139 — Compare
EMG FTC Active Single Coil Pickup in Black vs EMG LJV HZ Passive Bass Pickup in Black
These are fundamentally different instruments: the EMG FTC is a guitar pickup for clean, articulate tones in Telecaster neck position, while the EMG LJ-HZ is a bass pickup delivering warm, punchy jazz tones in bridge position. Choose the FTC if you play guitar and need noiseless single-coil clarity; choose the LJ-HZ if you play bass and want vintage passive warmth.
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Specs side by side
| EMG FTC Active Single Coil Pickup in Black | EMG LJV HZ Passive Bass Pickup in Black | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.00 | $99.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG FTC Active Single Coil Pickup in Black
- ✓ Solderless active system with complete electronics included—no additional components needed
- ✓ Noiseless design eliminates traditional single-coil hum
- ✓ Snappy transients and balanced articulate tone perfect for clean and driven guitar playing
Why choose EMG LJV HZ Passive Bass Pickup in Black
- ✓ Passive design requires no battery, eliminating power concerns
- ✓ High output and punchy midrange cut through mix without preamp gain
- ✓ 5-wire quick-connect versatility for blending passive and active circuits on bass
Frequently asked questions
Why can't I use the LJ-HZ on a guitar?
The LJ-HZ is engineered specifically as a bass pickup for bridge position on 4-string or narrow 5-string basses. Its design, dimensions, and wiring are incompatible with guitar installations. The FTC is the guitar-specific option here.
Which one requires a battery?
The FTC is active and requires battery power to operate, included in the solderless electronics package. The LJ-HZ is fully passive and needs no battery, making it ideal for players who want maintenance-free operation.
What's the tone difference between these pickups?
The FTC delivers articulate, snappy single-coil clarity with noise-free performance suited to both clean and driven guitar tones. The LJ-HZ produces warm, vintage jazz bass character with punchy midrange and high output designed for bass-specific warmth and cut.