EMG5139 vs EMG593 — Compare
EMG LJV HZ Passive Bass Pickup in Black vs EMG SV Active Single Coil Pickup in Black
The LJ-HZ is a passive jazz-bass pickup delivering warm, vintage tone without batteries, while the SV is an active single-coil for high-gain rock and metal with built-in preamp and ultra-low noise. Choose the LJ-HZ for funk, jazz, and studio sessions where organic warmth matters; choose the SV for metal, djent, and high-gain applications where cutting clarity and noise rejection are essential.
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Specs side by side
| EMG LJV HZ Passive Bass Pickup in Black | EMG SV Active Single Coil Pickup in Black | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.00 | $99.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG LJV HZ Passive Bass Pickup in Black
- ✓ No battery required — passive design suits players avoiding electronics maintenance
- ✓ Warm, vintage jazz-bass character with articulate midrange punch
- ✓ High output from ceramic magnets and laminated steel core without preamp coloration
- ✓ 5-wire quick-connect allows flexible blending of passive and active circuits
Why choose EMG SV Active Single Coil Pickup in Black
- ✓ Active preamp with -115 dBV noise floor delivers studio-grade clarity at extreme gain settings
- ✓ Staggered Alnico 5 pole pieces and 3.20 kHz resonant frequency cut through dense mixes without harshness
- ✓ High output (0.7V RMS, 1.0V peak) maintains definition in high-gain rock and metal
- ✓ Efficient 660 microamp draw ensures practical battery life during long sessions
Frequently asked questions
Which pickup is better for metal and djent?
The SV is designed for metal and djent with its active preamp, tight midrange, and ultra-low noise floor that maintains clarity at extreme gain settings. The LJ-HZ is explicitly not ideal for those genres.
Do I need to replace my bass electronics to use these?
The LJ-HZ is a passive drop-in replacement for Fender-style bridge pickups and works with any wiring. The SV requires a 9V battery and preamp circuit, so confirm your bass has active electronics or budget for installation.
Which has lower noise?
The SV has significantly lower noise at -115 dBV output noise and better-than -100 dBV preamp noise floor, making it ideal for high-gain applications. The LJ-HZ uses fully shielded passive construction but cannot match active noise rejection.
Which is more versatile for different playing styles?
The LJ-HZ excels in jazz, funk, and studio sessions with vintage warmth. The SV is built for high-gain rock, metal, and live performance where cutting articulation and noise control matter most. Choose based on your primary genre.