EMG5434 vs EMG5600 — Compare
EMG SJ Active Bass Pickup in Red vs EMG S Active Single Coil Pickup in Red
The EMG SJ is a bass-specific bridge pickup built for tight, aggressive low-end punch in rock and metal, while the EMG SA is a guitar-range single-coil designed for articulate midrange clarity across rock, pop, and funk. Choose the SJ if you play bass and need defined aggression; choose the SA if you play guitar and want high-output, noise-free definition.
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Specs side by side
| EMG SJ Active Bass Pickup in Red | EMG S Active Single Coil Pickup in Red | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $105.00 | $105.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG SJ Active Bass Pickup in Red
- ✓ Purpose-built bridge pickup for bass guitars with tight, punchy low end
- ✓ Hot active output cuts through dense mixes in aggressive styles
- ✓ Compact short form factor requires no routing modifications on most basses
Why choose EMG S Active Single Coil Pickup in Red
- ✓ Engineered for guitar with Alnico V magnet and 3.70 kHz articulate midrange
- ✓ High dynamic response (1.00 V single note, 3.00 V full strum) with noise floor at -101 dB
- ✓ Exceptional 3000-hour battery life at only 80 microamps draw
Frequently asked questions
Are these pickups compatible with the same instruments?
No. The EMG SJ is a bass-specific bridge pickup with a short barrel housing. The EMG SA is a guitar-range single-coil pickup with a metal housing. They are not interchangeable.
Which has lower noise output?
The EMG SA specifies -101 dB noise floor at 60 Hz. The EMG SJ emphasizes minimal hum rejection and noise elimination but does not provide a numerical noise floor specification.
What is the key tonal difference?
The SJ delivers hot, tight low-end punch designed for bass aggression in rock and metal. The SA produces articulate midrange clarity at 3.70 kHz with responsive dynamics, ideal for cutting through guitar mixes in rock, pop, and funk.
How long do the batteries last?
The EMG SA battery lasts approximately 3000 hours at 9V with only 80 microamps draw. The EMG SJ does not provide a specified battery life duration.