What string width does the EMG 35CS accommodate?

The 35CS is designed for a maximum recommended string width of 2.50 inches and measures 3.5 inches long by 1.50 inches wide, making it ideal for tight string spacing on modern bass designs.

Is soldering required to install this pickup?

No—the 35CS includes solderless wiring, a Quik-Connect cable, prewired volume/tone control set, output jack, battery clip, and adjustment screws, so installation requires no soldering.

What genres and playing styles is this pickup best suited for?

The 35CS excels in funk, progressive, and studio session work where tight low end, articulation, and low noise are priorities; it is not recommended for folk or traditional jazz applications.

How does the active preamp affect tone compared to passive pickups?

The ultra low-noise, low-impedance preamp delivers a tight, controlled response with minimal noise floor, maintaining clarity under heavy compression, EQ, and effects—critical advantages in high-gain and studio chain environments where passive pickups would muddy or introduce hum.

What skill level do I need to install this pickup?

The complete solderless installation kit and included prewired controls make installation accessible to intermediate players; the included adjustment screws allow fine-tuning of magnetic response after installation.

Do I pay sales tax on this order?

We collect sales tax only on orders shipped to California. Orders shipped to any other US state are charged $0 sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. Marketplaces such as eBay, Reverb and Amazon collect sales tax in nearly every state as marketplace facilitators no matter who the seller is, so the same item at the same price costs less bought direct. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included. Some states ask buyers to self-report use tax on out-of-state purchases.

EMG 35CS Active Humbucker Bass Pickup in Black

The EMG 35CS is a compact active humbucker engineered for tight, controlled low-end with a noise floor so clean you'll hear every note clearly on stage. Its soapbar form factor and narrow 2.50" string width fit modern bass designs seamlessly. The built-in preamp delivers the punch and articulation that working bassists need to cut through a mix in both studio sessions and live gigs.

Design & Build Quality

This pickup houses two coils loaded with ceramic and steel magnets, configured in a dual-coil humbucker topology that cancels hum without sacrificing output. The soapbar housing measures 3.5 inches long by 1.50 inches wide, dropping into most modern bass bodies with minimal visual footprint.

Tone & Electronics

An ultra low-noise, low-impedance internal preamp gives the 35CS its signature tight response and minimal hum—essential for gigging players who run high-gain rigs and stacks of effects. The quiet preamp architecture means your tone stays locked in tight even under aggressive compression, EQ, and heavy effects chains on the road or in the venue.

Key Features

Active humbucker pickup with dual ceramic and steel magnet coils
Ultra low-noise, low-impedance internal preamp
Housing length: 3.5 inches (89mm)
Width: 1.50 inches (38.1mm)
Maximum recommended string width: 2.50 inches (63.5mm)
Soapbar form factor
Solderless wiring included for streamlined installation
Quik-Connect cable and prewired volume/tone control set included
Output jack and battery clip set included
Adjustment screws included for magnetic fine-tuning

The EMG 35CS delivers the hum-free clarity and articulation active bass electronics are built for, backed by a complete installation kit that gets you playing fast with zero soldering required.