Will this pickup fit my bass?

The 35CSX has an extended 3.5-inch housing and accommodates a maximum string width of 2.50 inches with a 1.50-inch body width. Check your bass specifications against these dimensions; most modern 4- and 5-string configurations will fit, but verify your exact string spacing and body cutout before ordering.

What's included in the box?

You get the pickup, 25K volume pot, 25K active tone pot, solderless wiring harness (battery bus, stereo output jack, pickup cable, connect cables, output cable, battery cable), and mounting screws. No soldering required for installation.

How does the onboard tone control work?

The Active Tone Control (VLPF) lets you attenuate high frequencies directly from the pickup, giving you real-time sculpting of brightness and high-end response without needing external gear.

Is this pickup suitable for jazz or traditional bass styles?

The EMG 35CSX is designed for funk and metal applications where articulate, controlled output and dynamic response are priorities. It is not recommended for traditional jazz playing or upright bass applications.

Why choose an active pickup over a passive one?

Active pickups like the 35CSX offer lower noise, higher output headroom, and onboard tone shaping without relying on external processors. The noiseless design is especially valuable for recording and live venues where hum and interference can be problematic.

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 35CSX Active Humbucker Bass Pickup in Black

The EMG 35CSX is an active humbucker built for bass players who demand articulate, controlled output with zero noise interference. This pickup pairs ceramic-magnet construction with EMG's onboard X Series preamp to deliver dynamic response and touch sensitivity that tracks your playing dynamics. The noiseless design cuts through on stage and in the studio, eliminating the electromagnetic interference that can mud up your tone in live venues with packed stage rigs.

Design & Construction

Two coils loaded with ceramic magnets and steel poles hold clarity across the full frequency range while rejecting hum that traditional pickups can't shake. The extended 3.5-inch housing fits most modern bass builds, with a maximum recommended string width of 2.50 inches and a body width of 1.50 inches—specs that keep your output tight and focused no matter the bass you're running.

Electronics & Tone Shaping

The onboard X Series preamp with Active Tone Control (VLPF) lets you dial back high frequencies and shape your tone right at the source. The solderless wiring system eliminates solder joints entirely, cutting installation time and removing potential failure points while preserving electrical integrity—crucial for a rig you can trust night after night.

Key Features

Two coils with ceramic magnets and steel poles
Noiseless pickup design for hum-free operation
Extended 3.5-inch (89mm) housing length
1.50-inch (38.1mm) width
Maximum recommended string width: 2.50 inches (63.5mm)
On-board X Series preamp with dynamic response and touch sensitivity
Active Tone Control (VLPF) to attenuate high frequencies
Solderless wiring system for home installation
Includes 25K volume pot and 25K active tone pot
Complete wiring package: battery bus, stereo output jack, pickup cable, connect cables, output cable, and battery cable
Mounting screws included

This pickup delivers the controlled aggression and clarity expected from EMG's active designs, with the added flexibility of onboard tone shaping for bass applications.