What bass styles is the EMG 35DC best suited for?

The 35DC excels in funk, jazz, and modern styles that demand articulate, noise-free tone and tight low-end definition. It is not optimized for traditional blues or folk playing, which favor warmer, more colored pickup response.

What's included in the box, and what do I need to install it?

The pickup comes with a 25K volume pot, 25K tone pot, battery bus, stereo output jack, pickup cable, two connect cables, output cable, battery cable, and mounting screws. You will need an 18 Volt power supply (two 9V batteries in series recommended) to power the active electronics.

Will this pickup fit my bass without routing?

Yes—the soapbar form factor (3.5" × 1.5") fits standard 4-string bass cavities without modification. It accommodates string widths up to 2.50", so it works with standard and wide 4-string setups.

How does the EMG 35DC compare to passive pickups?

The active design delivers ultra-low noise, extended headroom, and controlled dynamics that passive pickups cannot match, making it more consistent in recording and live settings where cutting through dense mixes is critical. The tradeoff is that it requires a battery and adds a slight amount of processing to the signal.

What skill level do I need to install and use this pickup?

Installation and wiring suit intermediate to advanced bass players comfortable with soldering and electronics routing. Once installed, the onboard controls are straightforward—the active design requires no external gear to sound professional in the studio or on stage.

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 35DC Active Humbucker Bass Pickup in Red

The EMG 35DC is a compact active humbucker built for 4-string bass players who demand articulate, noise-free output with minimal coloration. Its soapbar form factor fits cleanly into standard bass cavities while delivering the controlled dynamics and clarity that define EMG's professional reputation. This pickup cuts through on stage and holds its own in the studio—tight, responsive, and road-ready.

Active Design & Noise Floor

An ultra low-noise preamp engineered for the EMG-JV model keeps hum and RF interference at bay, essential for cutting through dense mixes without sacrificing headroom. The 18 Volt power supply recommendation ensures extended dynamic range and transient response across the full frequency spectrum, giving you the headroom to push hard without breaking up.

Construction & Dimensions

Two ceramic bar magnet coils arranged in parallel configuration give the 35DC its balanced output and smooth frequency response. The 3.5" × 1.5" soapbar body accommodates string widths up to 2.50", making it compatible with standard and wide 4-string setups without requiring routing modification.

Key Features

Active pickup type with ultra low-noise preamp
Two ceramic bar magnet coils in parallel configuration
Soapbar form factor; 3.5" length × 1.5" width
Maximum recommended string width: 2.50" (63.5mm)
18 Volt power supply recommended
Designed for 4-string bass guitar
Includes 25K volume pot, 25K tone pot, and battery bus
Includes stereo output jack, pickup cable, two connect cables, output cable, and battery cable
Mounting screws included
Made in United States

The EMG 35DC combines proven active electronics, articulate harmonic response, and straightforward installation to deliver reliable performance in any 4-string bass configuration.