What modes does the EMG 35J offer, and how do they affect the tone?

The pickup has two output modes: finger/thumb mode at 2.00V for articulate, controlled dynamics, and thump mode at 4.50V for aggressive, wall-of-bass low-end response. You can switch between them depending on your playing attack and the sonic character you need for each part.

Is this pickup suitable for studio recording?

Yes. The EMG 35J is engineered for both studio tracking and live performance, with a focused, punchy tone and excellent string separation that sits well in a mix. Its tight low end and aggressive midrange articulation make it ideal for modern studio bass work.

What comes in the box, and do I need additional wiring components?

The pickup ships with matched 25K volume and tone potentiometers, battery bus, stereo output jack, mounting hardware, pickup cable, connect cables, battery cable, output cable, and mounting screws. The solderless wiring system means no soldering is required, though you may need professional installation depending on your bass's current configuration.

What power requirements does the EMG 35J have?

The pickup runs on a 9-volt battery as standard, with an optional 18V upgrade available for increased headroom and dynamic range if you want even more output and response flexibility.

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

The EMG 35J excels in funk, progressive, and contemporary styles that demand clarity, punch, and articulation. It is not optimized for folk or traditional jazz applications, where warmer, more passive tone characteristics are typically preferred.

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 35J Active Bass Pickup in Black

The EMG 35J is a professional-grade active single-coil pickup built for bass players who need clarity, punch, and articulation on stage and in the studio. Its compact MM-style soapbar housing fits standard four-string bass configurations while delivering the tight low-end response and aggressive midrange definition that active electronics provide. This pickup bridges the gap between vintage passive warmth and contemporary active aggression—reliable under the lights and in the rehearsal room alike.

Tone & Performance Character

The 3.95 kHz resonant frequency and ceramic magnet construction yield a focused, punchy tone with excellent string separation and controlled sustain. Output voltages of 2.00V in finger/thumb mode and 4.50V in thump mode give you a wide dynamic range—dial in articulate fingerstyle work or slam into a wall of low-end aggression depending on your attack and the mode you select. Live or tracked, the response stays tight and defined.

Installation & Electronics

Setup is straightforward thanks to solderless wiring and a complete component package: the pickup ships with matched 25K volume and tone potentiometers, battery bus, stereo output jack, mounting hardware, and all necessary connecting cables. The 9-volt battery power requirement (with optional 18V upgrade) keeps the circuit lean and responsive, making this an ideal retrofit for players modernizing their rigs without major rework.

Key Features

Active Single Coil Bass Pickup with ceramic magnet
MM-style soapbar housing, 3.5 inches (89mm) extended length
Configured for 4-string bass application
3.95 kHz resonant frequency for focused midrange articulation
2.00V output in finger/thumb mode
4.50V output in thump mode
Powered by 9-volt battery (18V optional)
Solderless wiring installation system
Includes 25K volume potentiometer and 25K tone potentiometer
Complete accessory package: battery bus, stereo output jack, mounting screws, pickup cable, connect cables, battery cable, and output cable
Black finish

The EMG 35J delivers the clarity and punch expected from a professional active bass pickup, backed by reliable solderless electronics and a complete wiring kit that gets you playing fast.