What bass models will this pickup fit?

The 35JCS is designed for four-string basses with standard to wide string spacing up to 2.625 inches maximum. Its 3.5-inch soapbar housing (88.9mm × 38.1mm) integrates into modern bass designs; check your bass's pickup cavity dimensions and string width (recommended 2.50 inches / 63.5mm) before purchase.

Is this pickup good for traditional jazz?

No, the 35JCS is optimized for funk, studio sessions, live performance, and home recording. Its articulate mids and punchy character are best suited to modern styles; traditional jazz players typically prefer warmer, mellower pickup voicings.

What comes in the box and how hard is installation?

The complete package includes the pickup, integrated J preamp with 25k volume and 25k active tone pots (VLPF), battery bus, stereo output jack, mounting screws, pickup cable, connect cables, output cable, and battery cable. The solderless wiring system simplifies installation and modification, making it accessible for intermediate to advanced players doing a retrofit or custom build.

How does the active preamp reduce noise?

The low-impedance preamp design minimizes noise while delivering transparent, consistent output across dynamic playing styles, ensuring your bass tone remains clear and defined whether you're slapping, picking, or fingerstyle playing.

How does this compare to passive pickups like the Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound?

The 35JCS is an active pickup with built-in preamp and tone shaping (VLPF), offering higher output and low-noise performance; passive pickups require external preamps and deliver a warmer, less articulate character. Active pickups suit modern funk and studio work, while passive options are favored for vintage tones.

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 35JCS Active Bass Pickup in Black

The EMG 35JCS delivers the clarity and punch of an active J-style pickup with low-noise performance that cuts through any mix on stage or in the studio. Its compact soapbar housing integrates seamlessly into modern bass designs while the solderless wiring system simplifies installation and modification. This is a workhorse pickup for players who demand articulate mids, controlled lows, and consistent output across dynamic playing styles—reliable enough for nightly gigging and responsive enough for the studio.

Design & Specifications

Built around ceramic magnets with steel pole pieces, the 35JCS uses a 3.5-inch extended series soapbar housing measuring 88.9mm × 38.1mm. Maximum string spacing reaches 2.625 inches with a recommended string width of 2.50 inches (63.5mm), accommodating both standard and wide-spaced four-string configurations without compromise.

Active Electronics & Integration

The integrated J preamp operates at low impedance to minimize noise and deliver transparent, punchy tone that holds its own in a live mix. The complete system includes a 25k volume potentiometer, 25k active tone pot with VLPF (variable low-pass filter), battery bus, stereo output jack, and all necessary wiring—everything needed for a plug-and-play installation or retrofit without breaking down mid-tour.

Key Features

4-string bass pickup with 2.625-inch maximum string spacing
3.5-inch (89mm) extended series soapbar housing
Dimensions: 88.9mm length × 38.1mm width
Maximum recommended string width of 63.5mm (2.50 inches)
Ceramic magnets with steel pole pieces
Active pickup with integrated J preamp
Low-impedance preamp for noise reduction
Solderless wiring system for simplified installation
Includes 25k volume pot and 25k active tone pot (VLPF)
Complete accessory package: battery bus, stereo output jack, mounting screws, pickup cable, connect cables, output cable, and battery cable

The EMG 35JCS combines straightforward engineering with the reliability expected from active EMG electronics, making it a solid choice for bass players upgrading their rig or building a custom instrument built to last through years of steady use.