What does the solderless installation system include?

The package includes a battery bus, stereo output jack, pickup cable, connect cables, output cable, battery cable, and mounting screws. No soldering is required—just connect the cables and insert a 9V battery (not included) to operate.

Will this fit my 5-string bass?

The 40CSX is 4.00 inches long and 1.50 inches wide with a maximum recommended string width of 3.00 inches. It fits standard bass bridge positions; verify your bass bridge width matches the 3-inch specification before ordering.

What genres is this pickup best suited for?

The 40CSX excels in funk, jazz, progressive, and studio session work where articulate tone and dynamic response are critical. It is not optimized for folk or country playing styles.

How does the active tone control work?

The X Series preamp includes a 25k active tone pot with VLPF (Variable Low Pass Filter) that lets you roll off high frequencies on demand, giving you real-time control over brightness and presence without altering low-end depth.

How does the 40CSX compare to passive pickups?

The 40CSX is an active pickup with built-in preamp, delivering higher output, greater touch sensitivity, and independent tone shaping compared to passive designs. The X Series preamp adds dynamic response and frequency control that passive pickups cannot provide.

Do I pay sales tax on this order?

Sales tax is collected only on orders shipped to California; orders shipped to any other US state are not charged sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. Marketplaces collect sales tax as the facilitator in most states, so the same listed price can cost more there. Buyers remain responsible for any use tax their state applies. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included.

EMG 40CSX 5-String Active Humbucker Bass Pickup in Black

The EMG 40CSX delivers the articulate, punchy attack that cuts through a live mix on five-string bass. Built with EMG's X Series preamp, this active humbucker gives you dynamic touch sensitivity and controlled high-end presence without losing the low-end weight that holds down the pocket on stage. The compact footprint and solderless installation mean you can drop it into most bass configurations without a trip to the tech bench.

Design & Dimensions

At 102.0mm (4.00") long and 38.1mm (1.50") wide, the 40CSX fits standard bass bridge positions with a maximum recommended string width of 76.2mm (3.00"). The dual-coil ceramic and steel magnet construction balances output clarity with natural resonance, making the pickup responsive across the frequency spectrum.

Active Electronics & Installation

The integrated X Series preamp includes a 25k volume pot, 25k active tone pot with VLPF (Variable Low Pass Filter), and dedicated controls to roll off high frequencies on demand. EMG's exclusive Solderless Install System eliminates traditional wiring, and the package includes a battery bus, stereo output jack, mounting screws, pickup cable, connect cables, output cable, and battery cable—requiring only a 9V battery (not included) to operate.

Key Features

Dual-coil design with ceramic and steel magnets
Length: 102.0mm (4.00"), Width: 38.1mm (1.50")
Maximum recommended string width: 76.2mm (3.00")
X Series preamp with dynamic response and touch sensitivity
Active Tone Control (VLPF) for high-frequency roll-off
25k volume pot and 25k active tone pot (VLPF)
EMG Solderless Install System for fast, no-solder setup
Complete connection package: battery bus, stereo output jack, multiple cables
Powered by single 9V battery (not included)

The 40CSX combines EMG's proven active electronics with compact dimensions and tool-free installation, making it a reliable choice for five-string bass players who need tonal control and road-ready dependability.

Best suited for	Funk, Jazz, Progressive, Studio Sessions, Gigging
Tonal character	Articulate, punchy, controlled high-end, tight low-end, touch-sensitive
Less specialized for	Folk, Country (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily)
Skill level	Intermediate / Advanced / Professional