What's included in the box?

The EMG 40JCS includes the pickup itself, 25k volume and tone potentiometers, battery compartment, stereo output jack, mounting screws, pickup cable, connection cables, output cable, battery cable, and a 9V battery.

How long does the battery last?

The included 9V battery delivers approximately 3000 hours of playing time under normal use. The pickup can also accept up to 27 volts DC if you prefer external power.

Will this fit my bass cavity?

The housing is 4 inches (102 mm) long with 95.3 mm screw spacing, designed to fit modern five-string bass cavities. Measure your current pickup cavity to confirm compatibility before purchasing.

How does the output compare to passive pickups?

The EMG 40JCS delivers 1.00 V in standard finger/thumb playing and 4.50 V in thump mode—dramatically more headroom than passive designs. This active system handles extreme dynamics and cuts through live mixes without signal loss.

Do I need to solder wires to install this?

No. The solderless installation system eliminates traditional wire soldering, making integration into your bass rig straightforward and mistake-free.

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 40JCS 5-String Active Bass Pickup in Black

The EMG 40JCS is a compact active pickup engineered for five-string bass players who demand clarity and consistency across the low end. This ceramic-magnet design delivers articulate finger work and commanding thump, with solderless installation and a complete electronics package that simplifies integration into any bass rig. Built in the USA, it represents EMG's proven approach to active tone shaping for stage and studio reliability.

Tone & Electronics

The pickup generates 1.00 V output in standard finger/thumb playing and 4.50 V in thump mode, giving you dramatic dynamic range without signal loss. A 4.04 kHz resonant frequency positions the midrange peak for definition in a mix, while ceramic magnets with steel pole pieces ensure consistent response across all five strings—critical for holding your pocket tight in a full band.

Design & Installation

At 4 inches (102 mm) housing length, this pickup integrates seamlessly into modern bass cavities with 95.3 mm screw spacing. The solderless installation system eliminates wire-soldering hassles, and the included 25k volume and tone potentiometers provide immediate control over your signal path. A 9V battery powering the active electronics delivers an impressive 3000-hour battery life, while the pickup handles up to 27 volts DC maximum supply for flexible system configurations—meaning fewer battery changes between gigs.

Key Features

5-string ceramic pickup with steel pole pieces
1.00 V output (finger/thumb); 4.50 V output (thump)
4.04 kHz resonant frequency
Housing length: 4 inches (102 mm)
Dimensions: 101.6 x 38.1 x 22.4 mm (L x W x H)
Mounting screw spacing: 95.3 mm
10 Kohm output impedance
80 microamps current @ 9V; 3000-hour battery life
Solderless installation system with included 25k volume and tone potentiometers
Includes battery compartment, stereo output jack, mounting screws, pickup cable, connection cables, output cable, and battery cable
Metal body construction in black
Made in the USA

The EMG 40JCS pairs modern active electronics with traditional craftsmanship, delivering the articulation and headroom working bass players expect from a USA-made active system built to outlast the tour.