EMG 45CSX 6-String Active Soapbar Bass Pickup in Black
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG2990
Description
EMG 45CSX 6-String Active Soapbar Bass Pickup in Black
The EMG 45CSX is a professional-grade active soapbar pickup engineered for six-string bass players who need articulate low-end response and transparent midrange in live and studio settings. Its compact extended housing integrates seamlessly into modern bass designs while delivering the controlled dynamics and headroom that define EMG's reputation. This is a pickup for players serious about tone shaping and road-ready reliability.
Design & Construction
Built with two coils loaded with ceramic and steel magnets, the 45CSX generates a focused magnetic field suited to extended-range bass applications. The soapbar form factor maintains a clean aesthetic while the 4.50-inch (114.3mm) extended housing accommodates modern instrument cavity designs without requiring extensive routing modifications.
Tone & Electronics
The integrated X series preamp with Active Tone Control (VLPF) provides dynamic range and increased headroom for aggressive playing and complex signal chains in live situations. This active system uses dual potentiometers—25k volume and 25k active tone controls—to deliver real-time frequency sculpting, while the solderless wiring system simplifies installation and future modifications.
Key Features
- 6-string "M5" size pickup configuration
- Extended soapbar housing: 4.50 inches (114.3mm) length × 1.50 inches (38.1mm) width
- Maximum recommended string width: 3.62 inches (92.0mm)
- Dual ceramic and steel magnet coils
- X series preamp with Active Tone Control (VLPF)
- 25k volume potentiometer included
- 25k active tone potentiometer (VLPF) included
- EMG solderless wiring system
- Stereo output jack
- Battery bus for independent power management
- Mounting screws and signal cables included
- Black finish
The 45CSX combines EMG's proven active electronics with a purpose-built six-string platform, delivering the precision, headroom, and dependability that discerning bass players expect on stage and in the studio.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 45CSX is a professional active soapbar pickup built for six-string bass players who need articulate, controlled low-end and transparent mids in the studio and on stage. Its compact extended housing fits modern bass designs without heavy routing, and the integrated X series preamp with real-time tone control gives you the headroom and frequency sculpting power for funk, progressive, and extended-range work. Choose this if you're serious about tone shaping and want a road-tested, industry-standard active platform that handles aggressive playing without breaking up.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Studio Sessions, Extended Range, Funk, Progressive |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | Articulate low-end, transparent midrange, controlled dynamics, high headroom, focused magnetic field |
| Less specialized for | Practice, Traditional Jazz (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
What size bass does the 45CSX fit, and how much routing will I need?
The 45CSX is sized for six-string bass with a maximum string width of 3.62 inches and an extended soapbar housing of 4.50 inches long by 1.50 inches wide. It's designed to fit modern bass cavity designs with minimal or no routing modifications required.
Is this pickup active, and what comes included for installation?
Yes, the 45CSX is fully active with an integrated X series preamp, VLPF active tone control, dual potentiometers (25k volume and 25k tone), and EMG's solderless wiring system for easy install. The package includes mounting screws, signal cables, and battery bus for independent power management.
What tone character should I expect, and what styles does it work best for?
The 45CSX delivers an articulate, focused low-end with transparent midrange and high headroom, designed for funk, progressive, and extended-range playing. Its controlled dynamics and magnetic field design make it studio-ready and suitable for players at intermediate to professional skill levels; it is not optimized for traditional jazz or casual practice.
How does the active tone control work during recording and playback?
The integrated X series preamp with Active Tone Control (VLPF) provides real-time frequency sculpting through the 25k active tone potentiometer, allowing you to shape your tone dynamically without post-recording EQ. The increased headroom handles aggressive playing and complex signal chains in the studio and live settings.
What makes the 45CSX different from passive pickups or other active six-string options?
The 45CSX combines EMG's proven active electronics with a purpose-built six-string platform, dual ceramic and steel magnet coils, and a focused magnetic field optimized for extended-range applications. Its solderless wiring, integrated preamp, and compact extended housing offer precision and installation simplicity compared to competitor designs like the Seymour Duncan Basslines SB-5s or Bartolini CBJD5.
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.
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