What bass guitar types does the 45DCX fit?

The 45DCX is built to standard soapbar dimensions (4.50 x 1.50 inches / 115.0mm x 38.1mm) and fits seamlessly into most modern 6-string bass bodies designed for this form factor. Maximum recommended string width is 3.62 inches (92.0mm), ensuring proper magnetic coupling across all six strings without dead zones.

What playing styles is this pickup best suited for?

The 45DCX excels in funk, metal, progressive, and studio session work where articulate dynamics and punchy response are essential. Its high output and tight low end make it less ideal for traditional jazz or folk playing styles that prioritize warmth and sustain over aggression.

What does the Variable Low Pass Filter (VLPF) do?

The active VLPF tone control lets you precisely sculpt high-end content, allowing you to tighten the low end in dense mixes or open up articulation in solo settings. This gives you flexible tone shaping without compromising the pickup's core punchy character.

What's included in the box?

The 45DCX ships with a prewired Volume and Active Tone Control Set, Output Jack, Battery Clip Set, EMG Quik-Connect Cable, adjustment screws for magnetic field optimization, and EMG's Solderless Install System for fast mounting.

How does the EMG 45DCX compare to passive pickups?

The 45DCX is an active pickup with dual ceramic bar magnets and EMG's X-Series Enhanced Dynamics design, delivering higher output, greater clarity, and extended frequency response than typical passive soapbar pickups. Its active tone control adds flexibility that passive designs cannot match.

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 45DCX 6-String Active Soapbar Bass Pickup in Black

The EMG 45DCX is a high-output active soapbar pickup engineered for modern 6-string bass guitars that demand articulate dynamics and extended frequency response. Its dual-coil humbucker design with ceramic bar magnets delivers the clarity and punch needed for aggressive playing styles while maintaining musicality across the full range. This pickup performs on stage with the headroom and reliability that working bass players depend on, whether you're building a custom rig or upgrading an existing instrument.

Design & Specifications

Built to standard soapbar dimensions of 4.50" × 1.50", the 45DCX fits seamlessly into most modern 6-string bass bodies designed for this form factor. The maximum recommended string width of 3.62" ensures proper magnetic coupling across all six strings without dead zones or uneven response.

Tone & Electronics

The active Variable Low Pass Filter (VLPF) tone control grants precise sculpting of high-end content—essential for tightening the low end in dense mixes or opening up articulation in solo settings. Dual ceramic bar magnets in a humbucker configuration provide the sensitivity and headroom that active systems demand, with EMG's proven output characteristics that translate cleanly through any amp topology. In a live mix, that means cut, clarity, and presence that doesn't get lost.

Key Features

Dual-coil active humbucker configuration with ceramic bar magnets
X-Series Enhanced Dynamics design for articulate, punchy response
Dimensions: 115.0mm length × 38.1mm width (4.50" × 1.50")
Maximum recommended string width: 92.0mm (3.62")
6-string soapbar housing—standard fit for modern bass guitars
Active Variable Low Pass Filter (VLPF) tone control
EMG Solderless Install System for fast, reliable mounting
Includes EMG Quik-Connect™ Cable and prewired Volume/Active Tone Control Set
Output Jack and Battery Clip Set included
Adjustment screws for magnetic field optimization
Available in black finish

The 45DCX combines proven EMG active electronics with aggressive ceramic magnets to deliver a pickup built for both precision playing and high-gain scenarios, with the stage reliability and output consistency that touring bass players demand.