What is the reverse-coil design, and how does it change the tone?

The reverse-coil orientation shifts the tonal response compared to standard pickup configurations, offering a refined sonic perspective with altered midrange balance. The result is tight lows, articulate mids, and focused highs that sit differently in a mix than forward-coil designs.

What's included in the box?

The pickup ships with a complete wiring harness, potentiometers, socket, and EMG Quik-connect terminals ready for drop-in installation. No additional wiring or parts are needed for a standard setup.

How long does the battery last, and what are the output levels?

The 9V battery runs approximately 3000 hours under normal use. Output is 2.00V in finger/thumb mode and 4.50V in thump mode, with 10 Kohm output impedance and efficient 80-microamp current draw.

Will this fit my six-string bass?

The pickup measures 4.50 inches long by 1.50 inches wide and accommodates string widths up to 3.62 inches, making it suitable for standard six-string bass bridges and nut widths.

Is this pickup suitable for genres other than funk and progressive?

The 45J-R is optimized for studio sessions, extended range, funk, and progressive applications where tonal clarity and balanced output are priorities; folk and country players may find its active, controlled character less suited to their needs.

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 45J-R 6-String Active Soapbar Bass Pickup in Black

The EMG 45J-R is a reverse-coil active soapbar pickup engineered for six-string bass applications where tonal balance and clarity matter. This ceramic humbucker delivers controlled output with the signature EMG character—tight lows, articulate mids, and focused highs. The reverse coil orientation shifts the tonal response compared to standard configurations, giving bass players a refined sonic option for stage use and session work.

Active Electronics & Output

Built on active circuitry powered by a single 9V battery, the 45J-R generates 2.00V finger/thumb output and 4.50V thump output, with an output impedance of 10 Kohm. Battery life extends to 3000 hours under normal use, and the design supports supply voltages up to 27V DC for flexible wiring configurations. Current draw remains efficient at 80 microamps @ 9V.

Physical Specs & Installation

The pickup measures 115.0mm (4.50") length × 38.1mm (1.50") width in its black soapbar housing, accommodating string widths up to 92.0mm (3.62"). A resonant frequency of 4.40 kHz provides smooth response across the midrange. Installation is straightforward with the included EMG Quik-connect system, and the complete wiring harness, potentiometers, and socket ship ready to drop in.

Key Features

Active ceramic humbucker design with blade pole pieces
Reverse coil orientation for altered tonal balance
2.00V output (finger/thumb mode)
4.50V output (thump mode)
10 Kohm output impedance
3000-hour battery life @ 9V
EMG Quik-connect terminals for fast installation
4.50" × 1.50" black soapbar form factor
Ceramic magnet construction
Supports supply voltage up to 27V DC
Accommodates string widths to 3.62"
Includes complete wiring, pots, and socket

The 45J-R pairs precision active electronics with thoughtful reverse-coil architecture, delivering the on-stage reliability and sonic control serious bass players depend on.