What genres and playing styles is this pickup best suited for?

The 45JCS excels in funk, progressive, and live performance contexts where articulate midrange and tight definition are essential. It is not optimized for traditional jazz or folk styles, where warmer, more rounded tone is typical.

Will this pickup fit my 6-string bass?

Yes, the 45JCS is designed specifically for 6-string basses. At 115.0mm long and 38.1mm wide, it fits compact soapbar cavities without extensive routing, and accommodates standard 6-string string width up to 92.0mm (3.62").

How long does the battery last, and what's included in the box?

A single 9-volt battery provides approximately 3000 hours of playing time. The package includes an EMG Quik-Connect cable, prewired volume and tone control set, output jack, battery clip set, and adjustment screws for immediate installation.

How quiet is this pickup, and what's the output range?

The 45JCS delivers a noise floor of -101 dB at 60 Hz, ensuring clean signal even at low volumes. Output voltage ranges from 2.00V in fingerstyle playing to 4.50V with aggressive thumb technique, adapting naturally to your playing dynamics.

Do I need soldering skills to install this pickup?

No. The EMG solderless wiring system and Quik-Connect cable eliminate the need for soldering, making installation straightforward even for players without electronics experience.

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 45JCS 6-String Active Soapbar Bass Pickup in Black

The EMG 45JCS is a compact active soapbar design engineered for modern 6-string bass rigs that demand clarity and controlled output across aggressive playing dynamics. Its ceramic magnet construction and solderless wiring system make installation straightforward, while the preamp delivers responsive, articulate tone with minimal noise floor—a trusted choice for players who need precision in both studio and stage environments.

Compact Dimensions & Resonant Character

At 115.0mm length and 38.1mm width, this pickup fits tight bass bodies without requiring extensive routing. The 2.61 KHz resonant frequency centers the pickup's response in the articulate midrange, delivering definition that cuts through dense mixes. Maximum recommended string width of 92.0mm (3.62") accommodates standard 6-string spacing.

Active Electronics & Power Efficiency

The onboard preamp runs on a single 9-volt battery with 3000-hour battery life, keeping maintenance intervals long and downtime minimal. Output spans 2.00V (finger/thumb) to 4.50V (thump) with -101 dB output noise, ensuring clean signal transmission even at low volumes. An 80-microamp current draw and 10 Kohm output impedance make this pickup compatible with standard bass amplifier inputs.

Key Features

Ceramic magnets with steel pole pieces
Solderless wiring system for hassle-free installation
Length: 115.0mm (4.50"); Width: 38.1mm (1.50")
Maximum recommended string width: 92.0mm (3.62")
Resonant frequency: 2.61 KHz
Output voltage (finger/thumb): 2.00V; Output voltage (thump): 4.50V
Output noise: -101 dB @ 60 Hz
Output impedance: 10 Kohm
Current @ 9V: 80 microamps
Battery life: 3000 hours on single 9-volt battery
Maximum supply: 27 Volts DC
Includes EMG Quik-Connect™ cable, prewired volume/tone control set, output jack, battery clip set, and adjustment screws

This active soapbar delivers dependable mid-focused tone and low-noise performance backed by EMG's solderless architecture and generous accessory package.