What does reverse J coil placement do?

The reverse J positioning places emphasis on neck-side frequencies, delivering a warmer, more centered tonal character than standard J-pickup placement. This results in controlled low end and a punchy midrange that cuts through without sounding thin or brittle.

Do I need to solder this pickup during installation?

No. The EMG solderless wiring system is included, which streamlines installation into compatible bass cavities and eliminates soldering connections entirely.

How long will the battery last?

A single 9V battery delivers 3,000 hours of battery life. The pickup also supports higher-voltage rigs or dual-battery configurations up to 27V DC maximum.

What genres is this pickup best suited for?

The 45JX-R excels in funk, progressive, studio sessions, and gigging contexts where articulate attack and controlled response are priorities. It is not optimized for traditional jazz or folk playing styles.

What is the Variable Low Pass Filter and how do I use it?

The Variable Low Pass Filter (VLPF) is an active tone control that lets you shape high-frequency content in real time, dialing in anything from smooth, rounded lows to bright, articulate definition without the coloration issues of passive tone stacks.

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.

EMG 45JX-R 6-String Active Soapbar Bass Pickup in Black

The EMG 45JX-R is a reverse J-configuration soapbar designed for modern 6-string bass players seeking articulate, controlled low-end response. This active pickup delivers the clarity and punch expected from EMG's X Series platform, with the reverse coil positioning placing emphasis on the neck-side frequencies for a warmer, more centered tonal character than standard J placement.

Tone & Electronics

Built around EMG's X Series preamp architecture, this pickup offers enhanced headroom and dynamic response that tracks pick attack cleanly across all six strings. The integrated Variable Low Pass Filter (VLPF) active tone control allows real-time shaping of high-frequency content, letting players dial in anything from smooth, rounded lows to bright, articulate definition without passive tone-stack coloration.

Installation & Compatibility

The EMG solderless wiring system eliminates the need for soldering connections, streamlining installation into compatible bass cavities. Standard 9V operation delivers 3000 hours of battery life per cell, with maximum supply rated to 27V DC for users running higher-voltage rigs or dual-battery configurations.

Key Features

6-string active soapbar bass pickup configuration
Reverse J coil placement (neck-side positioning)
Length: 4.5 inches (115mm)
Width: 38.1mm (1.50")
Maximum recommended string width: 92.0mm (3.62")
Ceramic bar magnet construction
X Series preamp with enhanced headroom and dynamic response
Variable Low Pass Filter (VLPF) active tone control
Output impedance: 10 kΩ
Current draw @ 9V: 80 µA
Battery life: 3000 hours per 9V cell
Maximum supply voltage: 27V DC
EMG solderless wiring system included
Black housing

The 45JX-R combines EMG's proven active platform with reverse J placement to deliver controlled, articulate 6-string bass response that cuts through dense mixes without requiring aggressive EQ compensation.

Best suited for	Funk, Progressive, Studio Sessions, Gigging
Tonal character	Articulate attack, controlled low end, centered midrange, high headroom, punchy definition
Less specialized for	Traditional Jazz, Folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily)
Skill level	Intermediate / Advanced / Professional