What is B-Stock and does this pickup have cosmetic issues?

This product is not listed as B-Stock, so it arrives in new condition with no cosmetic imperfections.

Will this pickup fit my six-string bass?

The 45P-RC is 4.5 inches long and 1.50 inches wide, designed for tight string spacing up to 3.62 inches wide. Confirm your bass's soapbar routing and string spacing match these dimensions before purchase.

How long will the battery last?

The single 9V battery delivers approximately 3000 hours of playback (roughly four months of daily use), and the pickup draws only 80 microamps, minimizing drain during storage.

How does this pickup compare to passive alternatives?

The 45P-RC is an active pickup, meaning it requires a 9V battery and outputs between 2.00V and 4.50V depending on playing technique. This delivers a cleaner, lower-noise signal (-106 dB) and more consistent midrange presence than most passive soapbars, making it ideal for studio and live settings where clarity matters.

Is installation difficult?

No—the solderless wiring system simplifies installation. If you have basic bass hardware skills, you can swap it in without soldering; otherwise, a tech can install it quickly.

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 45P-RC 6-String Active Soapbar Bass Pickup in Black

The EMG 45P-RC is a compact active soapbar pickup engineered for tight string spacing and modern bass rigs. Its ceramic magnet construction and solderless wiring system make installation straightforward, while the controlled output and low noise floor deliver articulate, punchy tone across the frequency spectrum.

Output & Tonal Character

This pickup produces 2.00V output in finger/thumb technique and 4.50V in thump mode, giving bass players dynamic range without aggressive peaks. The 3.20 kHz resonant frequency centers the midrange presence, ideal for cutting through dense mixes on stage while maintaining clarity in the low end for tight rhythm work.

Active Electronics & Road Reliability

Powered by a single 9V battery, the 45P-RC draws only 80 microamps at 9V, delivering an impressive 3000-hour battery life — enough to power through months of steady gigging without mid-tour surprises. Output noise of -106 dB ensures a clean signal path, and the 10 kΩ output impedance integrates seamlessly with standard bass preamps and amplifier inputs for hassle-free compatibility at any venue.

Key Features

Housing length: 4.5 inches (115mm)
Width: 38.1mm (1.50") — compact for tight string spacing
Maximum recommended string width: 92.0mm (3.62")
Magnet type: Ceramic
Resonant frequency: 3.20 kHz
Output voltage (finger/thumb): 2.00V
Output voltage (thump): 4.50V
Output noise (60 Hz): -106 dB
Output impedance: 10 kΩ
Current @ 9V: 80 microamps
Battery life: 3000 hours
Installation: Solderless wiring system

The EMG 45P-RC combines versatile output staging, extended battery life, and low electrical noise in a format built for six-string bass players demanding reliability and articulation on the road and in the studio.

Best suited for	Studio Sessions, Live Performance, Funk, Jazz, Progressive
Tonal character	Articulate, punchy, tight low end, controlled output, low noise
Less specialized for	Practice, Budget builds (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily)
Skill level	Intermediate / Advanced / Professional