EMG David Ellefson 5STR 5-String Active Soapbar Bass Pickup Set in Bla
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG6763
Description
EMG David Ellefson 5STR 5-String Active Soapbar Bass Pickup Set in Black
Designed in collaboration with Megadeth's David Ellefson, this active pickup set delivers the extended low-end response and articulate midrange punch that cuts through live mixes and studio recordings alike. The soapbar form factor fits modern five-string bass designs, and the solderless wiring system gets you gig-ready fast. On stage or in the studio, these pickups maintain clarity and definition across all playing dynamics—from fingerstyle precision to aggressive pick attack.
Pickup Configuration & Tonal Characteristics
The set pairs a 40DC bridge pickup with ceramic bar magnets for aggressive attack with a 40CS neck pickup featuring ceramic magnets and steel poles for balanced low-end. The bridge model's 4.55 kHz resonant frequency provides midrange presence, while the neck's 3.75 kHz frequency emphasizes fuller lows—together they create a responsive, full-spectrum active tone that translates reliably through any bass rig.
Electronics & Installation
Both pickups deliver 2.50V output under normal playing and 6.00V peak output with aggressive thumb technique, ensuring consistent headroom into bass amplifiers. The -108 dB noise floor and 10 kΩ output impedance maintain a clean signal path through long cable runs and demanding venue setups. Installation is straightforward via the included solderless wiring system, which eliminates solder joints and reduces setup time—essential for road reliability.
Key Features
- Dual-coil 40DC bridge pickup with ceramic bar magnets
- 40CS neck pickup with ceramic magnets and steel poles
- Extended 4-inch (102mm) soapbar housing for five-string bass applications
- Bridge resonant frequency: 4.55 kHz; neck resonant frequency: 3.75 kHz
- 2.50V output (normal playing); 6.00V output (aggressive technique)
- -108 dB output noise specification at 60 Hz
- 10 kΩ output impedance on both models
- Battery life: 1000 hours at 9V; maximum supply rating 27V DC
- 230 μA current draw at 9V operation
- Solderless system includes two 25K volume pots, two 25K tone pots, battery bus, and stereo output jack
- Complete wiring harness: pickup cables, connection cables, output cable, and battery cable included
- Two pairs of mounting screws for secure installation
This active five-string set delivers the low-end extension and articulation demanded by working musicians, backed by EMG's proven active electronics architecture and Ellefson's professional endorsement for reliable stage and studio performance.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
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At a Glance
The EMG David Ellefson 5STR is an active soapbar pickup set designed for five-string bass, delivering extended low end, articulate midrange punch, and aggressive attack that cuts through dense live and studio mixes. Built for intermediate to professional players in metal, progressive, and funk genres, these pickups pair a bridge model optimized for midrange presence with a neck model that emphasizes fuller lows—all wired with EMG's solderless system for fast, reliable installation. Choose this set when you need modern clarity, high output headroom, and the tonal signature trusted by working bassists in demanding genres.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Thrash Metal
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Funk
- ✓ Studio Sessions
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between the bridge (40DC) and neck (40CS) pickups in this set?
The bridge 40DC uses ceramic bar magnets and resonates at 4.55 kHz for aggressive midrange presence and attack, while the neck 40CS combines ceramic magnets with steel poles and resonates at 3.75 kHz to emphasize fuller low-end response. Together they create a balanced, responsive tone across the full spectrum.
Will these pickups fit my five-string bass?
Yes—these are soapbar pickups designed specifically for five-string bass applications, with 4-inch (102mm) housing and mounting screws included. Confirm your bass has soapbar routing; if you have traditional split-coil cavities, these will not fit.
What's included with the pickup set, and is installation easy?
The set includes both pickups, a solderless wiring harness with volume and tone pots, battery bus, stereo output jack, all necessary cables, and mounting screws. The solderless system eliminates soldering, making installation straightforward for intermediate technicians or professional luthiers.
What kind of output and noise performance should I expect?
Normal playing produces 2.50V output, while aggressive thumb technique delivers up to 6.00V peak output, giving you headroom into any bass amp or interface. The -108 dB noise floor and 10 kΩ output impedance maintain a clean signal path with minimal hum.
How long does the battery last, and what are the power specs?
Battery life is approximately 1000 hours at 9V operation with 230 μA current draw. The system can accept up to 27V DC for extended headroom in powered rigs, though standard 9V is recommended for typical use.
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. On this item that is roughly $15 less out the door than the same listed price at a national retailer or on a marketplace. 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.
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