What does P-Style in humbucker housing mean, and will it fit my bass?

The HBCS is a P-Style pickup (single-coil configuration) housed in a humbucker body shape. It measures 69.8mm × 38.1mm and fits standard bass pickup cavities with minimal modification; maximum string width is 53.34mm (2.10").

Do I need an external preamp or battery box?

No. The preamp is built directly into the pickup housing; it runs on a single 9V battery with all cables, pots, and controls included for complete installation.

How does the HBCS compare to the classic EMG HB pickup?

The HBCS delivers a noticeably warmer character with additional low-end presence compared to EMG's classic HB model, while maintaining the same noise rejection and active output consistency.

Is this pickup good for jazz bass?

This pickup is voiced for funk and rock; traditional jazz bass applications are not an ideal fit for its warm, extended low-end character.

What comes in the box?

The package includes the pickup, one 25K volume pot, one 25K tone pot, battery bus, stereo output jack, mounting screws, springs, and all necessary connection cables.

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 HBCS Active Humbucker Bass Pickup in Ivory

The EMG HBCS delivers a warm, extended low-end response in a compact humbucker housing designed for bass applications. This active pickup integrates an internal preamp directly into the unit, eliminating external boxes and offering straightforward plug-and-play installation. The ivory finish blends seamlessly into lighter instrument aesthetics while maintaining the noise rejection and output consistency active EMG designs are known for.

Design & Installation

Measuring 69.8mm × 38.1mm (2.75" × 1.50"), this P-Style pickup in humbucker housing fits standard bass cavities with minimal modification. The ceramic/steel blended magnet is optimized for the low frequencies, and the internal preamp requires only a 9V battery to operate, with all necessary cables and controls included for a complete retrofit.

Live Performance & Tone

The HBCS produces a noticeably warmer character with additional low-end presence compared to EMG's classic HB model. On stage and in the studio, the active design eliminates hum and interference entirely, delivering consistent output across the frequency spectrum regardless of venue noise or ground loops—a reliable foundation for any bass rig.

Key Features

P-Style pickup in guitar humbucker housing configuration
Internal active preamp built directly into the pickup
Ceramic/steel blended magnet for extended low-end response
Dimensions: 69.8mm length × 38.1mm width (2.75" × 1.50")
Maximum recommended string width: 53.34mm (2.10")
Includes 1× 25K volume pot, 1× 25K tone pot, and battery bus
Includes stereo output jack, mounting screws, springs, and all connection cables
Operates on 9V battery power
Excellent noise reduction from active design
Warmer tone with additional low-end compared to classic HB pickup

The HBCS combines EMG's proven active noise rejection with a purposefully voiced low-end character, making it a solid choice for bass players seeking warmth and clarity without the hum associated with passive designs.