What's the difference between the HBCS and EMG's standard HB pickup?

The HBCS is voiced specifically for additional low-end warmth and deeper response while maintaining the articulation and punch of EMG's active design. Both use the same Quik-Connect system and 9V battery power, but the HBCS delivers more bass extension and resonance.

How long does the battery last, and is it easy to swap?

A single 9V battery yields approximately 3000 hours of playing time (roughly four months of regular use) with an 80-microamp current draw. The Quik-Connect system allows tool-free battery swaps without any soldering, making maintenance fast and hassle-free.

What bass cavities and string configurations does it fit?

The HBCS is designed for 4-string bass with standard P-style cavity dimensions: 69.8mm length, 38.1mm width, and up to 2.10 inches (53.34mm) maximum string width. It's also housed in a guitar humbucker form factor, so installation depends on your bass's routing.

Will this work for jazz, funk, and studio sessions?

Yes. The HBCS is specifically voiced for funk, jazz, and studio recording with warm low-end response, deep tone, and articulate punch. Its controlled 10 kΩ output impedance delivers a tight signal that cuts through mixes without muddiness.

Is this pickup suitable for classical or traditional bass music?

No. The HBCS is an active design optimized for funk, jazz, and modern studio work. Classical bass playing typically calls for passive, vintage-voiced pickups with different tonal characteristics.

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 HBCS Active Humbucker Bass Pickup in White

The EMG HBCS is an active humbucker bass pickup engineered to deliver a warmer, deeper tone than EMG's classic HB design. This ceramic and steel magnet pickup combines the ergonomic form factor of a guitar humbucker housing with P-style winding, making it the choice for bass players seeking enhanced low-end response without sacrificing clarity on stage or in the studio.

Tone & Output Character

Specifically voiced to produce additional low-end warmth compared to the standard HB model, the HBCS maintains the articulation and punch expected from an active EMG design. The 10 kΩ output impedance ensures tight, controlled signal delivery to your preamp or amplifier chain, keeping your bass sitting solid in a live mix or locked into your rig during rehearsals.

Electronics & Power

This active design operates on a 9V battery with a miserly 80 microamps @ 9V current draw, yielding approximately 3000 hours of battery life per charge—roughly four months of regular playing. The EMG Quik-Connect system enables fast, tool-free installation and battery swaps without soldering, so you're never stuck on the road troubleshooting wiring.

Key Features

Type: P-Style pickup in guitar humbucker housing
Magnet: Ceramic and steel construction
Length: 69.8mm (2.75")
Width: 38.1mm (1.50")
Maximum string width: 53.34mm (2.10")
Designed for 4-string bass
Active design with 9V battery power
Current draw: 80 microamps @ 9V
Battery life: 3000 hours per charge
Output impedance: 10 kΩ
Quik-Connect system for solderless installation
Finish: White

The HBCS combines extended low-end response with EMG's legendary reliability and quick-swap convenience, making it a direct upgrade for bass players who need warmer tone definition and road-tested dependability.

Best suited for	funk, jazz, studio sessions, home recording
Tonal character	Warm low end, deep, articulate, controlled punch, tight signal delivery
Less specialized for	traditional classical bass (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily)
Skill level	Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced / Professional