What's included in the EMG J System box?

The set includes two ceramic-magnet J-style pickups, two 25k volume potentiometers, one 25k tone potentiometer, battery clip with buss connector, stereo output jack, mounting screws, pickup cables, connecting cables, output cable, battery cable, and all wiring needed for a complete retrofit. No soldering required.

How long does the 9V battery last?

The battery provides approximately 3,000 hours of playing time per charge, which translates to roughly 6–12 months depending on daily use. Current draw is exceptionally low at 80 microamps, minimizing maintenance between changes.

Is this system suitable for studio recording?

Yes. The -91 dBV output noise floor is clean enough for studio work, the 0.8V RMS output integrates transparently into mixing chains, and the tight low-end and articulate midrange make it particularly effective for capturing funk and jazz in a recorded setting.

What bass styles does this pickup work best for?

The EMG J System is designed for funk, jazz, and live performance where punchy articulation and clarity are priorities. It is not recommended for folk or country applications, where a warmer or more traditional tone profile may be preferred.

Do I need soldering skills to install this?

No. The solderless 3-core wiring system and included potentiometers make installation straightforward without specialized wiring knowledge. All necessary components are provided for a direct retrofit.

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.

EMG J System Active Bass Pickup Set in Black

The EMG J System delivers the punchy, articulate character of a classic jazz bass pickup in a modern active configuration. This solderless installation system makes retrofitting straightforward, while the ceramic magnets and carefully tuned electronics produce tight low-end response and controlled treble that cuts through a mix without brittleness. Built for bass players who demand consistent output and clarity across the entire frequency spectrum—essential for holding down a live mix and maintaining definition through dense arrangements.

Active Electronics & Power

The system runs on a single 9V battery with an exceptionally long 3,000-hour battery life, minimizing maintenance between gigs. Operating at just 80 microamps current draw and capable of handling up to 27V DC supply, the circuit delivers a 0.8V RMS output (1.10V peak) with -91 dBV output noise—quiet enough for studio tracking and transparent enough for live venue work where every ounce of signal integrity matters.

Tone & Installation

Ceramic magnetic construction and a 4.8 kHz resonant frequency produce focused midrange articulation with reduced mud in the lows—the kind of presence you need to sit right in a bassist's sweet spot on stage. The solderless 3-core wiring and included 10 kOhms output impedance design integrate seamlessly with existing bass electronics; the included potentiometers and cables handle the complete retrofit without requiring specialized wiring knowledge, so you can swap these in before load-out time.

Key Features

Active pickup system with 9V battery power
3,000-hour battery life per charge
Ceramic magnet construction
4.8 kHz resonant frequency for focused midrange
-91 dBV output noise floor
0.8V RMS / 1.10V peak output voltage
10 kOhms output impedance
Solderless 3-core wiring system
Compatible with 2–3/4" (70 mm) maximum string width
Includes two 25k volume potentiometers, 25k tone potentiometer, battery clip with buss connector, stereo output jack, mounting screws, pickup cables, connecting cables, output cable, and battery cable
2.63 x 2.38 x 6 inch footprint
Maximum supply voltage: 27V DC

This complete active system arrives with all necessary components for installation, making it a direct path to EMG's signature clarity and stage-ready performance on any J-style bass configuration.