What's included in the EMG J5 set?

The set includes two pickups (neck and bridge), two 25K volume potentiometers, one 25K tone potentiometer, battery bus, stereo output jack, interconnect cables, mounting screws, and a solderless installation system. Everything needed for a direct replacement on 5-string J-Bass instruments is in the box.

How long does the 9-volt battery last?

The battery lasts approximately 3000 hours of operation, which translates to several months of typical playing between changes. The pickup set draws only 80 microamps at 9V, minimizing drain on the bass's power system.

Will these pickups work with my 5-string J-Bass?

Yes, the EMG J5 is configured specifically for 5-string J-Bass instruments with neck and bridge positions. The neck cap measures 0.725" × 3.97"; the bridge cap is 0.725" × 4.1". Check your bass's existing pickup cavity dimensions for fit before purchasing.

How do these compare to passive J-Bass pickups?

Active pickups like the EMG J5 deliver higher output (4.50V per string), a noise-free signal (10 dB at 60 Hz), and shaped tone (2.00 kHz resonant peak for articulate midrange). They excel in live and studio environments where clean signal and consistent dynamics matter. Passive pickups offer warmer tone and require no battery but lack the output and noise rejection.

What genres suit the EMG J5?

The EMG J5 is voiced for funk, jazz, studio sessions, and live performance. Its punchy, articulate character and tight low-end excel in modern, genre-agnostic bass work but are not optimized for traditional jazz or folk applications where warmer, more vintage tones are preferred.

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 $14 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 J5 Active Bass Pickup Set in Black

The EMG J5 delivers the articulate, punchy character that defines modern active J-Bass tone. This 5-string matched pair offers immediate clarity and controlled dynamics, responding precisely to playing dynamics across the entire frequency range. Built for bass players who need consistency and definition—whether you're tracking in the studio or holding your low end on stage night after night.

Active Electronics & Power Efficiency

Powered by a single 9-volt battery with exceptional longevity—3000 hours per charge—these pickups draw only 80 microamps at 9V and tolerate supply voltages up to 27 volts DC. The extended battery life means months of reliable operation between changes, and the low current draw minimizes drain on your bass's power system, so you won't face dead batteries mid-gig.

Tone & Output Characteristics

A resonant frequency of 2.00 kHz combined with 4.50V output per string ensures focused midrange articulation and strong projection through any amplifier. The ceramic magnet construction and 10dB noise floor at 60 Hz deliver clean, noise-free operation suitable for studio recording and live stage work alike, cutting through a full mix without unwanted hum or hiss.

Key Features

5-string J-Bass configuration with neck and bridge pickups
Active electronics requiring 9-volt battery
Battery life: 3000 hours at 80 microamps
Maximum supply rating: 27 volts DC
Resonant frequency: 2.00 kHz
Output voltage: 4.50 per string
Output noise: 10 dB at 60 Hz
Ceramic magnet material
Neck cap: 0.725" × 3.97"; Bridge cap: 0.725" × 4.1"
Solderless installation system with mounting screws and cables included
Complete electronics package: 2 × 25K volume pots, 1 × 25K tone pot, battery bus, stereo output jack, and interconnect cables

The EMG J5 combines low-noise active performance with straightforward solderless wiring, making it a direct-replacement solution for 5-string J-Bass instruments demanding professional-grade output you can count on every time you plug in.