What comes in the box?

The set includes both neck and bridge pickups (with radiused ceramic magnets), two 25k volume potentiometers, one 25k tone potentiometer, a battery bus, stereo output jack, two Quik-Connect cables, mounting hardware (4 pairs of screws), output cable, and battery cable. Everything needed for a complete active system retrofit is included.

Will these work with my 5-string bass?

The J5 set is designed specifically for 5-string basses and accommodates string widths up to 88.4mm (3.48 inches). The neck pickup measures 0.725 x 3.97 inches and the bridge pickup extends to 0.725 x 4.1 inches, fitting standard modern narrow-spaced configurations. Verify your bass cavity dimensions match these footprints before purchasing.

What styles are these pickups best for?

The J5 excels in jazz, funk, and studio sessions where articulate, punchy tone with high output and clarity are priorities. They are not recommended for metal or thrash metal applications where thicker, more saturated tones are typical.

Are these active or passive pickups?

These are active pickups with onboard electronics. The complete active system (dual volume controls, tone control, battery bus, and stereo output jack) is included, and the pickups require a battery to operate.

How do the J5s compare to other 5-string jazz pickup options?

The EMG J5 sits in the same category as the Seymour Duncan SJB-3, Bartolini CBJD5, and Aguilar DCB. The J5 emphasizes clarity and output with a compact footprint, making it particularly suited for modern bass designs where space or aesthetic constraints matter.

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 J5 Active Bass Pickup Set in Ivory

The EMG J5 Active Bass Pickup Set delivers the articulate, punchy response that 5-string bass players rely on for cutting through a live mix. These active single-coil pickups combine clarity and output with the compact form factor needed for modern bass designs. The ivory finish integrates seamlessly into vintage-inspired or aesthetic-conscious instrument builds.

Pickup Design & Specifications

Built around radiused ceramic bar magnets, the J5 set maintains tight string definition across the full 5-string width. The neck pickup measures 0.725" × 3.97" while the bridge pickup extends to 0.725" × 4.1", accommodating string widths up to 88.4mm (3.48")—ideal for modern narrow-spaced configurations without compromise.

Active Electronics & Installation

The complete system ships with dual 25k volume potentiometers, a 25k tone control, battery bus, and stereo output jack, providing immediate plug-and-play integration into most bass cavities. Two Quik-Connect cables, mounting hardware, output cable, and battery cable are included, streamlining the installation process for quick gigs or mid-tour swaps.

Key Features

Single coil active pickup configuration for 5-string jazz bass
Neck pickup cap dimensions: 0.725" × 3.97"
Bridge pickup cap dimensions: 0.725" × 4.1"
Radiused ceramic bar magnet construction
Maximum recommended string width: 88.4mm (3.48")
Neck pickup length: 100.9mm (3.97")
Bridge pickup length: 104.1mm (4.10")
Ivory finish
Includes 2× Quik-Connect cables, 2× 25k volume pots, 1× 25k tone pot, battery bus, stereo output jack
Complete hardware package: 4 pair mounting screws, output cable, battery cable

The EMG J5 Active set provides the focused output and tonal precision 5-string players demand, backed by a comprehensive component package and road-tested reliability.