EMG J5 Active Bass Pickup Set in White
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG4996
Description
EMG J5 Active Bass Pickup Set in White
The EMG J5 is a matched pair of active pickups engineered for 5-string jazz bass, delivering articulate highs and controlled lows with the signature clarity of EMG's solderless design. These ceramic-magnet pickups offer medium output and low noise floor, making them ideal for players seeking punchy articulation without mud or feedback. Installation is straightforward with the included solderless connectors and complete wiring harness.
Electrical Performance & Specifications
Output voltage reaches 4.50V on thump and 1.00V on string, providing ample headroom for active circuitry while maintaining an output noise floor of -101 dB at 60 Hz. The 10 Kohm output impedance ensures clean signal transfer to your amplifier or interface. Battery life extends to 3000 hours on a single 9V supply, with support for up to 27V DC maximum for extended headroom in demanding applications.
Design & Installation
The neck and bridge pickups measure 0.725" × 3.97" and 0.725" × 4.1" respectively, accommodating strings up to 88.4mm (3.48") width. Both pickups employ radiused ceramic bar magnets tuned to a 3.95 kHz resonant frequency for balanced midrange presence. The complete kit includes matched pickups, 2× 25k volume potentiometers, 1× 25k tone potentiometer, stereo output jack, battery bus, mounting hardware, and all necessary pickup, connect, output, and battery cables—everything required for a complete active electronics retrofit.
Key Features
- Matched pair for 5-string jazz bass configuration
- Medium output with 4.50V thump and 1.00V string voltage
- Output noise floor of -101 dB at 60 Hz
- Neck pickup: 0.725" × 3.97"; Bridge pickup: 0.725" × 4.1"
- Radiused ceramic bar magnet construction
- 3.95 kHz resonant frequency
- Solderless connectors for tool-free installation
- 3000-hour battery life at 9V; supports up to 27V DC maximum
- 10 Kohm output impedance
- Includes 2× volume pots, 1× tone pot, battery bus, stereo output jack, mounting hardware, and all connecting cables
- Made in USA
- Compatible with maximum string width of 88.4mm (3.48")
The EMG J5 delivers the clarity and articulation that active circuitry is known for, backed by decades of EMG engineering and a complete wiring harness that eliminates guesswork during installation.
More Information
| Condition | New |
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At a Glance
The EMG J5 is a matched pair of active pickups engineered for 5-string jazz bass, delivering articulate highs and controlled lows with zero mud and a low noise floor ideal for punchy, clear articulation on stage and in the studio. Built with solderless connectors and a complete wiring harness, these ceramic-magnet pickups install tool-free and keep your signal clean even in demanding live and session environments. Choose the J5 if you play jazz, funk, or studio work where clarity, midrange presence, and feedback-free performance matter more than aggression.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Jazz
- ✓ Funk
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Home Recording
Not the best pick for
- – Metal
- – Drop Tunings
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What skill level do I need to install the EMG J5?
The J5 uses solderless connectors and includes a complete wiring harness with all connecting cables, mounting hardware, volume and tone pots, battery bus, and stereo output jack—everything is designed for straightforward tool-free installation. Intermediate players and above can handle the retrofit; if you have never wired active electronics, consider having a luthier or tech handle it to ensure proper grounding and battery connection.
What genres and playing styles is the J5 best suited for?
The J5 excels in jazz, funk, studio sessions, and home recording where articulate highs, clear midrange, and punchy articulation without mud are priorities. It is not designed for metal or drop-tuning styles, which typically demand heavier output and darker tone profiles.
How long does the battery last, and what are the power requirements?
A single 9V battery provides approximately 3000 hours of playing time. The pickups support up to 27V DC maximum for extended headroom in demanding applications, giving you flexibility to upgrade your power supply if needed.
What is the output noise floor and impedance?
The output noise floor is -101 dB at 60 Hz, ensuring a clean, feedback-free signal in both studio and live environments. The 10 Kohm output impedance provides clean signal transfer to amplifiers and audio interfaces.
What is included in the kit?
The complete kit includes matched neck and bridge pickups, 2× 25k volume potentiometers, 1× 25k tone potentiometer, stereo output jack, battery bus, mounting hardware, and all necessary pickup, connect, output, and battery cables—a full active electronics retrofit with no additional purchases needed.
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.
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