EMG J5X 5-String Active Bass Pickup Set in Black
- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG4023
Description
EMG J5 Set 5-String Active Bass Pickup in Black
The EMG J5 Set delivers the focused, articulate punch of active J-style pickups engineered for five-string bass applications. This matched pair combines medium output with tight frequency response, making it the go-to choice for players pursuing clarity and definition across genres from jazz to modern rock and funk.
Active Tone & Output Character
Built around radiused ceramic bar magnets and an active pickup system, this set produces medium output with excellent note separation and controlled low-end extension. The J-style format inherently favors articulate treble and midrange presence, ideal for slap technique and fast melodic work on five-string instruments.
Electronics & Installation
The complete system ships with solderless connections that significantly reduce installation complexity, plus two 25K volume potentiometers, one 25K tone potentiometer, battery bus, stereo output jack, and all necessary cables and mounting hardware. This all-in-one approach means you get a turnkey active system without hunting down individual components.
Key Features
- Active pickup system with medium output
- J-Style format optimized for five-string bass
- Radiused ceramic bar magnet construction
- Neck pickup: 0.725" × 3.97"
- Bridge pickup: 0.725" × 4.1"
- Solderless connections for simplified wiring
- Includes 2× 25K volume pots and 1× 25K tone pot
- Battery bus and stereo output jack included
- Pickup cables, connection cables, output cable, and battery cable supplied
- Mounting screws included
- Black finish
The EMG J5 Set pairs professional-grade active electronics with straightforward installation, delivering the tonal clarity and stage-ready reliability that working bass players depend on night after night.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG J5X is a matched active J-style pickup set engineered for five-string bass, delivering articulate treble, tight note separation, and controlled low end across jazz, funk, and rock. Its medium output and focused frequency response cut through a mix during live shows and studio sessions, making it the pick for players who demand clarity over raw power. The solderless wiring system and included potentiometers, battery bus, and cables let you drop it into your instrument without custom fabrication—reliability and ease that working musicians count on.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Funk
- ✓ Jazz
- ✓ Rock
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Live Performance
Not the best pick for
- – Drop Tunings
- – Metal
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What genres and playing styles is this pickup set best suited for?
The EMG J5X excels in funk, jazz, rock, and studio sessions where articulate treble and excellent note separation matter most. The J-style format with active electronics is ideal for slap technique and fast melodic work, making it a strong choice for players who prioritize clarity and definition over raw power or aggressive distortion.
What comes in the box, and how difficult is installation?
The set includes both neck and bridge pickups, two 25K volume potentiometers, one 25K tone potentiometer, battery bus, stereo output jack, solderless connection harness, pickup cables, output cable, battery cable, and mounting screws. Solderless connections dramatically simplify wiring—no soldering skills required—making this a true plug-and-play active system for most five-string bass instruments.
How does the medium output and tone character compare to other J-style pickups?
The EMG J5X combines medium output with a tight, focused frequency response that delivers controlled low end and exceptional note separation. Comparable J-style alternatives like the Seymour Duncan SJB-3N and Bartolini CBJD5-L offer different output and EQ profiles; the EMG's active circuit and ceramic bar magnet design prioritize articulate midrange and treble presence over extended bass bloom, making it ideal for players who want definition in a full band mix.
Is this pickup set suitable for drop tunings or metal applications?
No—the EMG J5X is engineered for funk, jazz, rock, and studio clarity. Drop tunings and metal genres typically demand pickups with higher output, extended low-end response, and a darker tone character that this set is not designed to provide.
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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