What's included in the box?

The EMG JA set includes both the neck and bridge pickups, a prewired control board with dual volume controls and master tone control, an output jack, battery clip, 2 Quik-Connect cables, and adjustment screws. You'll only need to connect the pickups to your bass and the preamp to the control set.

How long does the battery last?

At 80 microamps draw from a 9V battery, the system runs approximately 3,000 hours—roughly 18 months of typical playing. The system can also accept supply voltages up to 27V DC if you want to upgrade to external power.

Will these pickups fit my bass?

The maximum recommended string width is 2-3/4 inches (70 mm), which covers most modern bass configurations. Verify your current pickup dimensions and mounting before ordering to ensure a clean fit.

What kind of tone should I expect?

The JA's 3.95 kHz resonant peak delivers articulate note separation and upper-midrange clarity without harshness, making it ideal for modern genres like funk and progressive. Output runs at 2.00 V per string and 4.50 V in thump mode with a -101 dB noise floor, ensuring tight definition and clean signal in both live and studio settings.

How do these compare to passive pickups?

Active pickups like the JA offer higher output, lower noise, and more control over tone through the onboard electronics. The Alnico V magnets and active circuitry give you punchy articulation and responsiveness that passive pickups typically cannot match, especially in modern bass styles.

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 $13 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 JA Active Bass Pickup Set in Black

The EMG JA active pickup set delivers the articulate, punchy character that cuts through live mixes and studio recordings alike. Built with Alnico V magnets, these pickups offer enhanced clarity and responsiveness across the frequency spectrum, giving bass players the definition needed to sit tight in a band's pocket while maintaining note separation in dense arrangements. This is a complete working solution—both pickups and all necessary electronics arrive ready to install.

Tone & Electronics

The JA's 3.95 kHz resonant frequency peaks in the upper-midrange, yielding articulate note separation without excessive harshness. Output runs robust at 2.00 V per string and 4.50 V in thump mode, providing enough gain to drive preamps and mixing consoles without noise—-101 dB output noise floor ensures clean signal integrity even in quiet passages and keeps your tone transparent through any PA or recording chain.

Power & Installation

A single 9V battery powers both pickups with remarkable efficiency: 80 microamps at 9V yields approximately 3,000 hours of battery life between changes, making this a reliable choice for touring and regular gigging. The system handles supply voltages up to 27V DC, offering headroom for upgraded power sources, and maximum recommended string width reaches 2-3/4" (70 mm) to accommodate most modern bass configurations.

Key Features

Alnico V magnet construction for enhanced clarity and responsiveness
Resonant frequency: 3.95 kHz
Output voltage: 2.00 V (string), 4.50 V (thump)
Output noise: -101 dB
Output impedance: 10 kOhms
Current draw @ 9V: 80 microamps
Battery life: 3,000 hours
Maximum supply voltage: 27V DC
Maximum recommended string width: 2-3/4" (70 mm)
Includes 2 Quik-Connect cables and prewired control set with dual volume controls, master tone control, output jack, battery clip, and adjustment screws

The EMG JA set combines articulate high-end response with the low-noise performance expected of active electronics, making it a straightforward upgrade for any bass player or tech looking to add tonal precision and extended battery life to their instrument.