Do I need soldering skills to install these?

No. The EMG Solderless Install System lets you complete the swap with basic electronics knowledge and no soldering iron. All components — volume and tone controls, output jack, battery clip, screws, and springs — ship in the box.

What genres and playing styles suit the JAX?

The JAX excels in funk, slap bass, pick playing, and studio sessions where articulation and punch matter. Its midrange emphasis and clarity work best for modern, aggressive styles; traditional jazz and folk applications are outside its design intent.

What makes the JAX different from passive pickups?

Active pickups use battery power to deliver higher output, extended frequency response, and increased headroom — meaning faster response to your pick attack or finger dynamics and less muddiness in dense mixes. The JAX's Alnico V magnets and short coils add extra articulation and upper-register definition.

Do these pickups require a battery?

Yes. The active electronics require battery power to operate. A battery clip set is included with your purchase.

What color options are available?

The pickup set comes in black finish with cover cap options in black, white, or ivory, so you can match your bass's aesthetics.

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 JAX Active Bass Pickup Set in Black

The EMG JAX delivers the articulate, punchy response that defined modern active bass tone. This X Series design brings increased headroom and extended frequency response, making it responsive to pick attack and finger dynamics alike. Built for players who demand clarity and defined low-end without muddiness, the JAX set handles everything from aggressive slap work to tight fingerstyle passages.

Electronics & Tone Character

Fitted with Alnico V magnets paired to short, squat coils, these pickups emphasize midrange articulation and upper-register definition. The active topology requires battery power and integrates seamlessly into your instrument's existing wiring through the included installation components.

Installation & Included Components

The Solderless Install System eliminates the need for a soldering iron, making replacement straightforward for players comfortable with basic electronics work. Everything you need ships in the package: split-shaft volume and tone control set, output jack, battery clip set, mounting screws, and springs.

Key Features

Active pickups with X Series design for increased headroom and frequency response
Alnico V magnets with short, squat coils for articulate midrange and clarity
Solderless components for tool-free installation
EMG Solderless Install System included
Split shaft volume and tone control set included
Output jack included
Battery clip set included
Mounting screws and springs included
Model number EM940010
Black finish
Available cover cap options: Black, White, or Ivory
Requires battery power for operation

The JAX set represents a complete, ready-to-install upgrade path for bass players seeking the tactile clarity and punch that active electronics bring to aggressive playing styles.