What kind of bass does the EMG LJ fit?

The EMG LJ is a bridge-position pickup designed for 4-string basses. Its 93.99 mm length and 18.54 mm width fit standard bridge routes; confirm your bass's pickup cavity dimensions and route type before purchasing, as active pickups require a preamp and 9-volt battery cavity.

How often will I need to change the battery?

The EMG LJ delivers approximately 3000 hours of battery life on a single 9-volt battery (alkaline or lithium recommended), translating to roughly 6–12 months of regular playing. The low 80-microamp current draw helps extend that lifespan in typical use.

Will this pickup work in a passive bass without modifications?

No—the EMG LJ is an active pickup and requires a preamp and 9-volt battery circuit to operate. Installing it in a passive bass demands routing for a preamp and battery compartment, making it incompatible with standard passive setups without modification.

What tone does the LJ deliver compared to passive pickups?

The EMG LJ's 3.95 kHz resonant peak and 2.00-volt string output emphasize articulation and pick attack while maintaining tight low-end definition. Unlike passive pickups, it operates at -101 dB noise floor with no hum, delivering studio-clarity signal integrity ideal for funk and jazz but less suited to traditional blues voicing.

How much output does this pickup have?

The EMG LJ produces 2.00 volts of standard string output and 4.50 volts in thump mode, with 10-kilohm impedance. This high-headroom signal chain handles long recording sessions and live-sound rigs without degradation or noise.

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. 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 LJ Active Bass Pickup in Red

The EMG LJ is a compact active bridge pickup engineered for punchy, articulate bass tones with minimal noise floor. Its single-coil design delivers clarity and definition without the hum that plagues passive alternatives, making it a solid choice for players prioritizing clean signal integrity and extended battery life between changes.

Active Electronics & Noise Performance

Powered by a single 9-volt battery, this pickup operates at exceptionally low noise levels—measuring -101 dB at 60 Hz—ensuring studio-quality recordings and live performance without unwanted hum. With a battery life rating of 3000 hours and a maximum supply voltage of 27 volts DC, the LJ handles long gigs, extended studio sessions, and high-headroom signal chains with reliability.

Sonic Character & Output Dynamics

The pickup's 3.95 kHz resonant frequency emphasizes articulation and pick attack while maintaining tight low-end definition. String output sits at 2.00 volts with a thump mode of 4.50 volts, giving you responsive dynamics that track playing dynamics precisely while keeping overall impedance at a practical 10 kilohms—ideal for clean integration into any bass rig.

Key Features

Single-coil active pickup with ceramic magnet
Bridge position for 4-string bass
Active electronics powered by one 9-volt battery (Alkaline or Lithium recommended)
Output noise: -101 dB @ 60 Hz
String output voltage: 2.00V
Thump output voltage: 4.50V
Output impedance: 10 kilohms
Resonant frequency: 3.95 kHz
Current draw @ 9V: 80 microamps
Battery life: 3000 hours
Dimensions: 93.99mm length × 18.54mm width
Maximum recommended string width: 69.2mm

The EMG LJ combines low-noise active circuitry with compact dimensions and reliable performance, making it a dependable upgrade for bass players seeking clarity on the road and in the studio with minimal maintenance.