What genres and playing styles is the EMG LJV best suited for?

The LJV excels in jazz, funk, and studio sessions where articulation and note separation matter most. It works well for both fingerstyle precision and pick-driven attack, but is not designed for metal or drop-tuning applications where thicker, darker tone is typically preferred.

How long will the battery last, and what's the power draw?

A single 9V alkaline or lithium battery provides approximately 3000 hours of runtime due to the extremely low 80 microamp current draw. That translates to roughly 4 months of continuous use, making it practical for touring and studio work with minimal maintenance.

How does the noise performance compare to passive pickups?

The active circuit delivers a -99 dB output noise floor at 60 Hz, providing clean signal path even at volume. This low-noise design is ideal for session work and live performance where hum and interference can muddy your tone.

What output levels does this pickup provide?

Standard string output is 1.50V with thump mode reaching 4.50V, giving you ample gain for modern bass rigs and recording interfaces. The pickup tolerates supply voltages up to 27V DC, offering headroom for future upgrades.

Is this pickup compatible with standard Jazz Bass routing?

Yes, the LJV uses standard Jazz Bass routing and measures 93.99mm (3.70 inches) long by 18.54mm (0.73 inches) wide. It includes 25K volume and tone potentiometers, battery bus, stereo output jack, and mounting hardware for straightforward installation.

Do I pay sales tax on this order?

Sales tax is collected only on orders shipped to California; orders shipped to any other US state are not charged sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. Marketplaces collect sales tax as the facilitator in most states, so the same listed price can cost more there. Buyers remain responsible for any use tax their state applies. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included.

EMG LJV Active Bass Pickup in Black

The EMG LJV is a professional-grade active single-coil pickup built for bassists who need clarity, punch, and articulation in a compact Jazz Bass format. Its exposed pole pieces and low-noise active circuitry deliver defined note separation and controlled output across the full frequency spectrum, cutting through a live mix with equal authority whether you're playing fingerstyle precision or pick-driven attack.

Tone & Output Performance

This pickup pairs an Alnico V magnet with active electronics tuned to a 3.20 kHz resonant frequency, yielding bright, articulate highs and solid midrange presence that sits well on stage. String output hits 1.50V while thump mode reaches 4.50V—enough headroom to drive modern bass rigs hard—and the -99 dB output noise floor keeps your signal clean and quiet even at volume.

Road Reliability & Power

A single 9V alkaline or lithium battery powers the active circuit with minimal current draw: just 80 microamps at 9V translates to approximately 3000 hours of battery life. The pickup tolerates supply voltages up to 27V DC, giving you headroom for future upgrades or creative power solutions without risk of circuit damage—crucial for touring and long studio sessions.

Key Features

Active single-coil configuration with exposed pole pieces
Alnico V magnet for warm, defined tone
Length: 93.99mm (3.70"), Width: 18.54mm (0.73")
Resonant frequency: 3.20 kHz
String output: 1.50V; Thump output: 4.50V
Output noise: -99 dB @ 60 Hz
Output impedance: 10 kΩ
Current draw: 80 microamps @ 9V
Battery life: 3000 hours (single 9V alkaline or lithium)
Maximum supply voltage: 27V DC
Standard Jazz Bass routing; includes 25K volume and tone potentiometers, battery bus, stereo output jack, and mounting hardware
Black cover finish

The EMG LJV delivers extended battery runtime, professional noise rejection, and responsive active gain in a proven single-coil format—the pickup of choice for working bassists, session players, and touring musicians who can't afford downtime.

Best suited for	Jazz, Funk, Studio Sessions, Live Performance
Tonal character	Bright, articulate, punchy, defined note separation, tight midrange
Less specialized for	Metal, Drop Tunings (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily)
Skill level	Intermediate / Advanced / Professional