What output levels should I expect, and can I switch between them?

The pickup delivers 2.00V in finger/thumb mode for standard playing and 8.0V in thump mode for higher-gain applications, giving you flexible gain staging for different amps, preamps, and recording interfaces. You control which mode is active through the integrated electronics.

How long does a 9V battery last, and what else is included in the installation?

A single 9V battery provides approximately 1000 hours of playback time at 380 microamps draw. The kit includes matched volume and tone potentiometers, battery connectors, all necessary cables, and a solderless wiring system so you don't need a soldering iron to install it.

Will this pickup work in my current bass, or do I need special wiring?

The solderless system works with standard bass cavities and includes pre-made connectors designed for quick, reliable installation; the 3 Kohm output impedance ensures transparent signal transmission to any standard amp or interface. If your bass currently has passive electronics, you'll need to rout for the battery compartment and wire the active circuit, but EMG's system minimizes soldering.

Is the red finish durable, or just cosmetic?

The red cosmetic finish is a striking visual alternative to standard black; the pickup body itself is built from stainless steel for durability and corrosion resistance in live and studio environments.

What genres and playing styles is this pickup designed for?

The EMG P Active is optimized for funk, rock, and studio sessions where articulate attack and midrange presence matter; its focused tone and high clarity are less suited to traditional jazz or folk styles that prioritize warm, dark voicing.

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 P Active Bass Pickup in Red

The EMG P Active delivers the focused midrange punch and articulate attack characteristic of P-style bass pickups, with the added clarity and low noise floor that active electronics provide. This ceramic-magnet single-coil design cuts through dense mixes on stage and reproduces finger technique with precision, making it a reliable workhorse for touring and gigging players who demand definition and consistent performance night after night. The red finish offers a striking visual alternative to the standard black cosmetic.

Tone & Electronics

A 3.20 kHz resonant frequency centers the pickup's response in the midrange, emphasizing punch and presence that'll sit in the live mix. Output reaches 2.00V in finger/thumb mode and 8.0V in thump mode, providing flexible gain staging and dynamic headroom for everything from subtle pick work to aggressive slapping, while the -106 dB output noise floor ensures your signal stays clean and tight through the PA without hum or hiss. Active operation draws 380 microamps at 9V, yielding approximately 1000 hours of battery life per nine-volt cell—plenty of runway between changes on the road.

Installation & Compatibility

The solderless installation system includes matched potentiometers, battery connections, and all necessary cables—eliminating the need for soldering and reducing downtime during setup or repairs. 3 Kohm output impedance ensures transparent signal transmission to preamps and amplifiers, and the design supports supply voltages up to 27V DC for extended headroom in high-output applications where you need extra gain structure.

Key Features

Active, single-coil configuration with ceramic magnet
Resonant frequency: 3.20 kHz
Output voltage (finger/thumb): 2.00V
Output voltage (thump): 8.0V
Output noise: -106 dB @ 60 Hz
Output impedance: 3 Kohm
Current draw @ 9V: 380 microamps
Battery life: 1000 hours
Maximum supply: 27V DC
Solderless installation system with volume pot, tone pot, battery bus, connectors, and cables
Stainless steel construction
Dimensions: 2.63"L × 2.38"W × 6"H

The EMG P Active combines road-proven active circuitry, quick installation, and articulate tone in a compact, professional-grade package built for touring musicians and session players.

Best suited for	funk, rock, studio sessions, gigging
Tonal character	Focused midrange punch, articulate attack, tight definition, high clarity, low noise floor
Less specialized for	traditional jazz, folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily)
Skill level	Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced / Professional