Will this pickup fit my bass?

Yes, this is a direct Fender P bass replacement that fits into standard P bass cavities. The single-coil, 4-string design matches the footprint of factory P pickups.

How long does the battery last?

The 9V battery draws only 80 microamps and delivers approximately 3000 hours of playing time, which translates to roughly 6–12 months of regular gigging or studio use.

What's the difference between finger/thumb mode and thump mode?

Finger/thumb mode outputs 2.0 V for articulate, controlled playing, while thump mode reaches 4.5 V for maximum volume and impact. Both modes maintain the same clean noise floor.

How noisy is this pickup compared to passive alternatives?

The EMG P delivers a −106 dB noise floor at 60 Hz, eliminating hum and hiss that passive pickups introduce. This clean response is essential for both live amplification and recording without unwanted noise.

Is installation difficult?

Installation is straightforward thanks to the included solderless wiring system. No special tools or solder skills are needed to get the pickup up and running.

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 P Active Bass Pickup in White

The EMG P is a high-output active pickup engineered for bass players who demand clarity, punch, and consistent response across dynamic playing styles. Its compact single-coil design fits seamlessly into standard Fender P bass cavities, delivering articulate mids and tight low end without the noise floor of passive alternatives. The white finish offers a distinctive visual contrast against darker fretboards and body woods.

Tone & Output Character

This pickup centers its response at a 3.20 kHz resonant frequency, emphasizing the definition and attack critical to cutting through a mix. Output reaches 2.00 V in finger/thumb mode and 4.50 V in thump mode, providing substantial gain with an exceptionally clean noise floor of −106 dB at 60 Hz—essential for recording and live amplification without hum.

Power & Installation

The active circuit runs efficiently on a single 9V battery, drawing only 80 microamps for an impressive 3000-hour battery life. Installation is straightforward thanks to the included solderless wiring system, and the pickup accepts supply voltages up to 27V DC for those using higher-voltage preamp designs.

Key Features

Ceramic magnet construction
Single-coil, 4-string configuration
Direct Fender P bass replacement
Resonant frequency: 3.20 kHz
Output voltage (finger/thumb): 2.00 V
Output voltage (thump): 4.50 V
Output noise (60 Hz): −106 dB
Output impedance: 10 kΩ
Current draw @ 9V: 80 microamps
Battery life: 3000 hours
Maximum supply voltage: 27V DC
Solderless wiring system included
Dimensions: 2.25" × 1.10" (57.2mm × 29.9mm)
White finish

The EMG P combines low-noise active electronics with the tonal character of a vintage P bass topology, delivering reliable performance whether laying down studio tracks or anchoring a live stage mix.