What is a passive pickup, and do I need a battery?

Passive pickups like the P HZ generate signal using magnets and coils without requiring external power—no battery or preamp needed. You can install it and play immediately without worrying about power management on stage or in the studio.

Will this fit my bass, and how hard is installation?

The P HZ is designed for standard 4-string P-Bass routing with string fields up to 55.9 mm and connects via a 5-core solderless connector system—no soldering required. Mounting screws, springs, and pickup cable are included; installation is straightforward for beginners or experienced players.

What tone should I expect compared to other P-Bass pickups?

The EMG P HZ delivers warm mids, articulate clarity, and solid low-end response with a vintage P-Bass character, sitting between the clarity of active pickups and traditional passive warmth. It's well-suited for rock, funk, and blues but may not be the best choice for extended-range or heavily dropped-tuning applications.

Is this pickup shielded, and will it handle electromagnetic interference?

Yes—the pickup features fully shielded ceramic magnets and an alloy steel core designed to resist electromagnetic interference, ensuring consistent, clean output even in electrically noisy stage or studio environments.

What's included in the box?

The package includes the P HZ pickup, mounting screws, springs, pickup cable, and EMG's solderless 5-core connector system, so you have everything needed for installation and immediate use.

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 HZ Passive Bass Pickup in Black

The EMG P-HZ delivers the classic P-Bass tone without requiring external power, making it a straightforward retrofit for bass players who want vintage character and modern reliability on the gig. This passive pickup fits standard P-Bass routing and uses EMG's solderless connector system for quick installation—no soldering required. The ceramic magnet design produces warm, articulate mids and solid low-end response that cuts through a mix in rock, funk, and traditional bass settings.

Construction & Materials

Built with a basswood housing and fully shielded ceramic magnets paired with alloy steel cores, this pickup resists electromagnetic interference while maintaining consistent output. The powder-coated finish protects against corrosion and wear, ensuring long-term durability in the instrument cavity.

Compatibility & Installation

Designed for standard P-Bass milling on four-string instruments, the P-HZ accommodates string fields up to 55.9 mm and connects via a robust 5-core connector. The included solderless installation system eliminates the need for complicated wiring, while the mounting screws and springs ensure precise positioning within the pickup cavity.

Key Features

Fully shielded ceramic magnets with alloy steel core
Passive operation—no batteries or external power required
Basswood housing with powder-coated finish
Compatible with standard P-Bass milling for 4-string bass
Accommodates string fields up to 55.9 mm
5-core connector for reliable signal transmission
Solderless installation system included
Mounting screws and springs included
Pickup cable included for immediate use
Dimensions: 2.75 x 2.38 x 6 inches

The EMG P-HZ gives bass players a straightforward upgrade path that preserves passive tone while delivering EMG's proven engineering and road-tested reliability.

Best suited for	Rock, Funk, Blues
Tonal character	Warm mids, articulate, solid low end, vintage character, classic p-bass tone
Less specialized for	Extended Range, Drop Tunings (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily)
Skill level	Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced / Professional