What is included with the EMG P5?

The P5 includes the pickup itself, solderless wiring system, 25k volume pot, 25k tone pot, battery bus, stereo output jack, mounting screws, and cables—everything needed for installation.

How long does the battery last?

At minimal current draw of 80 microamps at 9V, the battery is rated for 3000 hours of use. The pickup also supports up to 27V DC maximum supply voltage for higher-voltage preamp setups.

Is soldering required to install this pickup?

No—the EMG P5 includes a solderless wiring system that eliminates the need for soldering while maintaining solid electrical connections.

What genres and playing styles is this pickup best suited for?

The P5 excels in funk, studio sessions, and live performance where articulate attack and punchy clarity are essential. It is not recommended for traditional jazz or folk styles.

How does this compare to other 5-string pickups?

The EMG P5 delivers comparable articulation and active tone to the Seymour Duncan SPB-3 and Nordstrand NPJ5, but with the efficiency advantage of EMG's low current draw and the convenience of solderless 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 P5 5-String Active Bass Pickup in Red

The EMG P5 cuts through on stage with punchy, articulate response that sits perfectly in a live mix. Engineered specifically for five-string instruments, this pickup combines ceramic magnets with short, squat coils to produce clarity and definition across the full frequency spectrum. Bass players who need aggressive articulation and controlled low-end will find the P5 a reliable workhorse for gigs and recordings alike.

Tone & Electronics

A resonant frequency of 3.20 kHz positions the P5's peak response in the upper-midrange, cutting through dense live mixes with precision. The pickup generates 2.00V output in finger and thumb positions, scaling to 4.50V in thump mode, providing headroom and dynamic range without excessive noise—-106 dB at 60 Hz ensures clean signal transmission even in electrically noisy venues and road conditions.

Power & Installation

Operating at minimal current draw—80 microamps at 9V—the P5 delivers exceptional battery efficiency with a rated life of 3000 hours, keeping you powered through extended touring cycles. The pickup supports up to 27V DC maximum supply voltage for users running higher-voltage preamps. Installation is simplified through the included solderless wiring system, which eliminates the need for soldering while maintaining solid electrical connections—ideal for quick setup and reliable field serviceability.

Key Features

Built specifically for five-string bass guitar
Ceramic magnets with short, squat coil design
Resonant frequency: 3.20 kHz
Output voltage (finger/thumb): 2.00V
Output voltage (thump mode): 4.50V
Output impedance: 10 Kohm
Output noise: -106 dB at 60 Hz
Current draw: 80 microamps at 9V
Battery life: 3000 hours
Maximum supply voltage: 27V DC
Includes solderless wiring installation system
Includes 25k volume pot, 25k tone pot, battery bus, stereo output jack, mounting screws, and cables

The P5 combines articulate midrange presence with tight low-end control, delivering the clarity and efficiency that touring and studio bass players depend on.

Best suited for	funk, studio sessions, live performance, extended range
Tonal character	Articulate midrange, tight low end, punchy, high output, controlled clarity
Less specialized for	traditional jazz, folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily)
Skill level	Intermediate / Advanced / Professional