EMG P5A 5-String Active Bass Pickup in Black
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG5417
Description
EMG P5A 5-String Active Bass Pickup in Black
The EMG P5A is built for five-string bass players who need punchy, articulate tone that cuts through a live mix. Built around Alnico V magnets, this active pickup delivers clarity and definition across the frequency spectrum—a refined alternative to ceramic designs that holds its character whether you're laying down a tight pocket or pushing hard into the mix. The integrated preamp gives you immediate control over output level and high-end character, making it a reliable workhorse for both studio sessions and road gigs.
Active Electronics & Signal Path
This active design includes an integrated 25K volume potentiometer and 25K tone potentiometer, giving you direct control over output level and high-end character without external modules. The system runs on a standard 9V battery and ships with a complete wiring harness: battery bus, stereo output jack, pickup cable, two connect cables, output cable, and battery cable—everything needed for installation.
Construction & Compatibility
The Alnico V magnet configuration yields a warm, well-defined tone with natural sustain compared to ceramic alternatives. Two pairs of mounting screws ensure secure installation in five-string bass cavities, and the black finish integrates cleanly into most instrument aesthetics.
Key Features
- Alnico V magnet type for warm, articulate tone
- Active pickup design with integrated preamp controls
- 25K volume potentiometer
- 25K tone potentiometer
- Designed for five-string bass instruments
- 9V battery operation
- Includes stereo output jack and complete wiring harness
- Two pairs of mounting screws for secure installation
- Black finish
- Pickup cable, battery bus, connect cables, output cable, and battery cable included
The P5A combines EMG's proven active circuitry with Alnico V sensitivity, delivering the articulate response and straightforward tonal control five-string players need for reliable stage performance and presence in the mix.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG P5A is an active 5-string bass pickup built around Alnico V magnets, delivering articulate, punchy tone with natural sustain and clarity across the frequency spectrum. Built for intermediate to professional players, it pairs integrated volume and tone controls with a complete wiring harness, making it a go-to choice for live gigs and studio sessions where responsive, modern pickup character matters. Choose it for funk, progressive, and high-definition bass tones that cut through a mix without sacrificing warmth.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Live Performance
- ✓ Funk
- ✓ Progressive
Not the best pick for
- – Folk
- – Country
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What comes in the box?
The EMG P5A includes the pickup itself, a complete wiring harness with stereo output jack, battery bus, pickup cable, two connect cables, output cable, battery cable, and two pairs of mounting screws for 5-string bass installation.
Is this pickup good for funk and progressive styles?
Yes. The articulate, punchy character and clarity of the Alnico V design make it well-suited for funk and progressive music, where definition and responsive attack are essential.
How does the active design work?
The pickup includes integrated 25K volume and 25K tone potentiometers, giving you direct control over output level and high-end character via onboard controls. It runs on a standard 9V battery.
What's the difference between Alnico V and ceramic magnets?
Alnico V provides a warmer, more refined tone with natural sustain and definition compared to ceramic designs, which tend to be brighter and more aggressive.
Will this fit my 5-string bass?
The P5A is engineered specifically for five-string bass instruments and includes two pairs of mounting screws for secure installation in standard 5-string cavities. Check your bass cavity dimensions against EMG's specs to confirm fit.
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.
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