What is the difference between the 2.00V and 4.50V output modes?

The 2.00V setting (finger/thumb mode) delivers articulate, defined fingerstyle tones with clarity across the frequency range. The 4.50V setting (thump mode) produces a fatter, more percussive output ideal for slap and aggressive playing styles. Both can be accessed from the same pickup without changing anything—it's a system-level feature that depends on your preamp or control setup.

How long does the battery last, and what type of battery does it use?

The P6 draws only 80 microamps at 9V, yielding approximately 3000 hours of battery life per charge. The package includes a battery clip set for standard 9V batteries; the pickup also supports up to 27V DC maximum, so you can run multi-battery rigs or high-headroom preamps if needed.

Will this pickup fit my 6-string bass, and how is installation handled?

The P6 accommodates string spacing up to 3 inches (76mm) and uses a compact ceramic magnet design that integrates into most modern 6-string bass bodies. Installation is simplified by the solderless Quik-Connect wiring system and the included prewired volume/tone control set, output jack, and adjustment screws—no soldering required.

What noise level can I expect, especially when running high gain or long cable runs?

The P6 has an exceptionally low noise floor of -106 dB at 60 Hz and maintains signal integrity through long cable runs thanks to its 10 Kohm output impedance. This makes it ideal for recording, touring, and high-gain applications where unwanted noise can become obvious.

How does the EMG P6 compare to other active pickups like the Seymour Duncan SPB-3 or Bartolini CBJR?

The P6 is known for its tight low end, punchy midrange, and high output with an exceptionally low noise floor—it's engineered for studio sessions, live gigging, and funk tones where articulation and clarity are critical. Seymour Duncan and Bartolini models serve similar niches; compare tone profiles and installation requirements to your bass and rig specifics.

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 P6 6-String Active Bass Pickup in Red

The EMG P6 is a precision-engineered active pickup designed for 6-string bass guitars, delivering tight, articulate lows and punchy midrange definition. Its compact ceramic magnet design integrates seamlessly into most bass bodies while maintaining excellent string-to-string balance across the full 6-string width. This red variant combines aggressive aesthetics with the same road-proven electronics trusted by session and touring players worldwide.

Tone & Electronics

The pickup's 3.20 kHz resonant frequency and dual output modes—2.00V finger/thumb and 4.50V thump—let you dial in articulate fingerstyle definition or fat, percussive slap tones from the same instrument. An exceptionally low noise floor of -106 dB at 60 Hz ensures clean amplification even at high gain settings, while the 10 Kohm output impedance maintains signal integrity through long cable runs on stage or in the studio.

Design & Build

Built on proven active circuitry, the P6 operates efficiently at 80 microamps @ 9V, yielding approximately 3000 hours of battery life per charge—reliable for weeks of gigging without a swap. The solderless Quik-Connect wiring system and included prewired volume/tone control set drastically simplify installation, while support for up to 27V DC maximum supply voltage accommodates multi-battery rigs and high-headroom preamps for maximum tonal flexibility.

Key Features

Ceramic magnet construction
3.20 kHz resonant frequency
Dual output modes: 2.00V (finger/thumb) and 4.50V (thump)
Output noise: -106 dB @ 60 Hz
Output impedance: 10 Kohm
Current draw: 80 microamps @ 9V
Battery life: approximately 3000 hours
Maximum supply voltage: 27V DC
String spacing accommodation: up to 3 inches (76mm)
Solderless Quik-Connect wiring system
Silver logo finish
Package includes prewired volume/tone control set, output jack, battery clip set, and adjustment screws

The EMG P6 delivers the clarity, efficiency, and installation convenience that define modern active bass electronics—built for players who demand reliability night after night.