What's included in the box?

The pickup includes the EMG P6CS itself, a solderless installation wiring system, a 25k volume pot, a 25k tone pot, a battery bus, and mounting hardware with a silver logo finish.

Do I need to solder this pickup in, or can I install it myself?

No soldering required—the P6CS includes a solderless installation system designed for straightforward swaps into compatible 6-string bass bodies, making the install accessible without a soldering iron.

How long does the battery last?

The pickup draws only 80 microamps at 9V and has a rated battery life of 3000 hours, meaning minimal maintenance between changes.

What playing styles does this pickup work best for?

The P6CS excels in funk, slap bass, modern rock, and studio sessions where articulate punch and controlled dynamics are essential; it is not recommended for traditional jazz or upright bass styles.

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

Finger and thumb modes deliver 2.00V output for standard playing, while Thump mode boosts to 4.50V for aggressive playing techniques, giving you flexible tone shaping across your playing dynamic.

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 P6CS 6-String Active Bass Pickup in Red

The EMG P6CS is a high-output active pickup engineered for modern 6-string bass work, delivering articulate punch and controlled dynamics across all playing techniques. Its ceramic and steel magnet configuration produces a focused, punchy response ideal for slap, fingerstyle, and aggressive playing. This pickup integrates seamlessly into existing electronics with the included solderless installation system.

Tone & Output Performance

Built on a 2.61 kHz resonant frequency, the P6CS generates clean separation with output of 2.00V in finger and thumb modes and 4.50V in Thump mode, giving you flexible tone shaping across your playing dynamic. The -101 dBV output noise floor ensures a quiet signal path free from hum and artifacts, even at high gain settings on stage or in the studio.

Installation & Power

The solderless installation system eliminates the need for a soldering iron, making this a straightforward swap into compatible bass bodies and an easy upgrade for touring musicians and session players. Drawing only 80 microamps at 9V with a rated battery life of 3000 hours, this pickup runs efficiently and demands minimal maintenance between battery changes, keeping downtime off your schedule.

Key Features

Ceramic and steel magnet construction
2.61 kHz resonant frequency
2.00V output (finger/thumb modes)
4.50V output (Thump mode)
−101 dBV output noise specification
10 kΩ output impedance
80 microamp current draw at 9V
3000-hour battery life
Maximum 3-inch (76mm) string spacing
Solderless installation wiring system
Includes 25k volume pot, 25k tone pot, battery bus, and mounting hardware
Silver logo finish

The P6CS delivers the articulate, low-noise performance EMG is known for, packaged in an active design that sits locked in the mix and stands up to the demands of the road.

Best suited for	Funk, Slap Bass, Modern Rock, Studio Sessions
Tonal character	Articulate punch, focused response, high output, controlled dynamics, low noise floor
Less specialized for	Traditional Jazz, Upright Bass Styles (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily)
Skill level	Intermediate / Advanced / Professional