What does active mean, and do I need a battery?

Active pickups have onboard preamp circuitry that requires a battery to operate. The EMG PCS uses battery power to deliver consistent output levels and strong signal integrity, which prevents tone loss through long cables and pedalboards—especially useful in studio and live setups.

Will this pickup fit my bass?

The EMG PCS is compact and designed for retrofit installations into standard bass pickup cavities. It's precision-engineered to integrate seamlessly into existing basses and custom builds where space and tonal consistency are priorities.

What genres and playing styles work best with this pickup?

The PCS excels in funk, progressive, studio sessions, and modern genres where articulate highs and clarity matter. It responds dynamically to slap and fingerstyle techniques, making it ideal for precision recording and performance—though it is not designed for traditional jazz tones.

How does this compare to passive pickups?

Active pickups like the EMG PCS deliver stronger, cleaner signal output with minimal noise and consistent level regardless of string vibration. This makes them more reliable through extended cable runs and studio chains, where passive pickups may lose definition and pick up more interference.

What's included, and what are the warranty terms?

The EMG PCS includes the active pickup with ivory cover and comes with EMG quality construction and reliability. For specific warranty details and what's in the box, contact customer service directly.

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 PCS Active Bass Pickup in Ivory

The EMG PCS is a precision-engineered active pickup built for bass players who need clarity and punch that cuts through on stage and in the studio. Its compact form factor and controlled output make it an excellent choice for retrofitting into existing basses or building custom instruments where space and tonal consistency matter.

Design & Specifications

This active pickup operates with onboard preamp circuitry that requires a battery, delivering a consistent output level regardless of string vibration amplitude. The ivory finish provides a classic aesthetic that complements vintage and modern bass designs alike.

Tonal Character & Live Performance

The PCS excels at producing articulate, defined highs and controlled lows with minimal noise—perfect for slap techniques, fingerstyle, and modern genres where precision matters on a gig. Its active electronics ensure strong signal integrity through long cable runs and pedalboards without tone loss or degradation, keeping your bass solid through any venue setup.

Key Features

Active preamp electronics with battery power
Ivory colored cover
Precision-engineered for clarity and definition
Controlled output level consistency
Minimal noise floor for clean recordings
Compact form factor suitable for retrofit installations
Strong signal output for extended cable runs
Responsive to dynamic playing techniques including slap and fingerstyle
Compatible with standard bass pickup cavities
EMG quality construction and reliability

The EMG PCS delivers professional-grade pickup performance in a proven, compact platform that integrates seamlessly into dedicated bass setups.