What skill level do I need to install these pickups?

These pickups are suited for intermediate to professional players and techs; installation requires routing or modification to fit most bass bodies, soldering connections to the onboard electronics, and proper battery wiring. The set includes mounting hardware and a complete cable and connector set to streamline the process.

What genres and styles work best with the PJCS?

The PJCS excels in studio sessions, live performance, funk, and progressive music where articulate note definition and tight low-end control matter; they are not recommended for folk or traditional jazz contexts where a warmer, less defined tone is typically preferred.

How long will the battery last?

The PJCS has exceptionally low current draw—380 µA (LJ) and 370 µA (PCS) at 9V—which extends battery life significantly compared to many other active pickups, though actual lifespan depends on how frequently you play and whether the output jack is actively connected.

What output levels and noise specs should I expect?

The LJ neck pickup outputs 2.00V at 2.61 kHz with -101 dB noise floor, while the PCS bridge outputs 1.00V at 3.20 kHz with -99 dB noise floor; these studio-grade specs ensure clarity and minimal hum even in high-gain recording environments or with multiple effects stacked.

How does this compare to other active bass pickups like Seymour Duncan or Bartolini?

The PJCS combines EMG's proven active topology with matched neck and bridge designs tuned to different frequencies (2.61 kHz and 3.20 kHz) for separation; competitors like the Seymour Duncan SJB-3 Quarter Pound and Bartolini MK1 offer alternative voicings, but the PJCS is engineered specifically for low noise and responsive dynamics across modern recording and live rigs.

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. On this item that is roughly $14 less out the door than the same listed price at a national retailer or on a marketplace. 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 PJCS Active Bass Pickup Set in Ivory

The EMG PJCS is a matched pair of active pickups built for bass players who need articulate, responsive tone that cuts through live mixes and stays tight under the stage lights. The combination of the LJ neck pickup and PCS bridge pickup delivers controlled output with minimal noise—essential for gigging musicians, session work, and any stage where clarity and reliability matter.

Tonal Character & Electronics

The LJ pickup produces a warm, focused low-mid presence with a 2.61 kHz resonant frequency, while the PCS bridge pickup emphasizes upper-mid articulation at 3.20 kHz, giving you separation between fundamentals and harmonic content that translates to a stage rig. The C/S magnet configuration and 3 kΩ output impedance work together to minimize loading effects on your signal chain, preserving your tone into any amplifier or interface without compromise.

Active System & Power Efficiency

This active set operates at exceptionally low current draw—380 µA from the neck and 370 µA from the bridge at 9V—meaning your battery lasts significantly longer than many competitors, a real advantage on long touring days. The -101 dB noise floor on the LJ and -99 dB on the PCS ensure clean signal integrity even in demanding live or studio environments, or when running multiple effects into your rig.

Key Features

LJ neck pickup with 2.61 kHz resonant frequency and 2.00V output
PCS bridge pickup with 3.20 kHz resonant frequency and 1.00V output
C/S magnet type for balanced frequency response
8.0V thump output for enhanced dynamic response
3 kΩ output impedance for transparent signal transfer
Ultra-low current draw: 380 µA (LJ) and 370 µA (PCS) at 9V
Studio-grade noise specs: -101 dB (LJ) and -99 dB (PCS)
Complete onboard electronics: dual 25k volume pots, 25k tone pot, stereo output jack, battery bus, and mounting hardware
Ivory finish for aesthetic cohesion with modern instrument designs
Full cable and connector set included for immediate installation

The PJCS delivers the articulation and noise rejection working bass players depend on, backed by decades of EMG active reliability in the field.