What is the output difference between finger/thumb mode and thump mode?

Finger/thumb mode delivers 2.00V output for controlled, articulate playing, while thump mode generates 8.50V for aggressive slap and percussive tones with greater dynamic range. Both modes feed substantial headroom into your amplifier or interface.

How long does the 9V battery last?

The internal 9V battery is rated for 3,000 hours of operation, which translates to several months of regular playing before replacement. The pickup draws only 80µA at 9V, optimizing battery longevity.

Is the EMG PX suitable for traditional jazz bass playing?

The PX is engineered for modern bass work, funk, and studio precision; its tight low end and articulate midrange favor contemporary tones rather than the warm, vintage character traditional jazz players typically seek. Consider it best suited to modern, aggressive styles.

What is included for installation?

The PX comes with solderless mounting hardware and cabling included, allowing straightforward plug-and-play installation without soldering. The 2K ohm DC resistance and compact split-coil design fit standard P-bass cavities.

How quiet is this pickup in noisy environments?

The output noise floor measures -106dB at 60Hz, one of the cleanest active designs available. This ultra-low noise matters in studio recording and live settings where compression or high-gain amplification would otherwise amplify hum.

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 PX Active Bass Pickup in Red

The EMG PX is a compact, punchy active P-bass pickup engineered for players who demand clarity and articulation without sacrificing low-end presence. Its split-coil design and ceramic magnet deliver tight, defined response across the frequency spectrum, making it equally at home in aggressive modern bass work or precision-focused studio sessions. The red finish adds visual distinction to any instrument.

Active Electronics & Output Character

Powered by a single 9V battery with an impressive 3,000-hour lifespan, the PX generates 2.00V output in finger/thumb mode and 8.50V in thump mode, giving you substantial headroom and dynamic range. The -106dB output noise floor at 60Hz ensures clean signal transmission with minimal hum, critical for studio and live work where noise floor becomes audible through compression or high-gain amplification.

Electrical Specifications & Installation

This 2K ohm DC resistance pickup operates efficiently across the EMG ecosystem with 2 kohm output impedance and draws only 80µA at 9V, preserving battery life during extended gigs and studio hours. Maximum supply voltage reaches 27V DC, and the 3.20kHz resonant frequency centers the pickup's character in the upper midrange where P-bass articulation cuts through a live mix. The solderless design with included mounting and cabling hardware streamlines installation.

Key Features

Single-coil P-style split-coil configuration
Active design with ceramic magnet
4-string instrument compatibility
2K DC resistance
3.20kHz resonant frequency
2.00V output (finger/thumb) / 8.50V output (thump)
-106dB output noise at 60Hz
2 kohm output impedance
80µA current draw at 9V
27V DC maximum supply voltage
3,000-hour battery life
Solderless installation with mounting and cabling hardware included

The PX combines low noise, dynamic output range, and straightforward installation to deliver modern active bass tone in a proven format.

Best suited for	Studio Sessions, Funk, Precision-focused recording, Modern bass work
Tonal character	Tight low end, articulate midrange, high output, low noise floor, punchy
Less specialized for	Traditional Jazz, Vintage tone purists (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily)
Skill level	Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced / Professional