What instruments does the EMG SJ fit?

The SJ is designed for four-string bass guitars with neck position installation. Its 18.54mm width profile and 69.2mm maximum string width accommodate standard four-string configurations.

How long does the battery last?

The 9V battery delivers approximately 3,000 hours of normal use. Current draw is exceptionally low at 80 microamps, which means you can go months between battery changes depending on playing frequency.

What comes in the box?

The complete system includes the active pickup, dual 25K potentiometers for volume and tone, stereo output jack, battery bus, pickup cable, connect cable, battery cable, output cable, and mounting hardware.

What tone should I expect from this pickup?

The SJ delivers articulate midrange, controlled low-end, and punchy clarity—ideal for funk and jazz where definition matters. It prioritizes clarity-focused tone over thick, extended bass response, making it less suited to drop-tuning or extended-range styles.

Is this pickup suitable for studio work?

Yes. Its low noise floor and consistent active output make it reliable for studio sessions, and the slim design allows clean string alignment for recording. The included potentiometers let you shape tone on the instrument before tracking.

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 SJ Active Bass Pickup in Black

The EMG SJ is a compact, punchy active single-coil bass pickup engineered for neck position installation on four-string instruments. Its ceramic bar magnet and slim 18.54mm profile deliver articulate midrange and controlled low-end response without the bulk of larger designs. This pickup cuts through live mix with definition and clarity, staying tight and focused in the midrange where bass lives on stage.

Active Electronics & Power

Built on active circuit topology, the SJ operates at 9V with exceptionally low current draw of 80 microamps, yielding approximately 3,000 hours of battery life under normal use. The maximum supply rating of 27V DC provides headroom for experimentation without risk of component failure. Low power draw means fewer battery changes during a tour or long residency run.

Installation & Integration

The complete pickup system ships with all necessary onboard electronics: dual 25K potentiometers for volume and tone control, stereo output jack, battery bus, and comprehensive cabling (pickup, connect, battery, and output cables) plus mounting hardware. The 69.2mm maximum recommended string width accommodates standard four-string configurations with proper string alignment. Everything you need to drop in and go live is included.

Key Features

Active single-coil ceramic pickup for bass neck position
Dimensions: 91.19mm length × 18.54mm width (3.59" × 0.73")
Maximum string width: 69.2mm (2.725")
Ceramic bar magnet construction
Includes 25K volume potentiometer and 25K tone potentiometer
Stereo output jack included
9V operation with 80 microamps current draw
Rated battery life: 3,000 hours per 9V cell
Maximum supply voltage: 27V DC
Complete cable set: pickup, connect, battery, and output cables
Mounting screws included
Compatible with four-string bass instruments

The EMG SJ combines low power consumption with robust active output, making it a workhorse for bass players who need consistent stage performance and dependable operation night after night.

Best suited for	Studio Sessions, Live Performance, Funk, Jazz
Tonal character	Articulate midrange, controlled low-end, punchy, defined, clarity-focused
Less specialized for	Drop Tunings, Extended Range (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily)
Skill level	Intermediate / Advanced / Professional