What is the difference between the 1.00 V and 4.50 V output specs?

The 1.00 V is the output on string attack, delivering snap and articulation for slap and percussive techniques. The 4.50 V is the thump output, providing deep, controlled lows for fingerstyle work. Both are tuned for versatility across playing styles.

Does this pickup require a battery?

Yes, the EMG SJA is an active design that requires a 9V battery to operate. Active electronics deliver the hum-free, high-output performance but depend on battery power.

Will I need to solder to install this?

No—the EMG SJA features a solderless wiring system, making installation straightforward without demanding extensive electronics knowledge. It is designed for neck-position placement.

What genres or playing styles is this pickup best suited for?

The SJA is engineered for funk, jazz, studio sessions, and gigging. Its articulate midrange and tight low end cut through dense mixes, making it less suited for folk or country applications.

How does the active design reduce hum compared to passive pickups?

The EMG SJA uses a hum-cancelling design and active electronics to eliminate 60-cycle noise common in passive systems, delivering a clean signal floor ideal for recording and live performance.

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 SJA Active Bass Pickup in Black

The EMG SJA is a compact active neck-position pickup built for bass players who need articulate, controlled low-end response without the noise floor of passive designs. Its compact blade/rail construction sits flush in the neck cavity, delivering tight string definition and punchy midrange that cuts through dense mixes on stage.

Tone & Output Characteristics

Built around an Alnico V magnet with a 3.20 kHz resonant frequency, this pickup balances clarity and warmth across the frequency spectrum. The 1.00 V output on string attack and 4.50 V thump output provide headroom and versatility—snap and articulation for slap techniques, or deep, controlled lows for fingerstyle work in live settings.

Design & Installation

The epoxy cast non-removable cover protects internal components while the hum-cancelling design eliminates 60-cycle noise common in active systems. Installation is streamlined via solderless wiring, making this a straightforward upgrade or replacement on the road or in the workshop without demanding extensive electronics knowledge.

Key Features

Alnico V magnet construction
Resonant frequency: 3.20 kHz
1.00 V output voltage (string attack)
4.50 V output voltage (thump)
Active design requiring 9V battery power
Epoxy cast non-removable pickup cover
Blade/rail design
Hum-cancelling technology
Solderless wiring system for simplified installation
Neck position placement
Gold logo detail
Stacked coil design available

The EMG SJA delivers the tight, noise-free performance active bass electronics are known for, with the compact footprint and straightforward installation that makes it a reliable upgrade for gigging musicians.