What skill level do I need to install the SJCS?

The solderless installation system makes this accessible to beginners and intermediate players—no soldering tools or experience required. The kit includes all components: volume and tone pots, battery bus, jacks, cables, and mounting hardware.

What genres and playing styles is this pickup best for?

The SJCS excels in jazz, funk, studio sessions, and home recording where a warm, controlled tone and articulate low end are valued. It is not designed for thrash metal or hard rock styles that typically demand brighter, more aggressive pickup voicings.

How does the active design affect tone compared to passive pickups?

The active 9V battery design reduces brightness and delivers a smoother attack with less high-end presence than typical passive J-pickups. Active electronics provide consistent output and tonal control without the variability of passive component drift.

What is included in the kit?

The complete package includes the SJCS pickup (3.59" width, suitable for 4-string bass), 25k volume and tone pots, battery bus, stereo output jack, pickup cable, connect cables, output cable, battery cable, and mounting screws.

Can I use this pickup in the neck or bridge position?

Yes, the SJCS is designed to work in either neck or bridge position on a 4-string jazz bass, giving you flexibility in where you place it in your instrument.

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 SJCS Active Bass Pickup in Black

The EMG SJCS delivers a warmer, more controlled tone than typical J-style pickups, with a smoother attack and reduced high-end presence that suits bass players favoring vintage character and articulate low-end definition. This active pickup comes fully equipped with all necessary electronics and installation hardware, making it a straightforward retrofit for touring and session work without downtime or complexity during setup.

Tone & Electronics

Built with ceramic and steel magnets paired with an original J preamp, the SJCS produces a warmer response with less brightness than passive alternatives. The active design runs on a 9V battery and delivers the tonal control and output consistency that active electronics provide — reliable night-to-night performance without the variability passive components introduce.

Installation & Included Components

The solderless install system eliminates the need for soldering, letting bass players handle swaps and repairs in a van or green room without specialized tools. The kit includes everything needed: 1 × 25k volume pot, 1 × 25k tone pot, 1 × battery bus, 1 × stereo output jack, 2 pair mounting screws, 1 pickup cable, 2 connect cables, 1 output cable, and 1 battery cable.

Key Features

Ceramic and steel magnet construction with original J preamp
3.59" width (91.18mm) — designed for 4-string jazz bass in neck or bridge position
Warmer tone with smoother attack and reduced high-end presence
Active design powered by 9V battery
Solderless installation system included
25k volume potentiometer included
25k tone potentiometer included
Complete wiring loom: battery bus, stereo output jack, pickup cable, connect cables, output cable, and battery cable
Mounting hardware included (2 pair screws)

The SJCS pairs user-friendly installation with the smooth, controlled tone character that defines EMG's active J-style bass pickup design — reliable and ready for the road.