EMG3476 vs EMG3616 — Compare
EMG LJAX Active Bass Pickup in Black vs EMG FTX Active Single Coil Pickup in Black
The EMG LJAX is a bass bridge pickup engineered for four and five-string basses with balanced output across all strings, while the EMG FTX is a guitar single-coil pickup designed for hum-free clarity in high-gain contexts. Choose the LJAX if you play bass and need modern, punchy tone; choose the FTX if you play guitar and want single-coil character without 60-cycle hum.
No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.
Specs side by side
| EMG LJAX Active Bass Pickup in Black | EMG FTX Active Single Coil Pickup in Black | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $109.00 | $109.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG LJAX Active Bass Pickup in Black
- ✓ Designed specifically for bass bridge position with radiused magnet for even response across strings
- ✓ Compact footprint (93.99mm × 18.54mm) fits standard four and five-string bass configurations
- ✓ X-Series preamp eliminates soft limiter for full dynamic range and peak headroom
- ✓ Solderless design with prewired control set simplifies installation
Why choose EMG FTX Active Single Coil Pickup in Black
- ✓ Standard single-coil footprint fits any guitar with single-coil routing
- ✓ Active circuitry eliminates 60-cycle hum while preserving single-coil snap and responsiveness
- ✓ Punchy midrange and controlled treble cut through dense mixes in high-gain and metal contexts
- ✓ Compatible with both EMG preamp modules and passive tone/volume controls for flexible wiring options
Frequently asked questions
Are these pickups compatible with the same instruments?
No. The LJAX is a bass bridge pickup for four and five-string basses with a maximum string width of 69.2mm. The FTX is a guitar single-coil pickup with standard routing. They are designed for different instrument types and cannot be interchanged.
What is the key tonal difference between these two pickups?
The LJAX emphasizes balanced, full dynamic range with fast transient response across all strings, ideal for funk and modern rock. The FTX focuses on articulate midrange and controlled treble with hum-free performance, optimized for high-gain rock and metal on guitar.
Do both pickups require batteries and how long do they last?
Yes, both operate on a single 9V battery. The LJAX maintains consistent output across the entire battery lifespan according to its specifications. The FTX operates similarly on 9V battery power with a preamp module.
Which pickup is easier to install?
The LJAX includes a solderless-compatible wiring system and prewired control set designed for straightforward installation. The FTX is a standard single-coil format that integrates into any guitar with single-coil routing but requires wiring either to EMG preamp modules or standard passive controls depending on your setup choice.