EMG5287 vs EMG5306 — Compare
EMG FTX Active Single Coil Pickup in Red vs EMG P Active Bass Pickup in Red
The EMG FTX is a guitar neck pickup designed for six-string instruments in high-gain studio and extended-range contexts, while the EMG P is a bass pickup for four-string instruments optimized for funk, rock, and gigging. Choose the FTX if you play guitar and want hum-free single-coil articulation; choose the P if you play bass and need focused midrange punch with solderless installation.
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Specs side by side
| EMG FTX Active Single Coil Pickup in Red | EMG P Active Bass Pickup in Red | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $115.00 | $115.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG FTX Active Single Coil Pickup in Red
- ✓ Active single-coil design eliminates hum in high-gain environments
- ✓ Upper-midrange voicing delivers articulation and note separation
- ✓ Consistent output across all playing dynamics and amp settings
- ✓ Ideal for studio, extended-range, and home recording applications
Why choose EMG P Active Bass Pickup in Red
- ✓ Solderless installation with matched potentiometers—no soldering required
- ✓ Dual-mode output (2.00V finger/thumb, 8.0V thump) for flexible dynamics
- ✓ Focused midrange punch and articulate attack cuts through dense mixes
- ✓ Low noise floor (-106 dB) and 1000+ hours battery life per 9V cell
Frequently asked questions
Can I use either pickup in both guitar and bass applications?
No. The FTX is a guitar neck pickup designed for six-string instruments with single-coil form factor. The P is a bass-specific pickup with P-style topology and bass-range frequency response (3.20 kHz resonance). They are not interchangeable.
Which pickup requires soldering during installation?
The FTX requires standard installation compatible with EMG-standard guitar mounting. The P includes a solderless installation system with matched potentiometers and battery connections, eliminating soldering entirely.
What is the main tonal difference between these pickups?
The FTX emphasizes upper-midrange clarity and articulation for guitar, while the P centers its response at 3.20 kHz for bass midrange punch and presence. The P also offers switchable output modes (finger/thump) for dynamic flexibility that the FTX does not provide.
Are both pickups suitable for studio recording?
Yes, both are listed for studio sessions. The FTX suits high-gain studio guitar work with extended-range instruments; the P suits studio bass for funk and rock with its low noise floor and precise attack reproduction.