EMG 40CSX 5-String Active Humbucker Bass Pickup in Black
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG2989
Description
EMG 40CSX 5-String Active Humbucker Bass Pickup in Black
The EMG 40CSX captures articulate, punchy low-end response with the dynamic touch sensitivity characteristic of EMG's X Series preamp. This active humbucker is engineered for five-string bass recordings that demand clarity and controlled high-end presence without sacrificing low-end depth. The compact footprint and solderless installation make this a straightforward upgrade path for most bass configurations, keeping session setup and swaps efficient in the studio.
Design & Dimensions
At 102.0mm (4.00") long and 38.1mm (1.50") wide, the 40CSX fits standard bass bridge positions with a maximum recommended string width of 76.2mm (3.00"). The dual-coil ceramic and steel magnet construction balances output clarity with natural resonance, making the pickup responsive across the frequency spectrum—critical for capturing defined attack and sustain during tracking and overdubs.
Active Electronics & Installation
The integrated X Series preamp includes a 25k volume pot, 25k active tone pot with VLPF (Variable Low Pass Filter), and dedicated controls to roll off high frequencies on demand, giving you real-time sculpting during recording and mix-down work. EMG's exclusive Solderless Install System eliminates traditional wiring, and the package includes a battery bus, stereo output jack, mounting screws, pickup cable, connect cables, output cable, and battery cable—requiring only a 9V battery (not included) to operate.
Key Features
- Dual-coil design with ceramic and steel magnets
- Length: 102.0mm (4.00"), Width: 38.1mm (1.50")
- Maximum recommended string width: 76.2mm (3.00")
- X Series preamp with dynamic response and touch sensitivity
- Active Tone Control (VLPF) for high-frequency roll-off
- 25k volume pot and 25k active tone pot (VLPF)
- EMG Solderless Install System for fast, no-solder setup
- Complete connection package: battery bus, stereo output jack, multiple cables
- Powered by single 9V battery (not included)
The 40CSX combines EMG's proven active electronics with compact dimensions and tool-free installation, making it an efficient choice for five-string bass tracking and session work where tonal control and quick integration into existing studio setups maximize productivity.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 40CSX is an active 5-string bass humbucker engineered to capture clear, punchy tone with articulate midrange and controlled high-end definition—essential for recording funk, jazz, and progressive sessions. The integrated X Series preamp offers dynamic touch sensitivity and a Variable Low Pass Filter for real-time high-frequency control, letting you sculpt your tone during tracking or layering without re-recording. The solderless install and complete connection package mean you can have it running through your interface in minutes, powered by a single 9V battery.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Funk
- ✓ Jazz
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Gigging
Not the best pick for
- – Folk
- – Country
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the solderless installation system include?
The package includes a battery bus, stereo output jack, pickup cable, connect cables, output cable, battery cable, and mounting screws. No soldering is required—just connect the cables and insert a 9V battery (not included) to operate.
Will this fit my 5-string bass?
The 40CSX is 4.00 inches long and 1.50 inches wide with a maximum recommended string width of 3.00 inches. It fits standard bass bridge positions; verify your bass bridge width matches the 3-inch specification before ordering.
What genres is this pickup best suited for?
The 40CSX excels in funk, jazz, progressive, and studio session work where articulate tone and dynamic response are critical. It is not optimized for folk or country playing styles.
How does the active tone control work?
The X Series preamp includes a 25k active tone pot with VLPF (Variable Low Pass Filter) that lets you roll off high frequencies on demand, giving you real-time control over brightness and presence without altering low-end depth.
How does the 40CSX compare to passive pickups?
The 40CSX is an active pickup with built-in preamp, delivering higher output, greater touch sensitivity, and independent tone shaping compared to passive designs. The X Series preamp adds dynamic response and frequency control that passive pickups cannot provide.
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.
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