EMG 40JX 5-String Active Bass Pickup in Black
Share
- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG3601
Description
EMG 40JX 5-String Active Bass Pickup in Black
The EMG 40JX is a purpose-built active pickup engineered for modern 5-string bass applications, delivering tight, articulate response across extended frequency ranges that cuts through dense mixes and holds definition under aggressive playing dynamics. Its compact extended housing fits naturally into standard 5-string bass cavities while maintaining the clarity and punch that defines the X Series character. This is a workhorse pickup for studio tracking and live capture, demanding precision and headroom in your signal chain.
Design & Construction
Built on a ceramic bar magnet foundation with a stacked coil design, the 40JX generates focused output without excessive noise, translating to clean recording sessions with minimal noise gating or post-processing. The extended housing measures 4 inches (102mm) in length and 1.50 inches (38.1mm) in width, accommodating a maximum recommended string width of 3.00 inches (76.2mm) — ideal spacing for modern 5-string bass configurations. Its black finish integrates cleanly with most bass aesthetics.
Active Electronics & Session Control
The onboard X Series preamp operates as a fully active system, pairing a 25k volume potentiometer with a 25k active tone potentiometer (VLPF) for surgical control over your tone stack—essential for shaping bass character during recording and mix integration. A stereo output jack and battery bus simplify wiring demands and ensure stable gain staging in the studio, while the Quik-Connect™ solderless wiring system eliminates solder joints and accelerates setup in your instrument, minimizing downtime between takes and sessions.
Key Features
- 5-string bass pickup configuration
- Extended housing: 4 inches (102mm) length
- Width: 1.50 inches (38.1mm)
- Maximum recommended string width: 3.00 inches (76.2mm)
- Ceramic bar magnet construction
- Stacked coil design
- X Series active preamp
- 25k volume potentiometer
- 25k active tone potentiometer (VLPF)
- Stereo output jack with battery bus
- Quik-Connect™ solderless wiring system
- Black color finish
The 40JX combines reliable active bass electronics with modern wiring convenience, delivering consistent articulate response through recording chains and serving as a straightforward foundation for any 5-string bass project requiring controlled, defined pickup performance.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 40JX is a workhorse active pickup engineered to capture articulate, extended-range bass tone that sits cleanly in a mix without muddiness or low-end bloat. Its ceramic bar magnet and stacked coil design deliver tight, controlled response across funk, progressive, and genre-agnostic session work, while the X Series preamp's 25k tone potentiometer (VLPF) and high output give you surgical control over your bass character during recording and mixing. Solderless Quik-Connect wiring speeds up both installation and swaps between instruments.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | funk, progressive, studio sessions, live performance |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | Tight low end, articulate, high output, controlled punch, extended frequency response |
| Less specialized for | traditional jazz, folk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
What 5-string bass models does the 40JX fit?
The 40JX's extended housing measures 4 inches (102mm) in length and 1.50 inches (38.1mm) in width, accommodating a maximum recommended string width of 3.00 inches (76.2mm). It fits standard 5-string bass cavities; verify your bass cavity dimensions match these specs before purchase.
Is this an active or passive pickup?
The 40JX is fully active, powered by an onboard X Series preamp with 25k volume and 25k active tone potentiometers (VLPF). Active electronics require a 9V battery and provide high output and extended frequency response without passive signal loss.
What genres and playing styles is this pickup best suited for?
The 40JX excels in funk, progressive, studio sessions, and live performance where articulate attack and controlled low-end punch are essential. It is not designed for traditional jazz or folk applications where a warmer, more passive response may be preferred.
What is the Quik-Connect wiring system?
Quik-Connect is EMG's solderless wiring system that eliminates traditional solder joints, accelerating installation and reducing the need for specialized tools or repair skills during swap-outs.
How does the 40JX compare to passive jazz pickups?
The 40JX is an active, high-output pickup with tight, articulate response and extended frequency range — quite different from passive jazz pickups, which typically offer warmer, more nuanced tone. If you prioritize modern clarity and punch over warm sustain, the 40JX is the better fit; comparable alternatives include the Seymour Duncan SJB-3S and DiMarzio Ultra Jazz 5.
Do I pay sales tax on this order?
Sales tax is collected only on orders shipped to California; orders shipped to any other US state are not charged sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. Marketplaces collect sales tax as the facilitator in most states, so the same listed price can cost more there. Buyers remain responsible for any use tax their state applies. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included.
Compare With
Similar Gear
Complete the Rig
Gear that pairs well with this.
✨ For You
Based on what you've been looking at.