EMG 40P 6-String Active Soapbar 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
- EMG518
Description
EMG 40P 6-String Active Soapbar Bass Pickup in Black
The EMG 40P is a compact active soapbar engineered for six-string bass recording and tracking sessions where extended-range clarity and controlled low-end punch are critical. Its split-coil architecture and ceramic magnets deliver articulate finger work and explosive thump, translating equally well to modern progressive arrangements or aggressive studio takes. The narrow 3-inch string spacing accommodates tight six-string configurations while maintaining full output across the frequency range for consistent tracking and blend flexibility.
Tone & Output Characteristics
This active design produces 2.00V output for finger/thumb technique and 4.50V for aggressive thumb work, giving your session dynamic range without needing multiple pickups or preamp tweaking during overdubs. The 3.20 kHz resonant frequency focuses midrange definition where modern bass occupies the mix, cutting through dense arrangements with clarity rather than bloom—essential for layered production contexts.
Electronics & Power
Built with EMG's solderless wiring system for quick studio integration, the pickup draws only 80 microamps at 9V, yielding exceptional 3000-hour battery life between sessions and reducing equipment maintenance downtime. The circuit supports up to 27 volts DC maximum supply and runs reliably on 18V power schemes, giving your studio setup flexibility across different bass electronics and pedalboard configurations.
Key Features
- Active single-coil design with split-coil architecture
- Ceramic magnets with short, squat coils
- Housing length: 4 inches (102mm)
- Width: 38.1mm (1.50 inches)
- Maximum recommended string width: 76.2mm (3.00 inches)
- Resonant frequency: 3.20 kHz
- Output voltage (finger/thumb): 2.00V
- Output voltage (thump): 4.50V
- Current draw at 9V: 80 microamps
- Battery life: 3000 hours
- Maximum supply voltage: 27 volts DC
- Compatible with 18V power systems
- EMG solderless wiring system included
- Black cover finish
The 40P combines extended-range voicing with practical power efficiency, making it a dependable tracking solution for multi-track bass recording and studio session work.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 40P is an active soapbar pickup engineered to capture articulate finger work and punchy low end with extended-range clarity across six strings. Its 3.20 kHz resonant peak focuses definition in the modern mix range, and the dual output levels (2.00V finger technique, 4.50V aggressive thumb) give you natural dynamics without preamp tweaking. Choose it for recording bass in progressive, funk, and jazz sessions where tight low end, vocal midrange presence, and extended upper clarity are essential to the arrangement.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Funk
- ✓ Jazz
- ✓ Extended Range
Not the best pick for
- – Folk
- – Traditional Country
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What output levels should I expect, and will I need a preamp?
The 40P delivers 2.00V output for finger and thumb technique and 4.50V for aggressive thumb work, giving you dynamic range built in. You won't need preamp tweaking to manage output dynamics—the pickup handles that naturally.
Does this fit my six-string bass, and how tight is the string spacing?
The 40P is designed for six-string bass with a maximum recommended string width of 76.2mm (3.00 inches), which accommodates modern tight six-string spacing. The housing is 4 inches long and 1.50 inches wide, so verify your bass cavity dimensions before ordering.
How long will the battery last, and what power options do I have?
The 40P draws only 80 microamps at 9V, delivering approximately 3000 hours of battery life between changes. It also supports 18V power systems and accepts up to 27 volts DC maximum, giving you flexibility across different bass electronics setups.
What tone should I expect in a mix, and what styles is it best suited for?
The 40P delivers a tight, articulate low end with a 3.20 kHz resonant peak that cuts through dense arrangements with clarity rather than bloom. It excels in progressive, funk, jazz, and aggressive extended-range styles where definition and punch are priorities.
Is the installation straightforward, and what comes in the box?
The EMG solderless wiring system is included and makes installation straightforward for intermediate and advanced players. The pickup ships with the black cover finish and all necessary wiring components.
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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