EMG 45CSX 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
- EMG2990
Description
EMG 45CSX 6-String Active Soapbar Bass Pickup in Black
The EMG 45CSX is a professional-grade active soapbar pickup engineered to capture articulate low-end response and transparent midrange on six-string bass recordings. Its compact extended housing integrates seamlessly into modern bass designs while delivering the controlled dynamics that define EMG's studio reputation. This pickup excels at tracking complex bass lines with clarity and precision across the frequency spectrum.
Design & Construction
Built with two coils loaded with ceramic and steel magnets, the 45CSX generates a focused magnetic field optimized for extended-range bass tracking and session work. The soapbar form factor maintains a clean aesthetic while the 4.50-inch (114.3mm) extended housing accommodates modern instrument cavity designs without requiring extensive routing modifications, making it an ideal retrofit choice for recording instruments.
Tone & Electronics
The integrated X series preamp with Active Tone Control (VLPF) provides dynamic range and increased headroom for layered bass parts and complex signal chains in the studio. This active system uses dual potentiometers—25k volume and 25k active tone controls—to enable real-time frequency sculpting during tracking and mixing sessions, while the solderless wiring system streamlines installation and allows for quick modifications between recording setups.
Key Features
- 6-string "M5" size pickup configuration
- Extended soapbar housing: 4.50 inches (114.3mm) length × 1.50 inches (38.1mm) width
- Maximum recommended string width: 3.62 inches (92.0mm)
- Dual ceramic and steel magnet coils
- X series preamp with Active Tone Control (VLPF)
- 25k volume potentiometer included
- 25k active tone potentiometer (VLPF) included
- EMG solderless wiring system
- Stereo output jack
- Battery bus for independent power management
- Mounting screws and signal cables included
- Black finish
The 45CSX combines EMG's proven active electronics with a purpose-built six-string platform, delivering the precision and headroom that studio bassists require for professional recordings.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 45CSX is a studio-grade active pickup for six-string bass recording and production, delivering articulate low-end, transparent midrange, and controlled dynamics that sit cleanly in dense mixes. Its integrated X series preamp with VLPF active tone control lets you shape your tone in real time during tracking and mixing, giving you maximum flexibility for funk, progressive, and genre-spanning sessions. Choose this if you record bass regularly and want professional-level output with the headroom and frequency control to handle anything from aggressive slap to complex harmonic layers.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Extended Range
- ✓ Funk
- ✓ Progressive
Not the best pick for
- – Practice
- – Traditional Jazz
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What size bass does the 45CSX fit, and how much routing will I need?
The 45CSX is sized for six-string bass with a maximum string width of 3.62 inches and an extended soapbar housing of 4.50 inches long by 1.50 inches wide. It's designed to fit modern bass cavity designs with minimal or no routing modifications required.
Is this pickup active, and what comes included for installation?
Yes, the 45CSX is fully active with an integrated X series preamp, VLPF active tone control, dual potentiometers (25k volume and 25k tone), and EMG's solderless wiring system for easy install. The package includes mounting screws, signal cables, and battery bus for independent power management.
What tone character should I expect, and what styles does it work best for?
The 45CSX delivers an articulate, focused low-end with transparent midrange and high headroom, designed for funk, progressive, and extended-range playing. Its controlled dynamics and magnetic field design make it studio-ready and suitable for players at intermediate to professional skill levels; it is not optimized for traditional jazz or casual practice.
How does the active tone control work during recording and playback?
The integrated X series preamp with Active Tone Control (VLPF) provides real-time frequency sculpting through the 25k active tone potentiometer, allowing you to shape your tone dynamically without post-recording EQ. The increased headroom handles aggressive playing and complex signal chains in the studio and live settings.
What makes the 45CSX different from passive pickups or other active six-string options?
The 45CSX combines EMG's proven active electronics with a purpose-built six-string platform, dual ceramic and steel magnet coils, and a focused magnetic field optimized for extended-range applications. Its solderless wiring, integrated preamp, and compact extended housing offer precision and installation simplicity compared to competitor designs like the Seymour Duncan Basslines SB-5s or Bartolini CBJD5.
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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