EMG 45JX 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
- EMG3590
Description
EMG 45JX 6-String Active Soapbar Bass Pickup in Black
The EMG 45JX is a high-output active soapbar pickup engineered for modern 6-string bass recordings demanding clarity and control across the full frequency spectrum. This X Series design delivers the aggressive punch and low-noise performance that defines EMG's active pickup platform, paired with intuitive tone-shaping electronics built directly into the unit for flexible session tracking and mix integration.
Design & Electronics
Built around ceramic magnets and housed in a compact 4.5" × 1.5" soapbar enclosure, the 45JX accommodates string spacings up to 92.0mm (3.62"), fitting standard 6-string configurations. The X Series preamp employs an active Variable Low Pass Filter (VLPF) tone control, allowing you to dial in everything from bright, articulate highs to warm, controlled lows—essential for capturing different bass tones in the same session without post-recording limitations or compromising frequency definition in the mix.
Installation & Integration
Setup is streamlined via solderless wiring that eliminates traditional solder joints and reduces installation time significantly, keeping your instrument down-time minimal between recording takes. The package includes a 25K volume potentiometer, 25K active tone pot with VLPF, battery bus connector, stereo output jack, mounting screws, and interconnect cables—all the wiring and controls needed for a complete retrofit.
Key Features
- 6-string active soapbar design with X Series preamp
- Housing dimensions: 4.5" × 1.5" (115mm × 38.1mm)
- Maximum recommended string width: 92.0mm (3.62")
- Ceramic magnet construction
- Active Variable Low Pass Filter (VLPF) tone control
- High output, low-noise active design
- Solderless wiring system for simplified installation
- Includes 25K volume pot and 25K active tone pot
- Includes battery bus connector and stereo output jack
- Complete mounting hardware and cables included
The 45JX delivers the articulate, controlled aggression of EMG's active platform without the complexity of external preamps, making it a direct drop-in solution for recording bass that tracks cleanly, cuts through dense mixes, and maintains tonal flexibility from first take to final master.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG 45JX is an active 6-string soapbar pickup engineered for studio sessions where articulate highs, controlled low-end definition, and aggressive punch translate well into modern rock and funk mixes. Its integrated Variable Low Pass Filter tone control eliminates the need for external preamps, letting you shape your bass tone directly at the source during tracking or reamping, while solderless wiring and included controls streamline installation in a project or recording bass. Select this for home-studio and professional recording contexts where you need a single, feature-rich pickup that captures clarity and output without adding outboard complexity.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | funk, modern rock, studio sessions, drop tunings |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | High output, articulate highs, controlled low end, low noise, aggressive punch |
| 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 bass configurations does the 45JX fit?
The 45JX is designed as a 6-string active soapbar pickup with a compact 4.5" × 1.5" housing that accommodates string spacings up to 92.0mm (3.62"), fitting standard 6-string bass configurations. Before purchase, verify your bass has a standard soapbar routing and bridge spacing within that range.
What's included in the package?
The 45JX comes with a 25K volume potentiometer, 25K active tone pot with Variable Low Pass Filter, battery bus connector, stereo output jack, mounting screws, and interconnect cables. All wiring and controls needed for a complete retrofit are included; no soldering required.
How does the Variable Low Pass Filter tone control work?
The active VLPF lets you dial the pickup's response from bright articulate highs to warm controlled lows in a single, intuitive control without the limitations of a passive tone stack. This gives you serious tonal range across genres like funk, modern rock, and drop tunings without needing external preamps or EQ.
Is this pickup good for traditional jazz or folk?
The 45JX is voiced for modern, aggressive genres like funk, rock, and studio sessions with high output and articulate punch. It is not designed for traditional jazz or folk styles that typically favor warmer, more vintage-voiced pickups.
How does the 45JX compare to other 6-string active pickups?
The 45JX is comparable to models like the Seymour Duncan SPB-3, Bartolini BC6, and Nordstrand Bigman 6. Its advantage is the integrated active tone shaping and solderless installation in a compact form factor, making it faster to install and more versatile in the box than passive alternatives.
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.
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