EMG ACB 4/6-String Bass Pickup (Banjo)
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG5042
Description
EMG ACB 4/6-String Bass Pickup (Banjo)
The EMG ACB is a sophisticated active pickup system engineered to capture the full acoustic character of a banjo while delivering a noise-free, reinforced signal. Its dual-coil design with integrated preamp transforms the natural resonance of the instrument into a controlled, studio-ready output without sacrificing the microphonic texture that defines banjo tone.
Pickup Design & Acoustic Response
This dual-coil pickup with Alnico magnet incorporates three acoustic chambers that allow the banjo head's vibrations to contribute a natural microphonic element to the signal. The included acoustic plugs give you precise control over this effect, while the steel shim-stock strip ensures consistent sensing of head tension across varied playing dynamics.
Electronics & Power
The active preamp design boosts your signal while maintaining exceptional noise rejection, critical for recording sessions and tracking. Powered by two Lithium batteries (6V, rated for 600 hours of operation), the pickup delivers a resonant frequency of 2.00 kHz with -120 dB output noise at 60 Hz—ensuring clarity even in electrically noisy studio environments.
Key Features
- Dual-coil pickup with Alnico magnet design
- Active preamp with noise-free operation
- Three acoustic chambers for microphonic enhancement
- Included acoustic plugs (.125" wide) to control microphonics
- Included steel shim-stock strip (.002" thick) for head sensing
- Compensated pole pieces for even string balance across gauges
- Compatible with 4-string and 6-string banjos
- Powered by two Lithium batteries (6V); 600-hour battery life
- Resonant frequency: 2.00 kHz
- Output impedance: 2.00 kOhm
- Current draw @ 6V: 340 microamps
- Maximum supply: 18 Volts DC
The EMG ACB balances acoustic authenticity with professional signal conditioning, making it an essential choice for capturing authentic banjo tone in the studio while maintaining tracking flexibility across sessions.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG ACB transforms banjo recordings with controlled acoustic resonance and professional signal conditioning, capturing the microphonic character that sits naturally in a mix. The active preamp delivers exceptional noise rejection and clear high-mid presence, making it ideal for folk, country, and acoustic sessions where transparency and head-vibration detail matter. It's the pickup choice for producers and engineers tracking banjo parts that need to cut through without losing organic character.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Live Performance
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Folk
- ✓ Country
Not the best pick for
- – Metal
- – Hard Rock
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What's included with the pickup, and how do I control the microphonic effect?
The EMG ACB ships with acoustic plugs (0.125 inches wide) that let you dial in the amount of head-vibration microphonics in your signal, plus a steel shim-stock strip (0.002 inches thick) for consistent head tension sensing. You adjust the effect by inserting or removing plugs to suit your playing style and venue.
How long do the batteries last, and what type are they?
Two 6V Lithium batteries power the pickup and are rated for 600 hours of continuous operation. At typical gigging and session use, you'll get months of reliable performance before replacement.
Will this pickup work on both 4-string and 6-string banjos?
Yes, the EMG ACB is designed for both 4-string and 6-string banjos. Its compensated pole pieces ensure even string balance across different gauges and configurations.
Is this pickup suitable for metal or hard rock?
No, the EMG ACB is engineered specifically for folk, country, and acoustic styles where the natural microphonic character and controlled resonance of a banjo are essential. It's not optimized for metal or hard rock applications.
What noise performance can I expect in a live or recording environment?
The pickup delivers -120 dB output noise at 60 Hz with a resonant frequency of 2.00 kHz, ensuring clarity and definition even in electrically noisy venues or studios. The active preamp design provides exceptional noise rejection for professional-grade signal conditioning.
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. On this item that is roughly $21 less out the door than the same listed price at a national retailer or on a marketplace. 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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