EMG David Ellefson 5STR 5-String Active Soapbar Bass Pickup Set in Bla
Share
- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG6763
Description
EMG David Ellefson 5STR 5-String Active Soapbar Bass Pickup Set in Black
Developed with Megadeth's David Ellefson, this active pickup set captures extended low-end response and articulate midrange punch essential for five-string bass tracking and mixing. The soapbar form factor fits modern bass designs while the solderless wiring system accelerates studio setup. In the mix, these pickups cut through dense arrangements with clarity and definition, maintaining definition across all dynamic playing styles from fingerstyle to aggressive slap.
Pickup Configuration & Tonal Characteristics
The set pairs a 40DC bridge pickup with ceramic bar magnets for aggressive attack capture with a 40CS neck pickup featuring ceramic magnets and steel poles for balanced low-end foundation. The bridge model's 4.55 kHz resonant frequency delivers midrange presence in the mix, while the neck's 3.75 kHz frequency emphasizes fuller lows for sessions requiring serious bottom end—together they create a responsive, full-spectrum active tone that records with impact.
Electronics & Installation
Both pickups deliver 2.50V output during normal takes and 6.00V peak output on aggressive playing, ensuring consistent headroom into recording interfaces and preamps. The -108 dB noise floor and 10 kΩ output impedance preserve a clean recording signal path. Installation is straightforward via the included solderless wiring system, which eliminates solder joints and reduces setup time between session changes.
Key Features
- Dual-coil 40DC bridge pickup with ceramic bar magnets
- 40CS neck pickup with ceramic magnets and steel poles
- Extended 4-inch (102mm) soapbar housing for five-string bass applications
- Bridge resonant frequency: 4.55 kHz; neck resonant frequency: 3.75 kHz
- 2.50V output (normal playing); 6.00V output (aggressive technique)
- -108 dB output noise specification at 60 Hz
- 10 kΩ output impedance on both models
- Battery life: 1000 hours at 9V; maximum supply rating 27V DC
- 230 μA current draw at 9V operation
- Solderless system includes two 25K volume pots, two 25K tone pots, battery bus, and stereo output jack
- Complete wiring harness: pickup cables, connection cables, output cable, and battery cable included
- Two pairs of mounting screws for secure installation
This active five-string set delivers the low-end extension and articulation required for contemporary bass recordings, supported by EMG's professional-grade active electronics and Ellefson's studio-proven endorsement.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG David Ellefson 5STR is an active pickup set purpose-built for five-string bass tracking and layering in the studio, offering extended low-end response and articulate midrange that stays defined and punchy in dense mixes. The dual-resonant design—bridge at 4.55 kHz for presence, neck at 3.75 kHz for fullness—gives you tonal flexibility across recording sessions, while high output and low noise floor ensure a clean, headroom-rich signal into your interface or preamp. Install via the included solderless wiring system and spend your studio time recording instead of troubleshooting electronics.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Thrash Metal
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Funk
- ✓ Studio Sessions
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between the bridge (40DC) and neck (40CS) pickups in this set?
The bridge 40DC uses ceramic bar magnets and resonates at 4.55 kHz for aggressive midrange presence and attack, while the neck 40CS combines ceramic magnets with steel poles and resonates at 3.75 kHz to emphasize fuller low-end response. Together they create a balanced, responsive tone across the full spectrum.
Will these pickups fit my five-string bass?
Yes—these are soapbar pickups designed specifically for five-string bass applications, with 4-inch (102mm) housing and mounting screws included. Confirm your bass has soapbar routing; if you have traditional split-coil cavities, these will not fit.
What's included with the pickup set, and is installation easy?
The set includes both pickups, a solderless wiring harness with volume and tone pots, battery bus, stereo output jack, all necessary cables, and mounting screws. The solderless system eliminates soldering, making installation straightforward for intermediate technicians or professional luthiers.
What kind of output and noise performance should I expect?
Normal playing produces 2.50V output, while aggressive thumb technique delivers up to 6.00V peak output, giving you headroom into any bass amp or interface. The -108 dB noise floor and 10 kΩ output impedance maintain a clean signal path with minimal hum.
How long does the battery last, and what are the power specs?
Battery life is approximately 1000 hours at 9V operation with 230 μA current draw. The system can accept up to 27V DC for extended headroom in powered rigs, though standard 9V is recommended for typical use.
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 $15 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.
Compare With
Similar Gear
Complete the Rig
Gear that pairs well with this.
✨ For You
Based on what you've been looking at.