EMG HBCS Active Humbucker 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
- EMG1711
Description
EMG HBCS Active Humbucker Bass Pickup in Black
The EMG HBCS captures articulate, punchy low-end with the clarity of active electronics and the hum rejection of a reverse-wound humbucker design. Built for recording and tracking sessions where clean bass definition sits critical in the mix, this active pickup delivers transparent low frequencies and focused midrange response without noise floor interference—ideal for four-string bass tracking that demands modern tone without a full preamp overhaul.
Design & Construction
Built with a ceramic/steel blended magnet and reverse-wound configuration to eliminate hum, the HBCS measures 3 × 5 × 3 inches with a pickup width of 1.50 inches—engineered for bass guitars with string widths under 2 inches. The P-Style pickup mounted in a guitar humbucking housing balances traditional bass response character with the precision and isolation of active electronics, making it effective for both direct-in tracking and amp-miked sessions.
Electronics & Installation
The pickup arrives with a complete electronics suite: 25K volume pot, 25K tone pot, battery bus, stereo output jack, pickup cable, connect cables, output cable, and battery cable. The solderless Quik-Connect system accelerates installation on four-string configurations, keeping session setup time minimal and wiring paths clean for optimal signal integrity during recording.
Key Features
- Ceramic/steel blended magnet construction
- Reverse-wound humbucking design for hum reduction
- P-Style pickup in guitar humbucking housing
- Dimensions: 3 × 5 × 3 inches (69.8mm × 38.1mm)
- 25K volume potentiometer included
- 25K tone potentiometer included
- Solderless Quik-Connect system for 4-string bass
- Stereo output jack with complete cable set (pickup, connect, output, and battery cables)
- Recommended for string widths under 2 inches
- Active electronics with battery bus integration
The HBCS pairs active electronics with deliberate hum rejection, offering studio bass players a practical retrofit solution for capturing defined, noise-free low-end without replacing the entire preamp system.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG HBCS captures articulate, punchy bass tones with active clarity and hum-free operation—perfect for recording funk, rock, and progressive sessions where clean low-end definition matters. The reverse-wound humbucking design and ceramic/steel magnet construction sit transparently in a mix, and the included 25K pot set gives you control over tone shaping without external gear. A straightforward retrofit pickup for home-studio bass tracks that demand modern active response.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Funk, Rock, Progressive, Studio Sessions, Gigging |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | Articulate low end, punchy, hum-free, active clarity, balanced response |
| Less specialized for | Folk, Jazz (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
What's included in the box?
The HBCS ships with the pickup itself, a 25K volume potentiometer, 25K tone potentiometer, stereo output jack, battery bus, and all necessary cables: pickup cable, connect cables, output cable, and battery cable. The Quik-Connect system enables solderless installation on four-string basses.
Will this fit my bass, and how hard is installation?
The HBCS measures 3 × 5 × 3 inches with a pickup width of 1.50 inches, designed for four-string basses with string widths under 2 inches. The solderless Quik-Connect system minimizes wiring complexity during retrofit, though you should verify your bass cavity matches the P-Style/humbucking hybrid housing.
What tone should I expect?
Expect articulate, punchy low end with active clarity and zero hum thanks to the reverse-wound, ceramic/steel magnet design. The balanced active response suits funk, rock, and progressive music; it's less suited to jazz and folk applications.
How does the HBCS compare to passive bass pickups?
The HBCS is an active design, meaning it includes onboard electronics and requires a battery for operation. Active pickups deliver higher output, lower impedance, and cleaner noise rejection than passive models, making them preferred for modern gigging and studio recording where hum-free clarity matters.
Do I need to replace my entire preamp to use this?
No—the HBCS is engineered as a retrofit option that works with its own included electronics suite (volume pot, tone pot, battery bus, and jacks), so you can modernize your tone without a full preamp swap.
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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