EMG J5X 5-String Active Bass Pickup Set 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
- EMG4023
Description
EMG J5 Set 5-String Active Bass Pickup in Black
The EMG J5 Set captures the focused, articulate punch of active J-style pickups engineered for five-string bass tracking and production work. This matched pair combines medium output with tight frequency response, delivering clarity and definition across genres from jazz to modern rock and funk—essential for achieving separation in dense mixes and capturing precise articulation during recording sessions.
Recording Tone & Output Character
Built around radiused ceramic bar magnets and an active pickup system, this set produces medium output with excellent note separation and controlled low-end extension. The J-style format naturally emphasizes articulate treble and midrange presence, translating to crystal-clear slap technique definition and fast melodic detail on five-string instruments—critical for punch-through in the mix without phase anomalies.
Electronics & Studio Setup
The complete system ships with solderless connections that eliminate installation friction during guitar setup and tracking prep, plus two 25K volume potentiometers, one 25K tone potentiometer, battery bus, stereo output jack, and all necessary cables and mounting hardware. This all-in-one approach means you can get your instrument recording-ready without sourcing components separately or navigating complex wiring during a session.
Key Features
- Active pickup system with medium output
- J-Style format optimized for five-string bass
- Radiused ceramic bar magnet construction
- Neck pickup: 0.725" × 3.97"
- Bridge pickup: 0.725" × 4.1"
- Solderless connections for simplified wiring
- Includes 2× 25K volume pots and 1× 25K tone pot
- Battery bus and stereo output jack included
- Pickup cables, connection cables, output cable, and battery cable supplied
- Mounting screws included
- Black finish
The EMG J5 Set delivers the tonal clarity and hassle-free integration that studio-ready five-string players depend on for reliable active tracking, backed by EMG's track record in professional recording environments.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG J5X active pickup set gives five-string bass recordings the articulate, well-defined character that sits clean in dense mixes, with excellent note separation ideal for funk, jazz, and modern rock sessions. Medium output paired with tight frequency response means you capture precise finger work and slap technique without mud or overhang in the low end. Complete with solderless connections, all required potentiometers, battery bus, and wiring harness, this is a turnkey upgrade that takes the guesswork out of re-wiring and lets you focus on tracking.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Funk
- ✓ Jazz
- ✓ Rock
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Live Performance
Not the best pick for
- – Drop Tunings
- – Metal
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What genres and playing styles is this pickup set best suited for?
The EMG J5X excels in funk, jazz, rock, and studio sessions where articulate treble and excellent note separation matter most. The J-style format with active electronics is ideal for slap technique and fast melodic work, making it a strong choice for players who prioritize clarity and definition over raw power or aggressive distortion.
What comes in the box, and how difficult is installation?
The set includes both neck and bridge pickups, two 25K volume potentiometers, one 25K tone potentiometer, battery bus, stereo output jack, solderless connection harness, pickup cables, output cable, battery cable, and mounting screws. Solderless connections dramatically simplify wiring—no soldering skills required—making this a true plug-and-play active system for most five-string bass instruments.
How does the medium output and tone character compare to other J-style pickups?
The EMG J5X combines medium output with a tight, focused frequency response that delivers controlled low end and exceptional note separation. Comparable J-style alternatives like the Seymour Duncan SJB-3N and Bartolini CBJD5-L offer different output and EQ profiles; the EMG's active circuit and ceramic bar magnet design prioritize articulate midrange and treble presence over extended bass bloom, making it ideal for players who want definition in a full band mix.
Is this pickup set suitable for drop tunings or metal applications?
No—the EMG J5X is engineered for funk, jazz, rock, and studio clarity. Drop tunings and metal genres typically demand pickups with higher output, extended low-end response, and a darker tone character that this set is not designed to provide.
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.
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