EMG P5 5-String Active Bass Pickup in Red
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- Brand new in original box
- Full EMG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- EMG6517
Description
EMG P5 5-String Active Bass Pickup in Red
The EMG P5 captures punchy, articulate bass with the clarity needed to cut through dense mixes in the studio. Engineered specifically for five-string instruments, this pickup combines ceramic magnets with short, squat coils to produce definition across the full frequency spectrum. For recording and mixing sessions demanding aggressive articulation and controlled low-end presence, the P5 delivers reliable, predictable tone you can track with confidence and shape during mix-down.
Tone & Recording Character
A resonant frequency of 3.20 kHz positions the P5's peak response in the upper-midrange, ensuring your bass tracks sit precisely in the mix without getting buried. The pickup generates 2.00V output in finger and thumb positions, scaling to 4.50V in thump mode, providing headroom and dynamic range for session versatility—-106 dB at 60 Hz keeps noise floor low so every take remains clean and usable through editing and processing.
Power & Setup
Operating at minimal current draw—80 microamps at 9V—the P5 delivers exceptional battery efficiency with a rated life of 3000 hours, keeping your instrument ready for back-to-back sessions. The pickup supports up to 27V DC maximum supply voltage for producers running higher-voltage preamps in their signal chain. Installation is streamlined through the included solderless wiring system, which eliminates the need for soldering while maintaining solid electrical connections for stable recording performance.
Key Features
- Built specifically for five-string bass guitar
- Ceramic magnets with short, squat coil design
- Resonant frequency: 3.20 kHz
- Output voltage (finger/thumb): 2.00V
- Output voltage (thump mode): 4.50V
- Output impedance: 10 Kohm
- Output noise: -106 dB at 60 Hz
- Current draw: 80 microamps at 9V
- Battery life: 3000 hours
- Maximum supply voltage: 27V DC
- Includes solderless wiring installation system
- Includes 25k volume pot, 25k tone pot, battery bus, stereo output jack, mounting screws, and cables
The P5 combines articulate midrange presence with tight low-end control, making it an essential choice for producers and engineers tracking bass that translates accurately through monitoring, mixing, and mastering workflows.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The EMG P5 is an active 5-string bass pickup that captures articulate midrange presence and tight low-end definition, ideal for recording modern funk, R&B, and session work. Its 3.20 kHz resonant peak sits perfectly in the upper-midrange to maintain clarity in dense mixes, while the solderless wiring system and included pot/jack components simplify integration into session basses. Choose it to add controlled punch and studio-ready articulation without noise—the –106 dB signal-to-noise ratio ensures clean tracking even in non-isolated environments.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | funk, studio sessions, live performance, extended range |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | Articulate midrange, tight low end, punchy, high output, controlled clarity |
| 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 is included with the EMG P5?
The P5 includes the pickup itself, solderless wiring system, 25k volume pot, 25k tone pot, battery bus, stereo output jack, mounting screws, and cables—everything needed for installation.
How long does the battery last?
At minimal current draw of 80 microamps at 9V, the battery is rated for 3000 hours of use. The pickup also supports up to 27V DC maximum supply voltage for higher-voltage preamp setups.
Is soldering required to install this pickup?
No—the EMG P5 includes a solderless wiring system that eliminates the need for soldering while maintaining solid electrical connections.
What genres and playing styles is this pickup best suited for?
The P5 excels in funk, studio sessions, and live performance where articulate attack and punchy clarity are essential. It is not recommended for traditional jazz or folk styles.
How does this compare to other 5-string pickups?
The EMG P5 delivers comparable articulation and active tone to the Seymour Duncan SPB-3 and Nordstrand NPJ5, but with the efficiency advantage of EMG's low current draw and the convenience of solderless installation.
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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