Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $115
Budget/Beginner
$119
$200+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 5 merchants for "EMG 40DC Pickup". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Step up your game with the EMG 40DC Pickup, a dynamic and expressive addition to your 5-string bass setup. This dual coil bass guitar pickup combines the power of parallel placed ceramic loaded coils to create a rich, resonant sound, bringing out the best of your instrument's range. With an ultra-low noise preamp, similar to the one designed for the EMG-JV model, you'll enjoy a clean, crisp performance, free from unwanted noise.
The EMG 40DC Pickup is more than just a pickup; it's a statement of your commitment to superior sound quality. Reproducing an extended range cleanly, from the highest to the lowest notes, is a challenge for any pickup, but the 40DC handles it effortlessly. The low-impedance internal preamp, combined with ceramic loaded dual parallel coils, results in a versatile unit capable of delivering the cleanest highs to the dirtiest growling lows.
Key Features:
- Parallel placed ceramic loaded coils for a rich, resonant sound
- Ultra-low noise preamp, ensuring clean and crisp performance
- Wide magnetic field for excellent bass response
- Extended housing perfect for 5-string spacing
- Includes EMG's exclusive Quik-Connect cable, prewired solid shaft volume/tone control set, output jack, battery clip set, and adjustment screws
- Maximum string spacing: 79.37 mm
- Color: Black
- Resonant frequency: 4.55kHz
- Logo color: Silver
Product specs
| Type | Humbucker |
| Format | Soapbar |
| Active/Passive | Active |
| Magnet Material | Ceramic |
| Number of Strings | 5 |
| Position | Bridge, Middle |
| DC Resistance | 10K |
| Number of Conductors | 2 wire plus battery |
| Features | Solderless |
FAQs
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What makes the EMG 40DC pickup suitable for modern bass tones?
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The EMG 40DC features a dual-coil design with ceramic magnets, providing a powerful and clear tone that excels in modern music genres. Its active circuitry ensures a consistent output with reduced noise, making it ideal for players seeking a punchy and articulate sound.
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Is the EMG 40DC pickup compatible with 5-string bass guitars?
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Yes, the EMG 40DC is specifically designed for 5-string bass guitars, offering a soapbar format that fits seamlessly in the bridge or middle position of these instruments.
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How does the solderless installation feature of the EMG 40DC benefit users?
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The solderless installation of the EMG 40DC allows for quick and easy setup without the need for soldering skills, making it accessible for players who want to upgrade their pickups without professional assistance.
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Can the EMG 40DC pickup be used in both bridge and middle positions?
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Yes, the EMG 40DC is versatile enough to be installed in either the bridge or middle position, providing flexibility in achieving the desired tonal balance across different playing styles.
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What type of sound can I expect from the EMG 40DC's ceramic magnets?
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The ceramic magnets in the EMG 40DC deliver a bright and aggressive tone with strong midrange presence, making it suitable for players who require clarity and definition in their sound.
Videos
Public Peace
EMG 40DC - Maruszczyk Frog Beta 5a
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional clarity and thunderous sound transform the tone of any bass
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Versatile tonal palette from metal to jazz to funk
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Easy installation with a solderless connection system
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High-end growl and low-end thump cut through mixes beautifully
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Ideal for upgrading basses with soapbar pickup cavities
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Suitable for both passive and active EQ setups
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Durable and reliable for long-term use
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Compatible with multiple string versions (4, 5, and 6-string)
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Great value for the array of tones it offers
CONS
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Solderless connections may lead to volume drops and distortion
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May feel sterile in basses made from high-quality wood
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Requires US-sized knobs, which may not fit all basses
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about EMG 40DC Pickup.
Setup and maintenance
Features and functionality
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The EMG 40DC uses bar magnets, ensuring consistent performance regardless of string spacing.
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The EMG B30EQ System allows for 5-knob functionality with bass, mid, and treble controls on a single board, ideal for preserving the original look of the guitar.
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EMG pickups require a preamp, which can be EMG's own or from another manufacturer, ensuring flexibility in setup.
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The 45TWX, similar to the DCX, offers a coil-splitting option, allowing it to function as a JX pickup, providing versatility in tone.
Source
Mods and upgrades
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To maintain the original series/parallel/split functionality, check for 4-conductor wiring before installing the EMG 40DC.
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Combining a 40DCX in the bridge with a 40CSX in the neck mimics the setup of the David Ellefson set, offering power and versatility for rock/metal styles.
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For basses with holes in a straight line, the B30 or B64 EQ preamp is recommended, as these have EQ controls on a single board.
Source
Comparisons
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The 40DCX is noted for having greater dynamic range compared to the original 40DC, which has a more natural compression, appealing to different tonal preferences.
Source
User experience
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 6 Ratings
12239
Best Pickups Ever!
I have the "X series" version of this set. The 40DCX are an even hotter humbucker than the 40DC and nearly no background sound. These pickups are a marvel of technology. I'm running my set, which are set to run at 18v, at only 9v. At 9v, it sounds like the most powerful, thickets bass ever.
VERY versatile. With the EMG BQC preamp system, I can make the pickups sound bright and plinky like a single coil, or muddy, warm, and thick like a mudbucker. I have my settings so that the back pickup is slightly high and the front pickup is low and deep. It's perfect. It sounds like the best Precision Pickup in the world; Crisp and Powerful.
Buying these pickups took away my guitar lust / GAS. I don't want another bass unless it has 2x 40DCX in them and a BQC system attached.
Artist usage
Add artist
Alex uses these in conjunction with an EMG BQC System on all his signature basses. Source.
According to this old capture of the EMG website, Tom uses the EMG 40DC pickup.
He uses on this gig LTD F-415 which has a pair of EMG 40DC. He also uses 35DC for four string basses according ESP site.
Olivier Pinard uses the EMG 40DC Pickup, as noted on the EMG Pickups website.
In an interview with ESP Guitars USA, Daniel Kenny confirms at around 0:50 that the electronics in his signature bass include the EMG 40DC pickup.
Genre Usage
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Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use EMG 40DC Pickup, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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